Interview and POE

[W&M 12]

Hello All, We finally have our interview date of 06/14. My fiance is almost 6 months pregnant so the wonderful people at the consulate in Brazil gave us a little help with the date so she would not have to fly deep into her pregnancy. I have a couple of questions concerning the flight to the POE. I have traveled extensively and remember a few times where I have had to literally go from one terminal to the other to catch a connecting flight. I was wondering if anyone ever had this happen during a fiance's flight to the POE? If so, was there any grief while traveling to the POE under a K1. Her layovers are in Paramaribo, Aruba and then Miami. All very short layovers so I am hoping not too much distance between gates. I know-alot of layovers but the ticket was irresistable! Only 16 hours travel time and $670 from Brazil to Washington DC. I paid $560 for a flight from Belem to Rio . Okay, now for a second question, I will be meeting her at the airport in Washington DC. Will it be possible for me to obtain a gate pass so I can escort her through customs? Thank you all so much for the time and any information you can provide. Best of luck to you all

[payxibka 10,044]

Hello All, We finally have our interview date of 06/14. My fiance is almost 6 months pregnant so the wonderful people at the consulate in Brazil gave us a little help with the date so she would not have to fly deep into her pregnancy. I have a couple of questions concerning the flight to the POE. I have traveled extensively and remember a few times where I have had to literally go from one terminal to the other to catch a connecting flight. I was wondering if anyone ever had this happen during a fiance's flight to the POE? If so, was there any grief while traveling to the POE under a K1. Her layovers are in Paramaribo, Aruba and then Miami. All very short layovers so I am hoping not too much distance between gates. I know-alot of layovers but the ticket was irresistable! Only 16 hours travel time and $670 from Brazil to Washington DC. I paid $560 for a flight from Belem to Rio . Okay, now for a second question, I will be meeting her at the airport in Washington DC. Will it be possible for me to obtain a gate pass so I can escort her through customs? Thank you all so much for the time and any information you can provide. Best of luck to you all

No gate pass is possible for escorting through customs and immigration, and she won't be going through customs and immigration in DC... It will either be in Aruba if the airline uses the CBP Pre-clearance facility or Miami if they don't.

[Norwood 6]

She won't have any problems at any layovers as long as she had the visa to enter the US.

Her POE as you describe is Miami, not Washington DC.

[W&M 12]

She won't have any problems at any layovers as long as she had the visa to enter the US.

Her POE as you describe is Miami, not Washington DC.

She only has a 2 hour layover in Miami, How will this work? She will not have time to go through Customs? So this could be problematic?

[Norwood 6]

I wasn't aware of possible CPB facility in Aruba. Whether she enters there or in Miami she will need time for clearance. No one can predict how long this will take. The last time I re-entered the US (as a citizen, mind you) it took 1 1/2 hours and I would have missed my connecting flight if it hadn't been cancelled. Point is, two hours from touch down until takeoff may not be enough. I wouldn't feel comfortable with that time based on my knowledge.

[Daniel&Theary 30]

It will be a tight fit but she should make it your POE is the first place you enter the country in. Sometimes cheaper is not better. But given she is pregnant maybe she can ask for assistance you know golf cart treatment and usually people immigrating go to the green line which is usually the shortest.

[W&M 12]

Hold on , Even though she is switching from an international flight to a domestic flight, all of her bags will proceed to DCA (Washington). Why will she need to go through customs twice? Hmmmm, definitely am in need for more information. If there is a need to go through customs in Miami, I will definitely be meeting her there. Anymore info on this topic is greatly appriciated.

[Norwood 6]

She will not go through customs twice. She will collect ALL her luggage at whatever her POE is, then go through customs, then recheck the baggage for the remaining flights.

As was recommended determine the correct POE before you make plans, Aruba or Miami.

Edited June 4, 2011 by Norwood

[W&M 12]

She will not go through customs twice. She will collect ALL her luggage at whatever her POE is, then go through customs, then recheck the baggage for the remaining flights.

Hmmmm, Okay, Do you think this is worth notifying the Airport to see what the best way to proceed would be? The last thing I want is a stressed out fiance on what should be a very happy day. Even if I meet her in Miami and escort her to DC, It is still a better flight, the others were 23-32 hours travel time. I definitely appriciate the feedback--What a nice site

[payxibka 10,044]

Hold on , Even though she is switching from an international flight to a domestic flight, all of her bags will proceed to DCA (Washington). Why will she need to go through customs twice? Hmmmm, definitely am in need for more information. If there is a need to go through customs in Miami, I will definitely be meeting her there. Anymore info on this topic is greatly appriciated.

not a need, a requirement... It will be Miami if the pre-clearance facility is not used in Aruba... otherwise it will be in Aruba

Call the airline and ask what happens in Aruba

[Gosia & Tito 199]

I wasn't aware of possible CPB facility in Aruba. Whether she enters there or in Miami she will need time for clearance. No one can predict how long this will take. The last time I re-entered the US (as a citizen, mind you) it took 1 1/2 hours and I would have missed my connecting flight if it hadn't been cancelled. Point is, two hours from touch down until takeoff may not be enough. I wouldn't feel comfortable with that time based on my knowledge.

It all depends on how many flights arrive around same time.I come trough Miami often when I am coming from South America and my times have been from 20 min to 100+ min. It also depends on what is the breakup of people (citizen/non-citizen)...Sometimes I see the non-citizen lines not very crowded, while I am in a very loooooong line. Other times is the citizen line what is really short.

Keep in mind that is not only clearing/checking passports what takes time, but the actual customs inspection that seems to be more common now(or maybe I have one of those faces that shouts "inspection!" ), and that can take a while, because they check luggage (carry on) one by one and there are few inspection lines there (not talking the line to hand over your customs declaration, but right after if you are a 'lucky' one for further inspection.

I'd allow more time if at all possible.

[W&M 12]

Okay, So I just talked to Miami international airport and they have confirmed that the POE will be Aruba. This is where the international flight transfers to Domestic. Nothing like doing your research--Am still kicking myself :bonk: . However, the gentleman from Miami told me that he would assist me with the airlines to assure smooth transition. He also told me that I can request an assistant to be onsite who speaks portuguese--I never knew this. After all of this, I better surprise her at Miami and fly to DC together. Take it from me--should definitely research as much as possible.