How much time is reasonable time as layover at the POE?

[RedPepper 9]

Given the security protocol you need to go through at the airport, waiting in line, immigration interview, the possible inspection of the contents of your luggage...and all the other possible situations we have to anticipate at the POE, how much time should I allot for a layover in Detroit? 3 hours? 5? 6? 9 hrs? I just don't want to miss my next flight.

Looking at a Manila-Narita-Detroit-Norfolk flight via Delta.

Thanks for advice!

Edited January 16, 2014 by RedPepper

[shayma 22]

three hours is plenty of time

[Firesp33dR 2]

Hey RedPepper, glad to hear you were recently approved. Based on my dads experience and a friend of mines, it depends. My dads wife took about 5 hours, the flight arrived at 1:30PM (peak hour) from Nicaragua and his wife was out at close to 5PM. On the other hand my friends wife only took 1 hour as it was only 5:30AM. It really depends on the airport and time of arrival. Hope that helps. BTW my wife was approved also,

[RedPepper 9]

Hey RedPepper, glad to hear you were recently approved. Based on my dads experience and a friend of mines, it depends. My dads wife took about 5 hours, the flight arrived at 1:30PM (peak hour) from Nicaragua and his wife was out at close to 5PM. On the other hand my friends wife only took 1 hour as it was only 5:30AM. It really depends on the airport and time of arrival. Hope that helps. BTW my wife was approved also,

Hey! I have been meaning to message you! Glad she got approved! I was beginning to wonder. Congratulations!

So you are saying it depends on how busy the airport is and what time. Hmmm that's a good thing to consider. I'd keep that in mind!

[RedPepper 9]

three hours is plenty of time

3 hours...hmmm considering what Firesp33d adviced and yours--maybe 3 hours maybe good for as long as my arrival time is less crowded. Time to research on Detroit Airport specifics then. :-)

Thanks for taking the time to respond! Very helpful! I now have an idea how it is going to be on average. :-)

Edited January 17, 2014 by RedPepper

[jgoodman 8]

I just booked a flight for Annie from Hong Kong to Boston changing planes in Newark. There were two options, 3.5 hour or 8 hour layover. I chose the 3.5 because even if is she gets held up in customs, there is still a later flight. I am really hoping that doesn't happen.

Best of luck!

[llindsay 21]

Given the security protocol you need to go through at the airport, waiting in line, immigration interview, the possible inspection of the contents of your luggage...and all the other possible situations we have to anticipate at the POE, how much time should I allot for a layover in Detroit? 3 hours? 5? 6? 9 hrs? I just don't want to miss my next flight.

Looking at a Manila-Narita-Detroit-Norfolk flight via Delta.

Thanks for advice!

I take that same route when I come home after spending time with my fiancé and its usually not that bad in Detroit or Atlanta. Im glad to see you from the same city im from but im just starting my process so maybe you can help me if I have any questions besides the VJ community. Ill add you as a friend if that's ok...

Let me know what happens..

[RedPepper 9]

I just booked a flight for Annie from Hong Kong to Boston changing planes in Newark. There were two options, 3.5 hour or 8 hour layover. I chose the 3.5 because even if is she gets held up in customs, there is still a later flight. I am really hoping that doesn't happen.

Best of luck!

Fingers crossed. ;-) a lot didn't seem to have a problem so your 3.5 hours may be good; I'm sure you have been through the same route before and have seen how it was and can guess how long it'll take.

This is going to be my very first big flight since most of my flights are around Asia only. Told my husband I can do it alone. Lol

Now I am sorry I said that, but won't admit it him. I can do this!

I was advised here, also by my husband that it is best to arrive at the POE at dawn--the least busiest time. Just so even if I get held up, there won't be too many immigrants waiting in line.

Edited January 17, 2014 by RedPepper

[RedPepper 9]

I take that same route when I come home after spending time with my fiancé and its usually not that bad in Detroit or Atlanta. Im glad to see you from the same city im from but im just starting my process so maybe you can help me if I have any questions besides the VJ community. Ill add you as a friend if that's ok...

Let me know what happens..

Oh sure! Thanks for telling me about Detroit and Atlanta. I don't want to wait at the lay over too long--and you saying that, gives me even a rough idea how much time I will need. I have a few presents from home (clothes only) for family there--and I must be held up longer for that. They check luggage inside out I heard. :-)

[llindsay 21]

Oh sure! Thanks for telling me about Detroit and Atlanta. I don't want to wait at the lay over too long--and you saying that, gives me even a rough idea how much time I will need. I have a few presents from home (clothes only) for family there--and I must be held up longer for that. They check luggage inside out I heard. :-)

I have brought presents from usa to phil and had no problem with checking my luggage to hold me up. As long as you don't have the wrapped up already. Usually I fly delta and since its a international flight they give you 2 free luggage as well as carry one and personal item. When you make your airline booking it will tell you how many luggage you can bring for free. Im not sure if its for the standard flyer but im a medallion member since I have flown over there 2 times. I just got back for the 3rd time from new years. Usually I like to have around a 3 hour layover coming from usa to japan just in case the long haul flight to japan is delayed I don't miss the last leg of the trip to manila. Also I make sure I have 3 hour layover in detriot or Atlanta for the same reason and customs. I get the 25 hour total flight time pretty much all the time. Weather season permitted when I decide which airport to connect thru. When I left on 12-29-13 I went thru Atlanta to avoid a snow delay in detriot but when I came home I didn't care coming thru detriot cause the trip was over lol...