JFK customs tips

Do you have anything to declare, that Customs might be interested in?

I mostly have clothes and a handicrafts/gift items. The one thing I’m thinking that might be deemed of interest is a larger painting that might have some value. But I painted it myself rather than purchasing it.

Any tips on how to clear customs and transit through the airport quickly?

I don't think there are any tips for doing it more quickly than the process takes, and I expect the time you've been away will make little difference; India isn't on the list of dodgy countries.

I can't advise whether two hours is a bit skinny for your connection ... no doubt others will.

It is a crap shoot. If you fit any kind of profile, or stand out from the rest of the folks on your flight, you may expect attention. I knew a woman who had worked n Span, and returned to the UK in normal dress but with a flight full of holiday makers. She was the only one not sunburned and a bit drunk from the duty free booze, and she got a thorough check.

Same same procedure for everyone. The only way to do it quicker is to fly Business class or buy a priority pass if available.

That’s a tight connection.

Assuming you are a US citizen, get the Mobile Passport App.. This lets you go through special immigration and customs lines that are much shorter. You fill out a profile on the app. After your plane lands, you fill out the same info you’d otherwise do at a kiosk or on paper. As soon as you get an internet connection, you upload the info and get a QR code in return. The immigration and customs people scan your code and maybe ask a few questions. And, wham, bam, you are done. I’d worry more about how long it takes to get your bags.

As an example, last year I entered at SFO on two different trips. The first time, without the app, I stood in line for almost an hour. The second time, I was through immigration in 2 minutes. Customs took about 5. Here’s an article from last February about someone who used it at JFK. Mobile app got me through in 60 seconds

So you got 2 hours between touchdown and start of your next flight and you need to clear customs, Immigration and overall need to check-in your baggage for your next flight ? Very tight indeed.

The only thing you might do, is to make your check-in online for the connecting flight (and maybe have your boarding pass ready), so you'll have only to drop-off your baggage.

As an example, last year I entered at SFO on two different trips. The first time, without the app, I stood in line for almost an hour. The second time, I was through immigration in 2 minutes.

This might lead to the "tragedy of the commons" situation, however. The more people use the app, the less it becomes an effective way to beat the queues!

We've been on cruise ships where one in three passengers out of 4,500 are "Elite Class" (or similar) - but with so many Elites, there are fewer exclusive benefits to be had ... you're still booking for restaurants.

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