Do I have to get my luggage before going through customs?

Generally speaking, you collect your luggage after immigration (passport) control, but before customs control. However, if you are a transit passenger, you may not have to collect your baggage at all. This depends on which airport/country you are passing through and whether or not a change of airline is involved.



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When entering the United States from overseas, you must obtain your luggage and bring them through Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You will need to check them back into the airlines to make your next flight. Baggage not obtained after your international flight will not get to your final destination.

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Baggage claim is usually after customs when a person arrives from an international flight at an airport. This is because customs is responsible for inspecting the items that you are bringing into the country, and they need to do this before you can collect your luggage.

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Customs Action Steps Ask questions to your flight attendant or traveling companions as needed. Declare any goods you have with you that might have restrictions, and/or goods you purchased in country when returning to your home country. Present your declaration form to customs officials.

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5. When do you go through customs on international flights? Usually, you go through customs when you exit the airport at your final destination. However, if you have a layover in a different city in your destination country, you may need to go through customs before your connecting flight.

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Most forms ask the point of exit and entry of your flight, your flight number, what goods you may be bringing into the country (forms might list prohibited items for the respective country). Complete the Customs Declaration form while on the flight. Ask your flight attendant or traveling companions questions as needed.

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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Officials will review your required passenger travel documents (passport, visa, green card, disembarkation card (provided by a flight attendant during flight), immunization documentation, letters of confirmation or support, etc.)

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Allow between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Immigration queueing times have increased this week (some groups have been taking nearly two hours to reach arrivals from touchdown) but it's still very inconsistent so Peter's comment above is valid. Hello, I will be arriving at Terminal 4 at about 15:00 on Monday.

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When layover flights are booked with the same airline, your baggage will be automatically transferred through to your final destination. However, if the two flights are with different airlines, you may have to claim and re-check your baggage during your layover.

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When you purchase a connecting flight, checked baggage is usually forwarded to your final destination, and will change planes when you do. The agent at check-in will usually ask if you want your luggage checked through to your last stop.

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Your baggage is usually checked in front of you. Customs officers keep a record of: all baggage they open and check. any damage to your baggage or belongings during a check.

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Generally speaking, you are allowed to take as much as you need with you in your hand luggage. There is no limit to how many paracetamol tablets you can take with you, whether it is prescribed or not.

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Is toothpaste considered a liquid by the TSA? Yes, toothpaste must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels. Toothpaste can be brought through TSA security in your carry-on as long as it is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a 1-quart bag.

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Trusted Traveler Program Enrollment
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports.

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Officials at customs and immigration are checking travelers for things like whether they have the right documents to be in the country, whether they're legally allowed to be there, and whether they're bringing anything illegal with them.

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Everyone arriving at a port of entry to the U.S. is subject to inspection by Customs and Border Protection officers for compliance with immigration, customs and agriculture regulations.

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