Korean Job Discussion Forums

Smee · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Location: Jeollanam-do

Hi, next month I'll be going from Incheon to Japan for a few hours, to Chicago for a few hours, then back to my hometown. Once I check luggage in Incheon will I need to collect it again in Japan and put it through customs? Will I need to collect it again once I first arrive back in the US? Or do I just get it pick it up as normal once I get back home?

Thanks.

kigolo1881 · Joined: 30 Jul 2006

Usually, your luggage will be checked and tagged to your final destination. ASK THE AGENT and double check what's on the tag, Murphy's law says that everyone will goof off sometimes and it will happen to you.

However, you will have to pick up your luggage at the FIRST entry point in the US (in your case Chicago), go through immigration and customs and then RE-CHECK it back to the airline (usually no new tags are needed).

No need to pick it up in Japan, you wont even have the opportunity to pick it up.

Woland · Joined: 10 May 2006 Location: Seoul

Your bag will be checked all the way through. You will not have to pick it up in Japan. However, all luggage entering the US must clear customs at the first port of entry (even if you are only transiting the US). You'll have to pick it up in Chicago and recheck it after that. Almost all airports have an immediate re-check place outside customs because of this. Drop it off and it will be sent on to your next flight as indicated on your tag.

Smee · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Location: Jeollanam-do

Great, thanks you two for your help!

formerflautist · Joined: 30 May 2006

I'll be doing it on Tuesday. O'hare is the first place you need to pick up luggage. You'll get it, go through customs and just past that will be some grumpy airport employees directing you where to put your luggage depending on what carrier you'll be taking on your next leg. Then you'll need to get on their tram and go to another terminal and pray that your luggage actually does reach its final destination.