Transit Procedures

Transit visa: A transit visa (C-1) or valid visa/ESTA is required even for airside transit.

Condition: All passengers must clear US immigration regardless of final destination.

⚠ No sterile transit — you must enter the US and pass through customs.

Facilities: Varies by airport. Major hubs (JFK, LAX, ORD, ATL) have full amenities. All passengers clear immigration.

Food & drink: Extensive dining options at all major airports.

Rest & showers: Lounges with showers (Centurion, United Polaris, etc.). Minute Suites at some airports.

⚠ All transit passengers must clear US immigration and re-check bags.

Minimum connection time: 120–180 minutes recommended. Must clear immigration, customs, and re-check bags.

Terminal change: Varies by airport. Some require airside train (e.g., Atlanta, Denver).

⚠ All international arrivals clear customs. Add time for TSA re-screening.

Baggage transfer: All international passengers must collect bags at first US port of entry, clear customs, and re-check.

Re-check required: Always required at first point of entry into the US.

⚠ No exceptions — even if final destination is another US city.

Immigration: Always required. All passengers must clear immigration and customs regardless of final destination.

Leaving the airport: All transit passengers enter the US — free to leave the airport with valid visa/ESTA.

⚠ No sterile transit exists in the US. Plan for immigration queues (30–90 min).

Airport hotel: Hotels at or near all major airports. Many connected by walkway or shuttle.

Sleep options: Minute Suites (nap rooms) at ATL, DFW, CLT, PHL. Lounges with daybeds.

⚠ All transit passengers enter the US — full hotel access.

• Plan 2–3 hours for connections — immigration + customs + re-check bags + TSA.
• Global Entry or Mobile Passport app can significantly speed up immigration.
• Free WiFi at most airports (30–60 min sessions).
• Download your airline app for gate changes and real-time updates.