IAH Immigration & Customs Line (Houston, Austin: inspection, airports, estimate)

[DMChicago]

Waited too long to start the Global Entry process.

Flying into KIAH on a Sunday AM arriving at 5:45 AM.

Any intel on how long to clear customs?

Thanks

[TheMoreYouKnow]

Originally Posted by DMChicago

Waited too long to start the Global Entry process.

Flying into KIAH on a Sunday AM arriving at 5:45 AM.

Any intel on how long to clear customs?

Thanks

Coming in from where? It ranges from 10 minutes to an hour, it all depends on which terminal you come in to and what the load looks like.

[oceangaia]

Depends on time of day and how many planes have just landed. The immigration area uses self-serve kiosks and a cursory check by an officer. That part seldom takes more than five or ten minutes. You'll probably be past that point and at the baggage carousel before it even starts. The longest wait in the process is the baggage. Once you get your bags, the line for customs may be a few people to the length of the room. Even then it shouldn't take longer than 10-15 minutes. As a ballpark estimate I'd say you will be through in 30 minutes or less. *There are always exceptions.* For purposes of connecting flights, I'd allow at least an hour and probably 90 minutes.

[smuggy_mba]

Originally Posted by DMChicago

Waited too long to start the Global Entry process.

Flying into KIAH on a Sunday AM arriving at 5:45 AM.

Any intel on how long to clear customs?

Thanks

5 mins to 2 hrs. At one time coming from Europe at 3 pm, it took 2 hours...the line was out of control. Other times it's 5-10 mins.

[Failed Engineer]

I'd estimate 30-45 minutes. Probably no more than an hour. The process runs fairly well in Houston compared to other airports I've flown international to. The biggest variable is how long it takes to get your bags. If you fly with carry on only it takes less than 10 minutes unless there is already a long queue from other flights.

[DMChicago]

Coming in from Santiago.

We'll have checked bags and I'm connecting to Austin. Plenty of time between flights but I want to spend that time in the AMEX Priority lounge.

Thanks

[Htown2013]

Should be good that time. Worst times I've had are coming in from Europe in early afternoon. Lots of flights coming in then.

[JoeHito]

My experience has been about 45-60 minutes, but you could get lucky and get through in as little as 15. Like everyone else said it depends on the time of day, how many clerks they have working, how many international flights are landing at the same time.

The delays really vary as well. Sometimes it's a breeze to get through the registration/declaration part with the computers/clerk, other times I've gotten stuck there for 30-60 minutes. Sometimes it's a breeze to get through the customs inspection part, other times I've had to wait 30-60 minutes in line. It never fails though, I always get stuck waiting in one of those parts of the process.

[azinwood]

morning is usually best at IAH. the only problem may be that there aren't enough immigration officers working (faced that issue)