How/when to go through US Customs on the return trip?

[Rubberhead]

So, on your return trip, the overseas flight lands in Atlanta but you have to take a connection to get to your home airport, do you go through US Customs in Atlanta or at your home airport?

 

[Berettaco]

Atlanta.
My first safari I went through Atlanta and customs was easier/quicker than Newark. I would still plan a 4 hour layover before your connecting flight

 

[BnC 04]

In Atlanta

 

[slam8031]

atlanta. then you connect. when you travel with weapons into ATL, they have traditionally collected them for you and you arrive in the customs office to clear your weapons in a secure room. This can take some time so plan accordingly. Once through customs, you will re connect and drop off your bags and weapons.

 

[slam8031]

are you flying from CAE or CLT or CHS to transit through ATL?

 

[Rubberhead]

are you flying from CAE or CLT or CHS to transit through ATL?

CLT

 

[wesheltonj]

You clear customs and immigration on where you first land in the USA, unless you are leaving from an airport that has pre-clearance.

 

[Rubberhead]

You clear customs and immigration on where you first land in the USA, unless you are leaving from an airport that has pre-clearance.

Does US Customers pre-clear at Johannesburg Intl?

 

[wesheltonj]

Does US Customers pre-clear at Johannesburg Intl?

No.

Preclearance

Securing America's Borders

www.cbp.gov

 

[Rubberhead]

No.

Thanks. I have plenty of time to deal with it at Atlanta. It'll help pass the time.

 

[Nomadx2]

You have to clear customers where you enter the U.S.

You might want to confirm with your airline if your firearms will travel through to final destination of you have to claim in Atlanta and re-check them.

 

[Nomadx2]

So, on your return trip, the overseas flight lands in Atlanta but you have to take a connection to get to your home airport, do you go through US Customs in Atlanta or at your home airport?

If you don't have Global Entry, go and apply for it. Makes entering the U.S. a lot easier and faster.

 

[Vintageguy]

Your gun or guns will be in the customs office at Atlanta and you will have to que up there and have your boots you hunted in handy, they will collect them and spray them. Those of us in line at customs sorted out who had what connections and arranged our line so those with the least time could get through first. You will then have to recheck your guns and don’t forget your ammo box in your bag when checking in for the Charlotte flight. In Charlotte you’ll get your bags then there’s another office nearby where you collect your guns. It’s really pretty easy.

 

[Rubberhead]

So, Customs is outside of the secure area? Would it be smart to 1) have the boots in my carry-on and 2) not bring any ammo back with me?

 

[slam8031]

I’ve not had them check my ammo coming back through customs in 3 trips through atl and 2 thru IAD. I have put my hunting shoes in a bag in my carry on for easy access. They look at rifles and archery gear in a room outside of customs line You claim your international baggage near the room where they check weapons. Then they check your bags (x ray again) and proceed terminal for next flight. If my memory is correct, 30-50 min from entering line at customs desk coming from plane to leaving area to return to the terminals in ATL. I HAve global entry so getting thru customs line is easier.

 

[slam8031]

As an aside, I have made some interesting hunting conversations in the weapons line particularly in ATL.

 

[willbaforce]

never had issues going and coming from TN.