Houston stopover from UK

Hi All

Its been over 10 years since ive had a stopover and I have one coming up (couldnt get a direct flights on the dates I needed)

Just wondering how it all works again.

Im flying London, stopping in Houston and then onto Vegas of course.

So I was wondering,

Do you need to rush? Ie how long does it normally take to transfer planes.

Does the luggage automatically change plane or do I need to collect and then go through checkin again.

Do you go through customs etc again?

Any other tips on stopping in Houston airport

Thanks in advance :)

Houston stopover from UK

Instead of getting second hand information ring or e-mail your airline.

Then if they reply by e-mail bring a copy with you to the airport.

Too important to rely on hearsay,your case could be different than anybody else%26#39;s

Houston stopover from UK

First check how long you have at Houston. You will need at least 1 1/2 to 2 hours to clear immigration, collect your luggage, clear customs, drop you luggage off nearby and get to your next terminal/gate.

Your luggage should be checked through to Las Vegas when you check in in the UK so it will automatically change planes.

If you booked the flights together, on the same airline, there should be plenty of time for you to get to your connecting flight, as long as your initial flight isn%26#39;t delayed. If it is, they%26#39;ll put you on the next plane out.

Again, if the flights were booked together, they should transfer your bags for you, but I would double check with someone from the airline when you check in to be sure.

Because the flight from Houston to Vegas is domestic, you won%26#39;t have to go through customs upon your arrival in Vegas, just in Houston.

Bush Airport in Houston is pretty big and sometimes difficult to get from one place to another. Earlier post was correct in stating time necessary to clear customs and get to your domestic gate. Get your airline to assist and good luck.

Hi

I am doing the same next week but I have a stopover in Houston on the way out for 6 nights before Vegas, but on return straight back to the UK. The time they gave us on return is only 45 mins so I am hoping nothing goes wrong as it%26#39;s the last flight from Houston to Gatwick that day!!!!

7 years ago I did the same journey and was held up on arrival in Houston in the huge ques for immergration and did not make the connection to Vegas. There was no real problem as we were put on the next flight to Vegas. I think we lost about 3 hours and got into Vegas around 11.30pm. This was of course with Continental. The bags when you get to Houston have to be collected as you have to take them through customs yourself. On the way back it%26#39;s not the same as it%26#39;s customs in the UK.

Clive

We did the same in December.

Connected from a BA flight from LGW to a Continental flight from Houston to Vegas. Immigration was much better in Houston than Dallas, and bags were just dropped off at Continental desk in departures.

Coming back was a TOTALLY different experience. We had a 2 1/2 hour stopover, but our flight from Vegas was delayed by 1/2 hour. We had been %26#39;checked and tagged%26#39; straight through to London.

Upgraded on BA flight, which was super, but NO bags when we arrived at Gatwick.

Considering the problems with baggage at Heathrow, we were very lucky. They arrived 24 hours later. We were told that they have a new luggage transporting system and all Continental bags were missing their connections with the BA flight.

I rarely have a direct flight to Vegas as I like to use up my BA miles and this is the first time I%26#39;ve had a problem. 2 1/2 hours should be plenty, but don%26#39;t pack anything you%26#39;d hate to be without in your suitcase!

Good luck and have a great trip!

Jo

Hi

Sorry just been corrected we did not get our bags in Houston they were ticketed straight through to Vegas, sorry!!!

Clive

Thanks for all the replies all.

Yes the flights are booked with same airline (Continental)

The flight going out dosent worry me to much I hope

Arrive Houston (terminal E) at 16.20 depart (terminal C) 17.50

But the return leg shows me arriving in Houston at 18.05 and departing back to the UK at 18.45

So just 45mins to change planes and whatever else is involved.

Not that I will be in a rush to return anyways :)

There%26#39;s been a fair amount of incorrect and misleading information given on some posts here. THIS is what will happen:

1) At London your bags will be tagged through to Vegas and you%26#39;ll be given boarding cards for both your London - Houston and Houston - LV flights.

2) Upon arrival at Houston you%26#39;ll have to clear immigration and then collect your bags and clear customs (these two procedures must be done at your first port of entry into the US).

3) The airline will have a transit baggage facility after customs (often just a carousel manned by a couple of airline staff). As your bags were tagged to Vegas in London you just drop them off there to be loaded onto the Houston - LV flight.

4) As you%26#39;ll already have your Houston - LV boarding cards you can head straight to the gate.

5) For your return flight your bags will be tagged through to London and again you%26#39;ll be given both sets of boarding cards. This time you won%26#39;t see your bags until arrival in London. At Houston just head for the gate of your London flight.

6) If you don%26#39;t make a connecting flight it%26#39;s the airline%26#39;s responsibility to get you on the next convenient flight. If you%26#39;ve any more concerns, airline staff will be pleased to help.

But the return leg shows me arriving in Houston at 18.05 and departing back to the UK at 18.45

You won%26#39;t make your plane then. I have to fly out of Houston all the time for my overseas flights. The biggest problem with the international flights is they keep changing the gate numbers for departing. So don%26#39;t be surprised that you aren%26#39;t flying out of the same gate that was listed on board.

Terminal E is HUGE with no people movers. In fact just last night my girlfriend just flew in from Denver. Landed at Terminal E had to catch a flight out of Terminal B. She had a 1/2 hour to get there, she didn%26#39;t make it.