Security Screening Question - US to Rome with a connection in DC

Yes, you should allow ample time to check-in at PHX. 3 Hours? I suppose that depends on the airport, at my regional airport, 2 hours is plenty, but I do have to watch if several flights for my carrier are all leaving close together.

Figure your bags need to be checked, then go to screening, then onto the aircraft, a bit more than just showing up, clearing security and hopping on the plane. IAD should be seamless for you, just go to the gate and wait to board.

It’s considered an international flight and they will check your passport in PHX. They should give you both your boarding passes, too. IAD is not that big, so unless there are major delays that should be plenty of time.

@paul and @patty thank you. I wasn't sure where passports were checked.

Just to be clear, there will be outbound passport check in Phoenix and probably Dulles, but you will go through immigration and customs when you land in Rome.

Hi Peggy. Yes, your passport will be checked in PHX, but that is a 1 minute process - just insert it into a check-in machine. Other than that, no different than a domestic flight. 3 hours seems very excessive to me; 2 hours seems like plenty. Just my two cents worth / you will find varying opinions and I don't know your personality. Have a great trip!

Thank you simpgolf and Bob. I am the type to be early, but in this case I may split the difference and give it 2 1/2 hours. We will have lounge access in PHX so we can always hang out there.

Your flight from Phoenix is considered domestic and therefore the checkin guidelines for such will apply. However, you will want to provide your passport as identification at checkin (desk, gate, kiosk) so that those details are entered into the system. It also may be essential to obtain your boarding pass and for checking luggage. Note that when you connect in IAD (the international leg of your journey) you may be requested to provide you passport again before boarding the aircraft. Gate staff handle things differently from situation to situation.

So that there is no confusion note that your travel itinerary/ticketing is international. The flight from Phoenix to IAD for all passengers regardless of their final destination is domestic and the time for arrival at the airport should follow accordingly.

When flying internationally out of IAD, United Airlines is using (mostly) biometric facial recognition screening at boarding. The gate agents are not checking passports or boarding passes and the OP most likely will not show them at all. Step up to the kiosk at the gate when it's your turn to board, get the big green check mark and go.

If your passports are checked in the USA, this is not an "official" passport check. It is the airline making sure you have a valid passport. It will either be done when you check in at the airport or as you are boarding the plane.

The airline has to make sure you have valid passport or they can get fined.

By the way, make sure your checked bag is tagged for Rome. This way you won't have to worry about it until you arrive in Rome.