You only go through customs when arriving in the U.S. on an international flight, not when transiting between connecting flights unless your final destination requires it.
Do I go through customs if I have a connecting flight?
No, you typically do not go through customs on a connecting flight unless your final destination requires it.
Here’s the thing: if your connecting flight keeps you in the sterile transit area without leaving the airport, you’ll usually skip customs entirely. But if your route includes a stopover in another country before reaching the U.S., you may need to clear customs at that intermediate stop. Picture this: flying from London to New York with a layover in Toronto? You’ll face Canadian customs in Toronto. Always double-check your full itinerary—airlines usually tag luggage to your final destination, which helps streamline the process.
Do you have to clear US Customs on a connecting flight?
Yes, you must clear U.S. Customs when your connecting flight lands in the United States, even if you are continuing to another domestic destination.
That’s right—whether you’re arriving from abroad with a U.S. connection or switching from one international flight to another in the U.S., you’ll go through CBP (Customs and Border Protection) inspection upon landing. The only exception? If you depart from an airport with pre-clearance, like Toronto or Dublin, where you clear U.S. customs before takeoff. Otherwise, expect to go through inspection when you land. And don’t worry—if your flights are on a single ticket, your checked bags usually get transferred automatically to your next flight.
Do you have to pick up luggage on a connecting flight?
Only if you booked your flights separately or your luggage is not tagged to your final destination.
If your connecting flights are on one ticket with the same airline or alliance, your bags are typically checked straight through to your final stop. But if you booked two separate tickets? You’ll need to collect your luggage at the layover airport and recheck it for the next flight. Always check your baggage tag at check-in or use your airline’s app to track it. Miss this step, and you might end up with delayed or misrouted bags—trust me, it’s a hassle you don’t need.
Do I go through customs when leaving the US?
No, you do not go through customs when departing the U.S.—only when arriving in another country.
Here’s a relief: the U.S. doesn’t have exit controls for outbound international flights. You only deal with CBP when entering the U.S. from abroad. That said, some countries require customs declarations upon arrival, so be ready to declare items depending on your destination. This policy has stayed consistent as of 2026, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Do I have to go through security again for connecting international flight?
Yes, you must go through security again when connecting from an international flight to another international or domestic flight, unless you cleared pre-clearance before departure.
After clearing customs in the U.S., you’ll need to re-enter the secure area by going through TSA security again. This holds true even if you’re staying in the same terminal. Some airports, like Chicago O’Hare or Atlanta Hartsfield, have dedicated transit security lanes to speed things up. If you’re connecting between two international flights and didn’t clear pre-clearance (available in cities like Montreal, Shannon, or Abu Dhabi), you’ll go through both customs and security upon arrival in the U.S.
Do you get your luggage before or after customs?
You get your luggage after customs when arriving in the U.S. from an international flight.
When you land, follow signs to baggage claim, grab your checked bags, then head to CBP inspection. You’ll need to present your luggage and any required declarations before exiting customs. After clearing customs, you’ll check your bags back in at the designated counter or kiosk for your connecting flight. If your bags were tagged to your final destination, you can usually drop them at a transfer desk near customs instead of heading back to check-in.
Does luggage get lost on connecting flights?
Yes, connecting flights significantly increase the risk of lost or misrouted luggage.
According to SITA’s 2025 Baggage Report, mishandled baggage rates are nearly five times higher on connecting flights compared to direct flights. The biggest culprits? Tight connections causing delays or manual transfers between airlines leading to misrouting. To lower your chances of trouble, pick longer layovers (at least 2–3 hours), keep essentials in your carry-on, and verify your baggage tag shows your final destination. If your bag goes missing, report it immediately at the airline’s baggage service counter.
What is the difference between a layover and a connecting flight?
A layover typically refers to a longer stopover, often overnight, while a connection is a shorter stop to change planes.
In airline terms, a connection usually lasts under 4 hours for domestic flights and under 24 hours for international flights. A layover often means an overnight stay or a break between travel days. Some airlines mix these terms up in practice, but for scheduling and mileage rewards, the distinction matters. For instance, a 6-hour layover might get you a hotel voucher, while a 1-hour connection won’t.
Is 1 hour enough for connecting flights?
One hour is only sufficient for domestic connections at less busy airports with the same airline.
Most major U.S. airports set minimum connection times like this: 30 minutes for domestic-to-domestic, 60 minutes for international-to-domestic, and 90–120 minutes for international-to-international. But if you’re switching airlines, passing through a big hub (think Dallas or Denver), or checking bags, plan for at least 2 hours. Always check your airline’s policy—Delta and United list theirs online.
Is it OK to arrive 2 hours before international flight?
Yes, arriving 2 hours before an international flight is the standard recommendation for most U.S. airports.
Major airlines like American Airlines, United, and Delta all suggest arriving 2 hours early for international flights. Bigger airports (JFK, LAX, ORD) often recommend 3 hours because of longer lines. Add extra time if you’re checking bags, traveling with kids, or need special assistance. Arriving early takes the stress out of rushing through check-in and security before your flight boards.
How do you get through customs fast?
Enroll in Global Entry, pack light, declare accurately, and use mobile passport apps like CBP’s.
Global Entry members breeze through customs in under 5 minutes using automated kiosks. Travel light to dodge baggage delays, and keep prohibited items separate for quick declaration. Download the CBP Mobile Passport app to submit your declaration digitally and use expedited lanes. Skip carrying fresh produce, meats, or dairy—these often get flagged. Have your passport, customs form, and phone ready before landing to cut down wait times.
How long does it take for packages to clear customs?
Most packages clear customs within minutes to hours, but complex shipments may take days or weeks.
Standard courier shipments (FedEx, UPS, DHL) usually clear U.S. customs within 2–24 hours if paperwork is correct. But if your package needs inspection, extra duties, or manual review, delays can stretch to 3–10 days or longer. Food, electronics, or gifts over $800 often get held up. Check your tracking for “cleared by customs” updates, and contact the carrier if it’s stuck in “inbound to customs” for over 48 hours.
Do you have to go back through security after customs?
Yes, you must go back through security after customs if you have a connecting flight to another destination.
After clearing customs and immigration in the U.S., you’ll need to re-enter the secure area by passing through TSA security again. This applies even if you stay in the same terminal. Some airports have special transit security lanes for international-to-domestic connections to cut down wait times. If you’re connecting to an international flight, you might also face exit controls or pre-clearance if it’s available.
Can you go through security twice?
Yes, you can go through security multiple times, but each entry requires passing through the TSA checkpoint.
There’s no limit to how many times you can enter and exit the secure area—just be ready to go through TSA screening each time. Some travelers do this to leave the airport for meals or rest, especially during long layovers. That said, airport staff might question frequent re-entries, so keep your boarding pass and ID handy to avoid issues. A heads-up: some airports restrict re-entry to ticketed passengers only.
How do you know if you have to recheck your bags?
Check the baggage tag at check-in—if it shows your final destination, you won’t need to recheck; if it says the layover city, you must recheck.
At check-in, the airline prints a barcode tag on your bag with your name and routing code. Look closely at the destination city listed on the tag. If it matches your final destination, your bag is checked through. If it shows the layover airport, collect your bag after customs and recheck it. You can also confirm this in your airline’s app under “Baggage Info.” Never assume—always verify before leaving baggage claim.
