Getting through Philly airport

After you arrive follow signs for immigration (just follow the crowd). Once in immigration visitors are on the right side desks, but just listen to staff who will guide you through. Family groups can approach the desk together. Hand your customs form in (blue and white form handed out on the aircraft). They will hand the form back, hang on to it you'll need it later. You will be asked to provide fingerprints first your 4 fingers then thumb again just follow the instructions. You will also have your photo taken (no hats or specs allowed ). After a couple of questions you will pass through to baggage hall.  Your flight number will appear on the screen, go to that belt. It's possible your luggage may be off the belt and stacked on the floor ( depends how long it's taken to get through immigration).  Carts cost $4 and you need to swipe your credit card if you want one. Leave baggage hall following signs for customs, it's near baggage belt 2 or 3. Hand your customs form in. Turn right and bear left through double doors, you are now in Philly...welcome!  

To get to the hotel or car hire buses keep walking straight ahead, take lift to ground floor, exit the lift turning left, go through 1 set of double doors turn left and out of the airport building. Look for bus stop for car hire buses. Happy days !

Free satnav to use in the US

Download NAVFREE app US version, then install any of the state maps you might need (Pennsylvania) and use like any satnav. It's free and does not use any data when over in the US .., BONZA!! 

Getting through Philly airport....update

Ok we are here now, I'll update this page shortly with more details about getting through the airport etc

Nearly there

Oddly after all the planning, the fact that some of us head off next week is a bit surreal. Head off we will, just a quick posting to say if you need any info / advice / anything, then just get in touch.

Getting through Philly airport. 

Pretty straightforward really, first desk (queue) is immigration, just follow directions given by staff and line up. Immigration will check passports, check customs form, ask a few questions, take photograph and your fingerprints. Just watch what the people ahead are doing. 

Once through immigration, you'll collect your bags. 

Trollies in PHL are paid for, there will be a line of them and you will need to either use a credit card or cash to get one...$2 was the price last time we went through. If you can manage your bag ok you will probably be ok without one. 

Now follow signs to customs and hand customs form in. 

Turn right and within a few yards you are in Philly, WELCOME!!  

All of the buses (hotels and car hire) are on lower floors so use lifts, you'll see others using them. 

If you are collecting a car just follow the signs, all of the car hire companies are off site but the roads are quiet where the depots are. 

Car hire buses constantly run passed the terminals you won't have to wait too long. 

Make sure you know where you are going plan your route have a map or sat nav etc. if in doubt ask at the car hire office. Or give us a shout and we will see if we can help with directions. 

Driving in the USA is straightforward but the first few miles will naturally be a little different!  Just take your time, you will be fine. 

Last minute stuff

OK people we are getting there!

Reminders...print copies of things like 

• Flight itinerary
• Insurance documents, 
• ESTA forms (you won't need ESTA form for immigration, but it's just for peace of mind you have one), 
• Copies of any vouchers ie car hire/hotels.

Other reminders

• Passports sorted and packed in hand luggage,
• Make sure you have filled in Advance Passenger info (APIS) with your airline.  
• Currency arranged (better deals are online, don't just go into a store to buy you won't get the best rates).  
• Tell your bank (credit and debit cards) you are away and the dates you'll be in the US.  

Have a copy of your contact details inside your suitcase, never put your home address/phone number on a luggage label

Medication, make sure it's in your hand luggage

Read the page on the blog about driving in the USA, just to remind yourself of the rules when in the US.

Weddingsnap app...please make sure you have the app installed on your smartphone, we are going to be asking you to use it (use it now to show your preparations for your trip)...we really want to see photos of what you are doing...even if you don't have a smart phone, take some digital shots and send me the jpegs....it's really important.

If you have any questions about anything let me know.