EWR Versus JFK Immigration Queue

Do people find the immigration queue at Newark any better than JFK?

I had a nightmare there on Friday after arriving on VS009, it was two hours from landing to getting my passport checked and that's with power walking so that I was one of the first in from the flight. I had a similar experience a couple of weeks before.

I'm thinking of booking VS001 for my next trip, is it likely to be any better?

I wish they would open up global entry to UK citizens, I didn't see one person go through the two gates the whole time I was waiting.....

This is a good question and it interests me too. I had a terrible 2hr+ experience off VS9 earlier this year and subsequently found the 45 better (surprisingly) but still slow. In the past when I have travelled on VS1 it has taken maybe 30-45 minutes. However, I've heard of much much worse times than this. Funnily enough, VS9 was never too bad for me before my flight earlier this year.

I think an awful lot comes down to luck. A delayed flight coming in to the US and landing just before you can put you at the back of a colossal queue. There's not much that can be done about this.

Having said that, some times are on average busier than others. If you are really keen to avoid the queues then VS3 is a great option, and you get an extra afternoon in NY.

It's been a few years for me but i used to be fairly regular on the VS001 and always seemed to get through EWR immigration quickly (20-25 mins) and always travelled with cabin baggage only.

Back on the VS001 in December so I hope it is still as quick.

As at240 says the vs3 into JFK is probs the best option to avoid massive immigration queues. So another vote for that.

Not a massive fan of EWR, however will be giving it a shot again after the new CH opens.

8D

Thanks all.

Yes, I agree VS003 is the best option, I did it in May & July, immigration was easy and its great having breakfast in the clubhouse and then being in New York for lunch! Unfortunately I can't always leave London that early.

It sounds like VS001 is worth a try, it has to be better than JFK in the evening when they seem to like having more empty passport desks than manned ones.

Depending on when your trip is, you could try out the VS 25 - it leaves LHR at 1925 and lands into JFK at 2240.... it may very well be an easy ride through immigration.

Starts up on 28th oct if memory serves. 8D

I use the 17 into EWR when I go that way. at midnight the hall is normally empty and all the officer are dying to get home so its a pretty quick process

Depending on when your trip is, you could try out the VS 25 - it leaves LHR at 1925 and lands into JFK at 2240.... it may very well be an easy ride through immigration.

The problem with the late flights is how many immigration officers are staffing the desks? There could only be a few, which happens with the VS17 although on that if you're in UC and power walk then it's fine.

My experiences over the years, in order of OKness:

VS003
VS001
VS017
VS046 - although variable, if you land behind the EK arrival it can be bad
VS009

VS046 - although variable, if you land behind the EK arrival it can be bad

VS045?? the 46 is the JFK -LHR run.

Hope the CBP will keep staff levels up until the last flights arrive.. as someone said, it may very well be quicker with the officers wanting to get everyone through and then get home. :w

Will see in a few weeks time. 8D

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My last 10 or so runs on the 3 or 45 (always sundays...) have all been ok - don't think I've waited longer than 30 minutes at any point.

Interesting discussion though as I have been considering switching back to EWR now that it's back in scope of our corporate travel policy...

I took the safe option in the end and went with VS003. I'll definitely give VS001 a try the next time I need to do an evening arrival though.