Connecting Flights in the US: Navigating Airports and Customs

Traveling through multiple airports with connecting flights can be complex, especially when it comes to luggage handling and security checks. This guide will help you understand the process of navigating airports and customs when you have a connecting flight within the US, such as flying from Paris to America with a stop in JFK (New York) and LAX (Los Angeles).

Understanding the Basics: A Brief History

Over the years, the rules and processes for connecting flights have undergone significant changes. For instance, between 1992 and 1994, flying from Paris to San Jose with American Airlines (AA) either via Dallas or Chicago meant that your luggage remained with the airline until your final destination. You didn’t need to touch your bags during the layover, even if it was lost during the transit. Similarly, in 2018 with Delta Airlines from Paris to Guatemala via Atlanta, the standard procedure was to transfer your luggage only at the final destination once you passed through customs. However, this experience was marred by an unpleasant surprise: your luggage was subjected to a random customs inspection, and its lock was forcefully broken, leading to a delay in recovery.

Luggage Handling at JFK: A Detailed Guide

When you arrive at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York, you go through U.S. immigration first. Once you clear immigration, claim your luggage. After that, proceed to customs, where you may be required to open your luggage for inspection. Once you clear customs, you need to report to the connecting conveyor and place your luggage there. From there, you can go to the gate for your onward flight. An airline agent may be available to assist you if you need any help.

It is important to note that as long as you stay in the airside and do not leave the secure area, you won’t need to go through security checks again. However, if you need to leave the international terminal to catch your next flight, you will be required to clear security checks all over again.

Ensuring Smooth Luggage Transfer

To avoid unnecessary complications, you should make sure that your luggage is checked all the way through to your final destination. In Paris, inform the airline at check-in to tag your luggage for Los Angeles. This will ensure that your luggage is handled directly to your final destination, reducing the risk of delays or loss.

Alternatively, contact the airline at the connecting airport (JFK) and ask them to transfer your luggage through to your final destination. This is the most reliable way to ensure your luggage reaches your destination without you having to collect it and re-check it at multiple points.

Common Scenarios and Solutions

For instance, if you have a connecting flight from JFK (New York) to Los Angeles (LAX), here are some scenarios and their solutions:

Scenario 1: You have a checked bag from Paris to LAX. After clearing customs, your airline should take your luggage and forward it directly to LAX. If not, ask the airline at JFK for their assistance. Scenario 2: You do not have a checked bag but need to collect it and re-check it. This will involve going through security again, which can be time-consuming and frustrating. To avoid this, inform the airline at JFK to transfer your luggage through to Los Angeles directly.

Conclusion

Flying with connecting flights can be a hassle, but understanding the process and proactively managing your luggage can help streamline the journey. Whether you need to clear customs, go through security again, or handle your luggage directly at the connecting airport, you can ensure a smoother travel experience by staying informed and prepared.