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  • Alexander 19 posts

    Is there any way to get through passport control in JFK terminal 8 quickly as a British passport holder? Have looked around and the only thing that seems to be available flying from LHR is mobile passport control. Does anyone have any experience with this and does it save any time?

    davefl 2,008 posts

    My experience at JFK is here https://www.headforpoints.com/forums/topic/us-mobile-passport-experience/

    Other people’s experience is better but nobody else commented on JFK.

    Every airport is a complete lottery. I’ve landed at JFK and been through immigration in 30 seconds, other times it’s 4 hours. Just depends how many aircraft arrive within a short period and how quickly you’re off the plane and walk the corridors to the immigration hall.

    Travel Strong 364 posts

    There’s been several MPC experiences posted in other threads, probably daily chat, and the consensus is:

    – use MPC
    – but unfortunately JFK are a law unto themselves and often fall over themselves to prioritise American citizens anyway, regardless of MPC
    – it’s still your best bet, but you’ll have to roll with it if they start moving you around to put usa folk in front

    Sobeboy15 38 posts

    We did this on Friday at T4, we went to desk 12 and like others said they do prioritise US citizens. They said are we Esta which we replied yes and they pushed us to the front of a queue. I think it probably saved us a couple of hours looking at the size of the queue and number of desks open.

    Blair Waldorf Salad 1,366 posts

    Unless landing after 22.00, I avoid flying into JFK except from Ireland. I’ve never had more than 20 mins after 22.00.

    If you typically land late then you could be fine.

    Super Secret Stuff 396 posts

    Is there any way to get through passport control in JFK terminal 8 quickly as a British passport holder? Have looked around and the only thing that seems to be available flying from LHR is mobile passport control. Does anyone have any experience with this and does it save any time?

    What’s I’ve seen posted on social media from both Americans and non Americans is MPC app is your best option

    mzb 90 posts

    Your best option is clearly Global Entry, but it costs money and time to enrol; adding this to the thread for completeness. I usually clear US immigration in seconds these days.

    can2 816 posts

    There are only a few more things in life I hate more than JFK passport control. One of them is the JFK passport control.

    It can be an atrociously long wait so be prepared. I have been flying via Dublin for a while because of that (and I have a little in in tow). And that’s the case despite Player 2 has US passport.

    NorthernLass 10,530 posts

    Been through JFK 3 times, twice it took 2+ hours, the other time we walked straight through and were in our taxi 10 mins after landing (flying in F with no checked luggage, 5 pm-ish arrival).

    I am flying to MCO in March, @davefl, did you say this MPC is helpful there in another thread? It should be before the Easter hoards start landing but any reduction in the immigration process is a bonus!

    davefl 2,008 posts

    Been through JFK 3 times, twice it took 2+ hours, the other time we walked straight through and were in our taxi 10 mins after landing (flying in F with no checked luggage, 5 pm-ish arrival)

    Yes, it’s a complete lottery. One year I managed plane door to my hotel in midtown in 50 mins, with checked luggage. Wo betide the traveller that arrives in the JFK immigaration hall behind a flight from India or Pakistan for example. (not to stereotype of course, but some travellers from some countries take considerably longer at the desk than a brit with an Esta.)

    I am flying to MCO in March, @davefl, did you say this MPC is helpful there in another thread? It should be before the Easter hoards start landing but any reduction in the immigration process is a bonus!

    Wasn’t me. I knew of MPC before I went to MCO last Dec but didn’t bother with it, and I don’t remmember immigration there being a chore on that day/time. My 1st experience of it was JFK last May where it was useless.

    t0m 101 posts

    Last flew to JFK in November. We were on the first BA flight from LHR on a Saturday. I have Global Entry but the rest of my family don’t so I had set them up on the MPC app. As it happened there was no queue in immigration and we sailed straight through. Fingers crossed it is as easy for you!

    davefl 2,008 posts

    @NorthernLass Got hit by the spam filter again, look for my reply tomorrow. It really doesn’t like it when I edit a reply which is ridiculous.

    Gordon 165 posts

    Been to JFK twice, straight through once, and second time flagged to join the queues, took around hour, it’s a lottery.
    I would apply for Global entry, but rarely travel to North America now.

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