I have been a pretty regular traveller between Aust. and the US for the past 35 years. I have found for me its all in the time I land. I was delighted years ago when a 1.10pm flight left the west coast (US) for SYD. I arrived at 8.40pm. Customs was a breeze, a nice drive home to my sisters and off to bed around 11.30pm. The return is a little more complicated with the flight times but the principle remains the same. I know most travel agents reccommed arriving in the am, but at least for SYD I do not. Happy travels.. Gay LeJeune, Hustsville, Alabama