Quote:
Originally Posted by normtwofinger
Coming back to Calgary from Costa Rica, I usually fly through Dallas or Houston. I don't understand why the US makes you go through security again after clearing US customs. I haven't left the secured area. My bags are checked through to Calgary. Sometimes my connecting time is only 1hr30min, and I've almost missed a flight from having to wait through the Customs line and then wait again through the security line. Are they just that paranoid?
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Houston has a special line for connecting passengers, not sure if Dallas does. You bypass the route down by the baggage carousels which saves time though you still have to go through security. I believe they make you go through security as you have had access to your bags and they aren't really setup with a completely separate line just for connecting passangers, you do get mixed in with regular passangers. Further, it makes sense they don't totally trust security in every other country. While I believe TSA or some other US body does checks of airports/countries they can't watch everything. Having said that, yes they are paranoid but apparently with reason to be.
At the security lines if you have a tight connection you can tell them and they'll frequently let you line jump. 90 mins in Houston is a reasonable amount though as they keep those security lines moving. Ive made 45 minute connections. Plus don't be afraid to flag down a golf cart if you're really stuck. I've seen the drivers stop and give lifts to people who are running. Another thing to speed you up is become a trusted traveller. You're through customs in no time.