At most major international airports in the United States, there are several terminals. Some airlines have their dedicated terminal while others have a shared terminal.

Unlike other countries such as India, baggage trolleys are not free in the U.S. They typically cost $2 to $4 per trolley. Automated machines accept either $1 or $5 bills and/or quarters. If you purchased U.S. currency in small denominations before traveling to the U.S., you can use that. Otherwise, try to get change. You may also require quarters (25-cent coins) to make phone calls.

There are many baggage claim carousels at most international airports. You can find your carousel number by either checking the informational TV screens or asking someone at the information counter. Once you know your carousel number, follow the signs directing you to the appropriate place. Occasionally, security dogs will sniff through your baggage before you proceed.

Once you have collected your baggage, move towards the customs clearance area. There will be signs posted.

If you realize, after checking the carousel, that your baggage is lost, contact the lost baggage office of the airline. They have pictures of various types of bags that help you identify the bags that were lost. Make sure you file a report with them and take the receipt before leaving the airport. Also, take the name and contact information of the person to whom you spoke.

If your baggage is damaged, you should follow a similar procedure with the airline office at the airport.

You may be eligible for compensation for lost or damaged baggage.

Even if you are traveling to a final destination other than your port-of-entry, you must go through the customs at the port-of-entry. A customs officer may ask you questions regarding the contents of your bag. You are not allowed to bring fruits, vegetables, plants, meat, seeds, etc. into the United States. You would normally be carrying clothes and personal belongings. Answer the questions truthfully.

If there are any doubts, the customs officer may ask you to open your bags for a security check and/or verification. Do cooperate if you are asked to open the bags. The customs officer is mainly looking for items such as drugs, excessive amounts of currency, or other prohibited items. If you are bringing any drugs (medicines), make sure that they are prescribed for an authentic medical condition. If you are caught with any illegal drugs, they will be seized and you will be subject to fines and imprisonment. The customs officer generally will not examine your photographic films, unless there is suspicion that you are carrying prohibited material such as child pornography.

If the customs officer is satisfied, he/she will stamp your customs form and keep that form with him/her.

After clearing customs, you can leave the airport. You may also take your trolley out of the airport where you will find ground transportation.

Bringing Pets into the United States
Bringing Food into the United States

Before traveling to the USA, you should coordinate a meeting spot with the person who is picking you up, e.g. they will be waiting just outside the customs area, near the information counter, near the shops, or on the road just outside the airport. If you arrive and no one is there to pick you up, you can go to the nearby public phone booth and either use the quarters or make a collect call to an alternative contact. Collect call means that the receiver will pay for the phone call charges. If you need to make a collect call, follow the instructions on the phone booth. Generally, you will have to dial "0" for the operator and tell them that you would like to make a collect call. If you take a taxi (cab), you should tip the driver around 15%.

If you do not have arrangements for road transportation, or if they fail, there are several options available for public transport.

Car Rental:
There are many car rental companies available. However, if you just arrived into the U.S. for the first time, you may have difficulty renting a car.
Car Rental Tips

Taxi:
There are many taxis available at most airports. Most taxis are big enough to store two big bags. Some airports authorize only a particular taxi company to take passengers, e.g., if you arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport, the only authorized taxi company is Washington Flyer.

Shuttle Service:
Many airports have shuttle bus service to different parts of the airport, to a different nearby airport, or to some areas of the city. Traveling by shuttle may be time consuming, as they make frequent stops.

Public Transportation:
Many cities also have other public transportation modes, such as bus, train, etc. However, if you have a lot of luggage, this may not be a convenient option due to crowdedness.