Travel Tips for first time travelers to USA
I came from Bangladesh and my port of entry was John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport. So my writing is based on my experience.
When you will arrive at Dubai/Hongkong/Doha/China you have to check
the "gate number" of your next flight on the big screen. You will be
able to see the flight number, gate number, departure time, destination
airport etc. You can check any last minute change here. If you have a
long layover the gate number may change over time. So you have to check
it again before boarding. Its wise to take rest anywhere near the gate
of your next flight.
If you have to catch
another connecting flight (from USA) then inform it to the custom
officer. In my case the officer transfer me to another line where there
were only 2 people before me. If you reach in peak- hour you have to
wait in a long queue to complete immigration formalities. So if you
think that you may be late standing in the regular line just talk to
the officer. No one told me to do so but I did not take any risk. As it is
your first time entry it may take longer. So don't take risk if you have
less than 3.5 hours in hand.
After completing immigration process you have to collect your luggage. At most airports in USA, unlike in Bangladesh/India, luggage trolleys are not free. I don't know about other airport but in JFK you can rent trolley for $6.
I had $100 notes. So I had to ask for changes. So If possible, carry some quarters/$1 with you. If the booth of your
domestic flight is near by then it will be easy. But my domestic flight
was from JetBlue and I had to go to another terminal. So I asked someone
the direction of terminal 5. I thought it would be walking distance. But
I was wrong. That person told me to catch air train to go to terminal 5. At that time I had no idea that I had to use air train to go to
another terminal. From where I can ride an air train and how much does
it cost? No one told me about these steps. I did not have any Deshi
travel partner as well :( On my way to air train stoppage I asked
another person just to make sure that I was in right direction
:) As far as I can remember the stoppage of the air train was not in
the same floor and at first I went to the wrong floor. So sometimes you have
to use elevator. And of-course you have to walk with your beloved 53+kg
luggage and backpack. But at the same time you will be happy to know
that there is no hassle of buying air train ticket. Its free for
passengers who want to go to other terminals. If you still have
confusion about air train you can search in YouTube. I wish I could
check before my departure.
There are many self Kiosk
to print the boarding pass of your domestic flight. If you don't like
self service ask for assistance. Airlines crew are available there. They
will take your check in luggage and you are ready to board on your next
flight.
As you have already completed your immigration
process you just have to collect your luggage in the final destination.
No other formalities. Now you are free :) Have a safe journey.
If you have any question you can ask in the comment section.
If you have any question you can ask in the comment section.
Could you please tell me about the weight of your check in luggages. If I take two 23kg check in luggages (which is okay in Emirates) will it be also okay in JetBlue? Does JetBlue allow both carry on and a backpack for laptop? Please let me know. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteyes, JetBlue allowed all my luggage (two 23 kg+carry on+backpack).
DeleteThank you so much apu :)
DeleteCould you take the trolly from one terminal to other while u were travelling via Air train?
ReplyDelete