JFK New York airport international zone

[olympiades]

Hi everyone,

I'm writing from France. I'm being faced with a big problem:

Next year I'll attend a University cursus in the US. I wanted to buy a plane ticket for 9/5, but I made a mistake and bought one for 8/29... :s_omg

The problem is that my visa will not allow me to enter in the US earlier than the 31th of august. I'll arrive at NY JFK airport on 8/29 at 9 p.m, and will be allowed to enter in the US on 8/31 at midnight, so here is my question: will it possible for me to stay during 27 hours in the international zone of the airport, and check customs on 8/31 at midnight?

In light of my question, it goes without saying that my ticket is non-exchangeable and non-refundable (it's frequent, in France, unfortunately).

My question implies another one: if what I'm asking is possible, what would happen with my lugage? Does the retrieving happen before or after the customs? If it happens before, will I be allowed to stay 27 hours in the international zone with my lugage without being gazed strangely? :nea: :nea:

Thanks in advance for your help. I really need it.

Best regards.

 

[adam]

luggage collection is after customs at JFK if i remember rightly