Many people ask about processing times at POE's. I have always said that the processing time depends on how many concurrent international flights arrive at or about the same time. I have come through ORD (Chicago) many times before (early morning and evening) and found the POE to be quite efficient( less than 15 minutes). I came through ORD today at mid-afternoon (3:30pm) and it was a zoo. They had both arrival halls open and almost all 60 positions open and it took me more than 1 hour to clear passport control. The visitors lines were twice as long as the USC line. So word to the wise... If coming through ORD in mid-afternoon (because it appears many of the European flights arrive about 3pm), plan extra time accordingly for a connection ....

That's so bizarre! I always come back through via O'hare, each time arriving around 3 or 3:30. Granted, I was in the USC line, but it didn't take me long at all to get through! Immigration and customs both took me 45 mins - and what took the longest was actually waiting for my bag on the belt.

That said, I think all but one of the times I've come back was on a Saturday. Maybe being a weekday could make a difference too.

I think we'll try to get my fiance on the first flight out of the day to get him into O'hare early enough to beat the crowds.

Thanks for the heads up!!!

Welcome to America.

We landed in Chicago on a Thursday mid-afternoon. Customs was a complete fracas. I don't know who the dumasses were standing around watching while the passengers hoisted and heaved their heavy bags, but they had uniforms on and were completely useless. We missed our flight and had to sit in that hell-hole of an airport another three hours.

Tracy, if at all possible, have Chas take a night flight in. Better yet have him land someplace other than Chicago.