what should I do after rriving to JFK as an international traveler

what should I do after rriving to JFK as an international traveler ?!?
Hi All, i'm traveling to the united states and i'll be arriving to JFK through Delta airlines then in 2:40 hrs I take a connecting flight through comair to buffalo, my question is, do i have to check in my baggage in JFK or it'll b in my last destination only (Buffalo), and what will i have to do once i arrive to JFK as non american visiting the united states ?!... and if i will have to check my baggage in JFK what should i do after that ?!, will 2 hrs 40 mins be enuff not to miss my connecting flight ?! thanks all :)
New York City - 3 Answers
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1 :
If you are traveling to the USA on the Visa Waiver Program you need to register for ESTA if you didn't already do so. Registering is free and the confirmation is good for multiple trips to the USA for two years. Print the confirmation (or at least record the number) and keep it with your passport, along with a copy of your return ticket and any hotel reservations: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html The time between flights should be enough, but it isn't lots of time. If traveling in Economy try to select a seat as far forward as practical so you exit the aircraft ahead of the crowd. Delta's website and www.seatguru.com have seat maps. you can probably select a seat online via Delta's website. The flight crew will distribute Immigration & Customs forms on the flight, and you should complete them before arrival. Once off the aircraft go to passport control/arrivals. The Immigration Officer will probably stamp the forms and give two of them back to you. There is not passport control exiting the USA and you give your I-94 Immigration form to the airline. Don't lose the form or forget to do that: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/i-94_instructions/ Baggage claim is after passport control. Collect your luggage and go to the Customs checkpoint (there should be carts). The Officer will almost certainly take the Customs form and wave you through. Then take your luggage to Interline Baggage (which is shortly after Customs) and give your luggage to them for transfer to the next flight. You don't have to "check-in", just give the bags to them. Do check the time and if there are less than 45 minutes before your next flight you need to talk to a Delta representative before simply giving your luggage to Interline Baggage - they may need to re-book you on another flight and re-tag your luggage. Then follow the signs to the gate for your next flight. Two suggestions: Check with your home medical insurance to find out if it covers you in the USA. if yes, bring proof of coverage and how to make a claim. If no or not sure, you should strongly consider purchasing trip medical insurance. It's cheap and sold by airlines & travel agents. The USA has wonderful health care, but it isn't free or cheap. Accidents can happen. Join Delta's frequent flier program unless you already belong to or prefer to join a partner airline's program: www.skyteam.com Hope you have a good trip!
2 :
It depends on your airlines , ask them where to claim your baggage usually its at your final destination but if your changing airlines to take a domestic flight then you have to claim your baggage at JFK and board again to your new flight not as a transit passenger but as a new domestic flight. 2hrs 40 minutes is more than enough. You as an alien should go through the Non-American passports que, that should be clear when you get there.
3 :
Sitting near the front of the plane is a SURE way of running out of overhead bins as they load the plane from the rear and you will get on last. You may then unfortunately find that you will have to check your carry-on if the flight crew do not think it should be under the seat. I know as I had this experience (sitting row 4 through 6) and now only pick seats that a near the rear of the plane as I board right after first class. A plus too is easy access to the restroom. Delta was nice enough to send my luggage to the next plane (when going to S. America on vacation) but later I discovered that the connecting airline had a "relationship" with them so I don't know if that was the reason they transferred it for me. The friendly staff at the ticket counter in the airport will have more info for you when departing and you can call ahead and ask too. The weather is getting colder (and snow is expected near Buffalo) so bundle up in layers. Safe travels, Steve http://411newyork.org