Can someone advise me? How long does it take to get through customs and immigration from United (U.S.-based flight) to a connection on Iberia to BCN? (No checked bags.) My flight arrives at 8:30am. Can I make a 9:40 connection? Thanks.
Posted by
winston salem, nc, usa
1078 posts
Check the UA website for the on-time record of the flight--my normal experience is that the arrival time from the US is pretty fluid.
Immigration coming into FCO is usually hassle-free--most of the time they don't even stamp your passport.
Assuming you do arrive on time, it still seems pretty tight, however, I would go to Iberia's website to see what gate they usually leave from so you can immediately head in that direction.
Good luck!
Posted by
St. Louis, Missouri, United States
49 posts
It will be close, but the previous poster is right; the woman who stamped my passport literally did not look up at me. She was too busy flirting with six other officers in her booth. It was a piece of cake, unlike coming into America.
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, CA, USA
3 posts
Thanks for the speedy reply. Any additonal advice on best way to get between terminals? Will I have to go through security after immigration?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23542 posts
The bigger question is -- are flying on one ticket or two? Are you ticketed through to BCN with seat assignment and everything. If it is two individual tickets, personally I think it is too tight. Most likely you will land at T-5 and need to get to T-2 or T-3 via bus. If two tickets you will need to check in. You will have to go through security screen a second time. What is the downside risk if you miss the 9:40 flight?
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, CA, USA
3 posts
And... now you have me wondering if I can check in for connecting flight while still at IAD (within 24 hours). Any experience with this?
Posted by
winston salem, nc, usa
1078 posts
The internet doesn't care where you are--24 hours is 24 hours. Have done it with Easyjet and AirBerlin.
Posted by
San Francisco, CA, USA
125 posts
I've come in on UA 3 times over the last year and a half and twice we came into the satellite terminal and needed to take the shuttle train over T-3 to clear customs. The other time the plane came directly into T-3. As for clearing customs, we were cleared as early as 8:45am and as late as 9:05am. All 3 times the plane got in between 8:20am - 8:35am. Since you will have to clear customs in Rome at T-3, and come back around to check in/clear security and proceed to the Iberia gate, your transfer time will be tight. Will you have to claim bags off of UA? That will probably add additional time to the transfer, or will the bags be checked through to Iberia.