Why I Avoid Transiting Through the U.S. — And How I Navigate It When I Must
Having traveled extensively, I’ve passed through dozens of international airports. While I’ve never had problems with U.S. immigration or customs officers, the process of transiting through the United States remains one of the most time-consuming and stressful parts of global air travel.
The Real Issue: No True Transit in the U.S.
Unlike most international hubs, the United States does not offer airside transit. Even if you’re just connecting on your way to another country, you must:
- Clear full immigration and customs
- Collect and re-check your baggage
- Go through TSA security screening again
This isn’t just inconvenient — it creates a lot of unnecessary stress. You’re rushing through unfamiliar terminals, watching the clock, hoping baggage shows up quickly, and often wondering if your layover is long enough. Personally, I plan at least three hours for any U.S. connection. It’s the only way to reduce the risk of missed flights.
A Mixed Bag of Airport Experiences
Some airports manage the process better than others. I’ve had relatively smooth experiences at:
- JFK (New York)
- DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth)
- IAH (Houston)
But others have been more chaotic and less friendly to connecting passengers:
- LAX (Los Angeles) — Crowded and disorganized
- ATL (Atlanta) — Overwhelming and fast-paced
- ORD (Chicago O’Hare) — Weather-prone and complex
- EWR (Newark) — Long lines, unclear signage
- MIA (Miami) — Slow baggage handling and confusing layout
Despite these differences, the underlying issue is systemic — no matter where you land in the U.S., you have to enter the country.
Not Just the U.S.: Other Countries with Transit Challenges
While the U.S. is the most prominent example, it’s not alone. A few other countries also lack efficient airside transit or require you to enter the country even for short layovers.
Here’s a comparison of some of the most commonly reported transit pain points around the world:
International Transit Comparison Chart
| Country | Airside Transit Available? | Transit Visa Required? | Baggage Recheck? | Notes / Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | No | Yes (unless VWP) | Yes | Must enter country; 4+ hrs recommended for transit |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | Inconsistent | Sometimes | Often | Security risks (theft, data), unclear rules |
| 🇮🇳 India | Limited by terminal | Often | Likely | Terminal changes common, poor signage |
| 🇷🇺 Russia | Restricted | Often | Likely | Airside transit limited, complex rules |
| 🇨🇳 China | Some airports | Not always* | Sometimes | Rules vary by city and airline; sudden changes |
| 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | Depends on airline | Unless flying Saudi | Often | 96-hour visa-free only with Saudi airlines |
| 🇳🇬 Nigeria | Unreliable | Often | Likely | Poor infrastructure, reports of forced entry |
| 🇪🇬 Egypt | Unclear | Sometimes | Likely | Cairo especially chaotic and confusing |
* China offers visa-free transit for select nationalities, but policies vary by city and change frequently.
My infomration may be a bit out of date so feel free to correct me and/or add information.
Final Thoughts
The U.S. is not the only place where transit can be complicated, but it stands out for requiring all transit passengers to enter the country, regardless of itinerary. That adds time, hassle, and stress — not just for travelers like me, but also for the people working in these airports, who are under constant pressure to manage the flow.
When I can, I book routes that avoid U.S. transit entirely. But when I can’t, I plan generously and manage my expectations.
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