Changing flights in JFK
Feb 19, 2014, 11:04 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 2
Changing flights in JFK
Hi - I'm hoping for some advice about an international transit. I'm flying from Heathrow to Sao Paulo via JFK (on a single ticket with AA), and will have some checked luggage. My flight to Sao Paulo leaves just over 2 hours after the scheduled arrival from London.
Is that enough time to get through immigration, customs, baggage reclaim, security? AA say that 'it should be', but that doesn't feel too reassuring. I know that it's the same terminal (and may be the same aircraft).
My only previous experience of JFK was a 2 hour wait at immigration alone.
Any advice welcomed!
Is that enough time to get through immigration, customs, baggage reclaim, security? AA say that 'it should be', but that doesn't feel too reassuring. I know that it's the same terminal (and may be the same aircraft).
My only previous experience of JFK was a 2 hour wait at immigration alone.
Any advice welcomed!
Feb 19, 2014, 11:47 am
#2
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL PM; IHG PlatAmb; Hilton Dia; Marriott Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,318
Changing flights in JFK
It's totally unpredictable alas. Assuming you are arriving on the 8pm arrival from LHR, youllbe after most of the European arrivals. My response would be the same as AA's - it *should* be fine. if you miss it, they could probably put you on the LAN flight via Lima, but I know that's less than ideal.
Feb 19, 2014, 3:04 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 2
That's my dilemma really - the only alternatives will take forever if I miss the direct flight from JFK to Săo Paulo. I was also keen to go overnight on the 777-300 since the new business cabin looks great. Might be best to switch to an earlier flight out of LHR and grab a few hours sightseeing in Manhattan.
Feb 19, 2014, 5:34 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL PM; IHG PlatAmb; Hilton Dia; Marriott Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,318
Changing flights in JFK
I don't know which alternative flights you're looking at, but only the morning LHR-JFK, getting you in around 1, would really allow for any appreciable visiting Manhattan. Allow 1.5-2 hrs each way to get from JFK to Manhattan, plus immigration and security.
May 1, 2014, 7:55 pm
#5
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 9
The last time I flew internationally with AA via JFK T8, I had the option of paying (or not) for a trolley to transport my luggage. What is the distance between baggage reclaim and re-checking your bag via customs? Both my incoming and outgoing flights are with AA.
May 2, 2014, 10:27 pm
#6
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Welcome to FlyerTalk!
I'll pop this thread over to our AA forum, as the folks there would be the experts on how AA operates at JFK. (It might be worth checking out our New York destination forum, too.)
Fellow FlyerTalk members, please note this thread started over in the flame-free Information Desk forum.
Best,
jackal
Moderator, Information Desk
I'll pop this thread over to our AA forum, as the folks there would be the experts on how AA operates at JFK. (It might be worth checking out our New York destination forum, too.)
Fellow FlyerTalk members, please note this thread started over in the flame-free Information Desk forum.
Best,
jackal
Moderator, Information Desk
May 3, 2014, 6:00 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: JFK > LGA >> EWR
Programs: AA EXP 1.2mm, Kimpton IC, Starwood Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,180
It really depends, but generally I wouldn't expect such bad lines at immigration around 8pm.
As for the morning flight suggestion, AA101 today arrived on time, 1:10pm, to a completely empty immigration hall -- no lines at any station.
As for the morning flight suggestion, AA101 today arrived on time, 1:10pm, to a completely empty immigration hall -- no lines at any station.
May 3, 2014, 6:01 pm
#8
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: JFK > LGA >> EWR
Programs: AA EXP 1.2mm, Kimpton IC, Starwood Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,180
I would estimate about 100 yards/meters.
May 3, 2014, 10:17 pm
#9
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 3,698
You should be fine. AA seems to have the "Express Connection" thing going on in T8, so with a tight connection you may get expedited through immigration and security lines. Even without that, it's not exactly prime time at either immigration or security so everything should move reasonably quickly. I suspect you'll get to the gate well before they start boarding.
May 3, 2014, 11:48 pm
#10
Join Date: Feb 1999
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Posts: 1,857
Not only that, but U.S. Immigration was quick to move people, and we had the friendliest U.S. Immigration which we've experienced, so it's very unfair to stereotype New Yorkers as unfriendly.
Of course, YMMV [regarding the lack of lines at JFK T-8].
May 4, 2014, 6:46 am
#11
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 9
Thanx to all for your responses. Never heard of this 'Express Connection'. Usually (at MIA) you have to take your chances at Immigration, especially if you're a non-American/Green card holder, and wait in line along with everyone else.
Was hoping to take advantage of T8 Admiral's Club during our JFK transit.
Was hoping to take advantage of T8 Admiral's Club during our JFK transit.
May 4, 2014, 7:03 am
#12
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 3,698
Express Connect is supposed to exist in Miami too, but as with many things in Miami, probably implemented pretty poorly/inconsistently.
Here's an old-ish FlyerTalk thread with a bit more information on the topic, and an interesting behind the scenes look at the service too.
Here's an old-ish FlyerTalk thread with a bit more information on the topic, and an interesting behind the scenes look at the service too.