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ssmacd ssmacd
 
M$1 June 06, 2009 08:16 PM

When should I arrive at the airport to pick up someone arriving on an international flight that needs to go through customs?

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drmatt drmatt
 
 June 06, 2009 11:22 PM
My experience is at SFO and OAK. The problem with customs is what flights happen to arrive at the same time. There's also an issue of cultural customs.

First you have to wait for your bags... then you have to go through customs.

If two or more flights from China arrive at the same time, this might cause a big pile-up. Not only are they usually large flights, but the custom is also to bring food and other gifts. Unfortunately, those are usually confiscated by USDA or Customs. There's also a language barrier problem.

I usually get there around 30minutes after the flight arrives... and bring a good book (or my DS). I'm hopeful, but also realize that it might take a while.
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fazworld fazworld
 
June 06, 2009 08:22 PM
If the person is a US citizen, then customs shouldn't take too much longer than the usual time when claiming baggage for domestic flights. Maybe 40-50 minutes including customs. In many cases you're just whisked through the doors and out into the baggage claim area. They do random searches and may pick you to be searched, but the majority of people can proceed quickly. Of course it depends on how many international flights are arriving at the same time. If there are a bunch, be prepared to wait longer.

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drmatt drmatt
 
June 06, 2009 11:17 PM - Fact Refuted
That might not be the case... I haven't heard of a "special" line for US citizens and have heard that it's simply first-come-first-processed.

@fazworld: I refuted this, but you might have other information. You didn't say where you got your information.

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galaxybrow... galaxybrow...
 
June 06, 2009 09:27 PM
One hour ahead.

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