[USNBandit]

I haven't flown international into CVG, but I think the reason the guy had to go through security is that Customs is in Concourse B and to get to baggage claim you have to go through the rest of Terminal 3 which is a secure area. The only reason he didn't have to get screened is because he was escorted out of that area.

This is really the airport's problem for locating international flights in a portion of the airport that doesn't have an exit to the street. I don't know if it would cut costs to offer a shuttle bus from Customs to the baggage claim compared to the cost of processing a few extra passengers.

As an aside, I hope this guy isn't upset having his criminal background checked while he was waiting 2 1/2 hours.

I have to fly for business in December, January, March, April and May and still don't know what I would choose.

[USNBandit]

I was thinking about this some more. TSA wants to screen international passengers before they take connecting flights. That is understandable considering places like the Athens airport.

Wouldn't it be better to set up the international concourse right next to baggage claim so international arrivals are all dumped into the unsecure area. You would reduce the number of checkpoints and even TSA could find some improved efficiencies in that.

I wonder if B concourse is the only one that can handle the bigger aircraft? Just something to think about.

[SeeSac]

I haven't flown international into CVG, but I think the reason the guy had to go through security is that Customs is in Concourse B and to get to baggage claim you have to go through the rest of Terminal 3 which is a secure area.

When you arrive from an international flight, you have to pick up your baggage BEFORE going though customs. Looking at the link, the security check is required for those that are continuing on connecting flights but since they are co-mingled with those that are leaving the airport, all are checked.

http://www.cvgairport.com/terminals/abroad.html