(Sigh) Transit USA?

[RooFlyer]

I've transited the USA more times than I care to remember. Mantra is 'there is no 'transit' of the USA; you always have to enter the USA, clear immigrations and customs, then go through security again for the onwards flight. SYD/LAX/YYC (Calgary, Canada) - done it a million times.

But am I having a noob moment?

I've just checked in at EZE (Buenos Aires) for a flight Buenos Aires/Houston/Calgary, all on United. I would expect to enter the USA at Houston, then go to the terminal for the flight to Calgary.

But the check-in person insisted that I should NOT clear immigration and should NOT pick up my bags at Houston, 'because its an international onwards flight'. My IAH-YYC boarding pass has a big green 'T' sticker on it.

So, what should I expect at Houston? I'll do whatever they steer me to do of course, but it sounds odd.

 

[TomVexille]

I'll agree that it sounds odd. I would be expecting to clear immigration and customs.

 

[TomVexille]

Actually, just found this: Fly2Houston - Houston Airport System

You may not have to pick up bags.

 

[RooFlyer]

Thanks TV .. Interesting, but I have BOTH checked bags and green T sticker .

I'm not worried; I'll ask of course, just a bit interested in this unexpected turn of events.

 

[TomVexille]

I read it as HLO arrival OR International transit. But it doesn't make it very clear. Hopefully it makes for smooth passage.

 

[Himeno]

In general there is no international to international transit in the US with everyone "entering" the US. However, a very limited number of US international hubs (I think only IAH and possibly MIA) have a system set up where I-I pax don't have to collect bags. I'm not aware of all the details beyond what's been mentioned on FT about it.

 

[RooFlyer]

The exemption from having to pick up bags for international transit appears to apply to UA flights to Canada; you still go through immigration, as expected. I've started a new thread for info in the 'customs and immigration section, here.