Vegas

[Dee Sa]

Iam changing planes in Charlotte then onward to Vegas, will I have to clear customs at Charlotte being my first port of entry or will my luggage go to Vegas and clear there ?

[buildersmate]

One has to clear customs at the first port of entry to the USA. In a way that may be a blessing since Charlotte is not particularly busy with international travellers - its the main hub for US Airways, who are presumably who you are going with.

[Dee Sa]

many tks
not looking forward to it as one person is in a wheelchair, did this once at Chicago and said never again but Virgin fares over Easter were so high [ �1,140 per person] we did not have a choice.
E -mailed Charlotte airport but got no response.

[buildersmate]

See Question 6 in FAQ.
It sounds like you have to route the question via the airline. Since US Airways (if that who you are travelling with) use so much of Charlotte-Douglas International airport, one hopes you will have a better experience (in that they should have more 'pull' with the ground staff support systems).
http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Airport/Tr avelers+and+Visitors+Info/PassengerAndVisitors FAQ%27s.htm

[Dee Sa]

once again tks,buildersmate, you seem to be more knowledgeable then me -- can we lock our suitcases for Gatwick and unlock at Charlotte or do they have to be unlocked the whole way [ dont like the sound of that ]
just watched their video and it seems quite a "wheelchair friendly" airport, but doesnt mention transfers ! luckily we have almost three hours between flights.
best rgds Dee

[dzug]

It really depends on whether they do a security check after unloading and before delivery to the carousel - if they do and you case is locked they will break it open. Better to leave it unlocked.

Coming back your baggage will be checked right through - leaving it unlocked in this direction is a must. They definitely will do at least one security check

[Dee Sa]

many tks for the advice, will keep unlocked.
Can I put the old fashioned plastic garden tags/ties that they can cut off ? just asking !
best rgds Dee

[mushroom25]

secure your case with plastic cable ties.

Then leave some new ones right at the top inside your case, and the security staff will have the opportunity to re-seal it for you. (they will leave you a nice note explaing what they've done & why)

[kempie]

Transport Security Administration (TSA) staff in all US airports are now instructed to open locks to gain entry to luggage for security screening. If your bag is fitted with conventional locks they will be broken open, leaving your bag vulnerable for the entire onward journey, and unsecured on arrival at your destination.

Travel Sentry Certified locks are accepted and recognised by the TSA, which means that TSA screeners can open and re-lock your bags for security screening instead of cutting the lock. TSA screeners have tools for all TSA accepted and recognized locks that enable them to open the lock without damaging it.

Some examples...
http://www.outdooraccessories.co.uk/index.htm? url=products/pacsafe/padlocks.htm&gclid=CM6opJ So85gCFQ6vQwodZCq50g

[Dee Sa]

Many thanks everyone for all the help and advice,
I have e-mailed Charlotte airport and got a very helpful reply, yes I will have to clear customs there and re-check in the luggage, they have sent me more a less a step by step guide.
I have now also purchased the required locks from the net @ �7.99 each no p& p.
so looks like we are all set, just need the spending money !!!!
best regards Dee