Clearing Customs

[JoeyandDavid]

We are flying back to the United states from LGW.. this flight takes us on American Airlines to DFW where we clear customs and board another American Flight back to LAX..

My question ... Do we have to collect our luggage in DFW to clear customs and then recheck them with the airline or will American just clear the checked bags and then we just physically go through the line to declare anything we might need to declare.

Thanks... the 1:45 minutes between flights (DFW to LAX)has me concerned...

[zebra]

Sorry to have to be the bearer of bad news, but if it's the same as Atlanta - you have to physically take your luggage through customs and then put it back on their belt system for the forward trip. I know it's a real pain...especially when you've been travelling half way around the world and you're pooped.

[JoeyandDavid]

Crap............. then i am canceling...................................................................

I am not coming back :grin:

[zebra]

I know...should we set up home in Venice??? Oh no - no more hot dogs, Apple Pie and BBQ, maybe not!

[JoeyandDavid]

Jackie they would just be done with the Italian Flare :grin:

[Dan]

If it's anything like the Toronto or Detroit onward connection area, you will collect your bags, go through customs, and put the bags back on another belt as you go through customs. It's not quite as much a pain as going back upstairs to the check-in area to check your luggage again.

You could do this on Air Canada in Toronto if you want a pain. You land at the infield terminal, take the bus to Terminal 1 to get your luggage and clear Canadian customs. Then you take another bus to terminal 2, and clear US customs, and check your luggage again and board your flight. The good part here at least is you are done with US customs and immigration before you even get on the plane to head there.

[JoeyandDavid]

oh so Dan? are you saying that the reintroduction of our luggage in American's baggage system happens DURING the clear customs process? If so then yeah that wont be to bad.. I though we were going to have to lug for dayz... Whew!

[jbond]

At DFW, you clear immigration and then pickup your luggage off the carousel in the customs area and clear customs. You then give it back to AA right there in the customs area. When you get to LA you just pick up your luggage and you're on your way. It really is no big hassle.

[zebra]

I wish Atlanta was like that - there you have to schlep it much further before putting it back on the beltway.

[JoeyandDavid]

Thanks Jbond ..let ask a follow up....do you or any for that matter knows ..

we fly from VCE to LGW on BA will they automatically transfer our luggage to AA because of The "one world " association?