Going thru Customs in Dulles--How Much Layover Time do I need?
 

We're flying into Dulles on BA and arriving at 1:40pm on Thursday July 2.

How much time would you allocate to clear customs and get to an American gate?

Thanks...J

That's a pretty slow time at immigration. About an hour (plane to customs to new gate) should do it if a US citizen.

Are you connecting to somewhere at IAD? Customs is not bad at all there. But, IIRC, you clear customs with your bags at the main terminal, will need to recheck them upstairs and then get on one of those giant buses to get to the gates. Customs will probably be the least of your headaches there.

Usually the airlines require 2 hours for a international connection

It's a separate booking, which is my pucker factor. So I need to go from Austin to IAD on one airlines, fly BA to europe, then back to Austin for the return trip on the other airlines.

Regardless, it doesn't sound horrible. There's a flight that departs 2.5 hours after I land and another 5 hours.

You'll be fine. Dulles is not bad at all. Grab your bags, take them right upstairs for rebooking, go through security, walk on the nearest bus to your terminal and you're all set. Those buses depart just about every minute. Once in the departure terminal, it's never very crowded there. I usually prefer to take the underground walkway to the terminals, but they are misleadingly long. Don't do it unless you have plenty of time and really want to stretch your legs.

A tip ....

There is a little used immigration queue for in-transit connections. If you have NO Checked Luggage, follow the in-transit signs. Lets you avoid the TSA :rolleyes: goons.

One wife + one 9 year old daughter + 10 days = LOTS of checked luggage

Did manage to go to MX 2 weeks ago for 4 days with no checked. Big difference in Dallas.

Thanks for the tips...JH