USA custome

richardw

The API mainly consists of your passport details and where you will be staying.

NWA is part of Skyteam alliance, the API details on http://www.klm.com/travel/gb_en/index_default.html, their partner in Europe, are quite good, click on 'Ask a Question' and put in Advanced Passenger Information. The API requirement came in October 24 2005.

gh38

richardw wrote:

The API mainly consists of your passport details and where you will be staying.

NWA is part of Skyteam alliance, the API details on http://www.klm.com/travel/gb_en/index_default.html, their partner in Europe, are quite good, click on 'Ask a Question' and put in Advanced Passenger Information. The API requirement came in October 24 2005.

Last time I flew to the US was in September, which explains why I hadn't done it before. I'll get to it immediately, thanks for the tip.

richardw

I'd consider joining a Skyteam frequent flyer scheme, airlines website functionality is getting very good, but you sometimes need a membership number to log on. Have a good browse on Air France's and Klm's websites.

gh38

richardw wrote:

I'd consider joining a Skyteam frequent flyer scheme, airlines website functionality is getting very good, but you sometimes need a membership number to log on. Have a good browse on Air France's and Klm's websites.

I've had a good look at KLM's website and if I check-in online I can give them all the info then and just drop my bags off when I get to Gatwick. I can do this up to 30 hours before the flight and there is no need to join anything.

richardw

BTW I'm flying to the US on BA and am a member of their Exec Club and you can do all of this on BA's website, I think the airlines are quite keen for passengers to provide API before check in at the airport.

BTW I think NWA have some new aircraft on the sector to Detroit, so enjoy the trip.

BlueVinney

Just to confirm what others have said. The USA require that you go through Customs (and hand in the Agriculture card you fill in on the plane) at your 'port of entry', which means collecting your bags after passing through passport control. However, the transfer desks are usually immediately outside the Customs hall where you drop your bags for onward travel. Peculiarly, you have to do this even if you are just stopping in the USA en route to some other country eg. Air New Zealand which stops at LAX on the way to Aukland.

Better news is coming back. You can check you bags through to your final destination in the UK. So you check them in in Las Vegas and collect them when you get home (fingers crossed) Don't worry I've never lost any luggage coming home.

Enjoy Las Vegas.

cymro1170

gh38 wrote:

Hello all. I am travelling to Las Vegas on 11 December and am going from Gatwick via Detroit. Now I know that I will have to go through immigration at Detroit as the first port of entry, but does anyone know if I will also have to retrieve my checked baggage, go through customs and check in again for the onward journey to Vegas? I have only ever flown direct to the US before so I'm not sure what the procedure is and I do like to have an idea of what to expect before I leave. Thanks.

I thought you were flying there?

cougar_3

richardw wrote:

BTW I'm flying to the US on BA and am a member of their Exec Club and you can do all of this on BA's website, I think the airlines are quite keen for passengers to provide API before check in at the airport.

BTW I think NWA have some new aircraft on the sector to Detroit, so enjoy the trip.

I thought you could only provide it before you fly, but thanks for telling me it's not that way. That explains the awful queues at Heathrow, we were waiting for people that hadn't done it when we had!