Returning to USA customs

You got a number of responses to this the first time you asked in this post - https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/flight-home-question

Is there some reason you are asking again?

Yes, since no one had an actual ‘personal experience’ reply, I widened the audience to General Europe??

Is this not allowed?

First immigration. This could take 5 minutes, this could take a an hour. It all depends on the number of flights, the number of immigration officers working, etc.

Then you collect your bags and walk through customs. Most of the time you won't be stopped. Then you recheck your bags either just before you exit customs or right outside.

Ninety minutes should be enough. The airline wouldn't sell it if they didn't think you could make it. Since it is on one ticket, and there is some type of delay, the airline will put you on the next available flight. Note, not necessarily the next flight but the next available flight. (One with available seats.)

I suggest you do this......download the Mobile Passport App and set it up before your trip. Learn to use it. On my last arrival at JFK, there were perhaps 500 people in the immigration line. (I have Global Entry.) They were allowing anyone with Mobile Passport to use the GE line. It took no more than 5 minutes to get through.

I don't have the app since I have Global Entry but you need to find out if everyone in your travel party can use the same app or if everyone needs to have their own. I'm sure someone here can help.

BTW, double posting is frowned upon. At least put notice in your previous posting that you have reposted and where.

Thank you Frank. I appreciate the tip! We all have Nexus passes, but that doesn’t do much for us here….

I have posted a comment in the other forum. Didn’t realize, obviously. Thank you for explaining that to me. Not trying to be a bother, just looking for input/help.

You have NEXUS? Thanks for leaving that information out.

This from the Global Entry website:

All current NEXUS members, and U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents who are SENTRI members, are eligible to use Global Entry kiosks once they provide fingerprints and document information to CBP. If CBP already has your fingerprints and document information on file, you can use Global Entry kiosks without further action and at no additional cost. If you are a Mexican national in SENTRI, you must apply for Global Entry through your TTP account. For additional Global Entry benefit information, log on to your TTP account.

So, as long as CPB has your fingerprints and passport information, you can use the Global Entry kiosks.

No worries, jjec. And FYI, usually it doesn't matter which forum you post in since most forum members scroll through the "[All Topics] page1." So most will see it. One tip is to put as much info in the title as you can; for example, you could put "Time factor getting through customs in Detroit" or something similar. That way people who have frequented DTW will spot it and can weigh in.

We were fingerprinted and had retina scans done for our application process. But, the way it originally reads, I think we need to be a SENTRI member (which we are not) as well for the NEXUS to work at a US Global Entry line???? Detroit is not listed for use of the Mobile Passport App.
I didn’t think the Nexus would be usable in the situation, sorry about that.

Nexus works for global entry. When you arrive in Detroit, find the global entry kiosks and follow the directions.

Go into your Trusted Traveler account. If your passport information is there, you can use Global Entry.

You have a choice....you can misread what I posted and wait in the long immigration line or you can believe what we tell you and use the Global Entry kiosks.

Or, you can call your local CBP office and ask them.

It's your choice.

I can’t speak to your specific destination, but using Global Entry is fast. What can slow you down is waiting for checked bags. I had to wait for my bag, which of course was one of the last ones off the plane. If you can do carry on, you’d be able to zip through to connecting flights.

Sorry, not misreading. Just making sure I’m clear. Not here to cause strife for people. Just looking for input/help.

Fellow Nexus card holder here. You definitely have global entry and this will speed up your process.

You can ask as many questions as you like. It is okay to ask again if you feel unsure you understand the answers . In this case, it was great that you did because once we knew you had Nexus (and therefore Global Entry) we knew that the process would be much quicker!

Just in case you didn’t know, TSA precheck is also an included benefit of Nexus. Your traveler number is on the back of your Nexus card and you just add it to the airline reservation in advance.

I so appreciate all the positive, helpful feedback! Learning things along the way. We have used our Nexus for travel to NOTL in Ontario CA and international travel through the Toronto airport. So grateful to learn we can use it in US airports! Feeling much better about our travels home!

You don’t use your Nexus card in the airport, but you use the benefits that automatically come with it.

Anywhere in the United States this is more than sufficient time for customs. Customs is a walk-through, unless you’re smuggling stuff.