Best airports to transfer in US
Apr 26, 2013, 9:28 am
#16
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 206
How about LCY-JFK on BA1, you get the immigration issues sorted in SNN fairly easily, plus F TPs, then connect on to AA JFK-DCA (and try to select a flight that AA has F on for this route).
Return via any of the cities mentioned, in F if you like.
Edited to add pauldb beat me to it.
Return via any of the cities mentioned, in F if you like.
Edited to add pauldb beat me to it.
Apr 26, 2013, 9:59 am
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: LCY is always preferred
Programs: BAEC Gold, IHG Silver, HHonors Gold
Posts: 1,026
I had considered that, and I really want to do Speedbird 1 some day, and it's cheaper in this case. Catch is with a mate coming with me, it would be bad form not to at least be on the same plane, and he's intent on not spending much and flying Y 
. (And at least he can get some of the benefits of me being able to guest him into CCR/Flounge/Flagship Lounge if we are in the same airport).
Anyone know how to force BA.com to include AA flights?. Or is that a phone up job (using the ITA details to get the right price)
. (And at least he can get some of the benefits of me being able to guest him into CCR/Flounge/Flagship Lounge if we are in the same airport).Anyone know how to force BA.com to include AA flights?. Or is that a phone up job (using the ITA details to get the right price)
Apr 26, 2013, 10:04 am
#18
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Seattle
Programs: BA GGL & LTG, EK Silver, HHonors Lifetime Diamond; Proudly Mucci Free - total nonsense
Posts: 862
Apr 27, 2013, 12:23 am
#19
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Programs: AA, DL, AK, UN, CN
Posts: 967
I've never had a problem at LAX immigration. It's not my favorite airport for departing or arriving (which I did many times when I lived in San Diego), but it's an easy US entry and good for transit.
DFW has to be my least favorite airport.
I'm not a big fan of JFK from my days of doing JetBlue's AllYouCanJet, to go between terminals you have to exit and reenter security. JFK immigration was always jammed and getting luggage and stuff felt like you were in a 3rd world airport.
Delta's Cincinnati hub is really nice and I've never had any issues with Denver, though I've never done immigration at either. Atlanta has always had smooth immigration. Stick with the non-MegaCity hubs and life would be much better I imagine. YMMV of course.
DFW has to be my least favorite airport.
I'm not a big fan of JFK from my days of doing JetBlue's AllYouCanJet, to go between terminals you have to exit and reenter security. JFK immigration was always jammed and getting luggage and stuff felt like you were in a 3rd world airport.
Delta's Cincinnati hub is really nice and I've never had any issues with Denver, though I've never done immigration at either. Atlanta has always had smooth immigration. Stick with the non-MegaCity hubs and life would be much better I imagine. YMMV of course.
Apr 27, 2013, 12:42 am
#20
Moderator, Trip Reports
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA GS-2MM, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 3,715
I think it all depends on what other flights (and from where) arrive at the same time as you. I came in from HKG the other day to ORD, and it was a breeze. Cleared immigration in literally 5 mins, and within 15 mins, my bag was on the carousel. Having said that, I have had things go well and truly pear shaped in ORD before, as well as LAX and SFO.
I flew in MIA prior to Xmas from LHR on BA, and while it was busy as blazes, I found the whole thing quite easy (apart from walking what seemed like the length of the Kokoda trail) from the plane to Immigration. An AA person was there with my AA boarding pass in an orange folder and I was ushered thru the priority lane and that was the end of it. Dont let anyone tell you that MIA is a part of the US. It isnt. Brush up on your spanish
I flew in MIA prior to Xmas from LHR on BA, and while it was busy as blazes, I found the whole thing quite easy (apart from walking what seemed like the length of the Kokoda trail) from the plane to Immigration. An AA person was there with my AA boarding pass in an orange folder and I was ushered thru the priority lane and that was the end of it. Dont let anyone tell you that MIA is a part of the US. It isnt. Brush up on your spanish
Apr 27, 2013, 2:16 am
#21
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bermuda
Programs: BA Gold, AA Plat.
Posts: 28
New immigration hall in Miami
FYI, There is a new Immigration hall in AA's terminal which has improved processing time versus the old experience. Having said that the Obama cuts have resulted in an expectation of reductions in service but that will likely be everywhere. Hope this helps.
Apr 27, 2013, 4:25 am
#22
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: DC/SIN
Programs: BA Silver, UA GS
Posts: 41
Maybe not perfect, but have you considered LGW - MCO - MIA - DCA? First on most (my experience) flights from MCO to MIA (including angled lie flat seats). Immigration in Orlando has historically been very easy for me.
Apr 27, 2013, 8:38 am
#23
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Scotland
Programs: BA Gold, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 2,447
Just done LHR - MIA - LIM - MIA - LHR and spent a total of 4.5 hours in the arrivals, immigration and baggage process over the two flights.
Apr 27, 2013, 11:27 am
#24
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,714
OT (sorry!) but just to be clear - these are Congress' cuts not 'Obama cuts' - big difference.
Apr 27, 2013, 11:38 am
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
Apr 27, 2013, 2:03 pm
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: LCY is always preferred
Programs: BAEC Gold, IHG Silver, HHonors Gold
Posts: 1,026
Apr 28, 2013, 3:16 pm
#30
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Northern Europe
Programs: BAEC Silver, Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire mainly
Posts: 100
My vote goes out to Boston, it was a breeze last week. You would think that with the increased security after recent events, the airport would slow down to a crawl, but no. It was 15 minutes from plane to the outside door of the terminal. The only downside being that you must change terminals by taking a bus and of course re-clear security.