Dan1113

I am looking at a layover at JFK...

KLM - Amsterdam to New York
Delta - New York to Sao Paulo

in July, with a 2 hour 10 min layover.

All booked under one ticket of course. One American, one not (relevant for immigration queues?).

Sounds safe enough or is it a bit dodgy? I get that they'd rebook me, but with limited time in SP, I'd rather not lose a day! I've never connected at JFK before.

sbm12

Probably fine. All in the same terminal so just clear immigration and security and back to the gate. That's the late flight from AMS by the timing you've described; typically less crazy at T4 immigration around then.

Dan1113

Reading some threads about how it can sometimes take 1-2 hours to clear immigration is scaring me!

Flight arrival into JFK is 1920, dep again 2130. Can my non-US spouse join me in the US queue? Maybe that'd help speed it up. Going business so hopefully be one of the first off, at least.

Yoshi212

I think you know the answer to your own question and you're just hoping one of us will tell you otherwise so you feel justified in trying it.

Book the earlier AMS-JFK flight if you don't feel comfortable with the timing. Flying J will help you get off the plane faster but you could come in to an already full immigration queue.

Often1

Not sure if there will be International-to-International baggage (ITI), but presuming that there isn't, you will not only proceed through Immigration, but Customs. If you have checked luggage, you will claim it, carry it through Customs and then drop it (it will already be tagged through to its final destination).

You will reclear security and then on to your departure gate.

As to your wife, if she's not a USN, she's not a USN.

If this is too tight and you are in J and will thus have lounge access, why not take the earlier flight?

sbm12

I do not believe JFK supports this.
Because 4 hours in the SkyClub is about 3.5 hours too much.
Highly unlike IME for that time of day. The main risk is EK205 from MXP. Otherwise there is nothing else significant coming in that late in to T4.

Dan1113

I ended up booking this itinerary - all others were too expensive. So all fingers crossed... even at AMS coming from our location we only have 1.5 hours haha, so it's all tight.

Luggage-wise, I suppose if either of us have a queue that is longer at immigration, whoever is out first (likely to be me I suppose) can sort out the bags/customs and then we can meet at the gate or something. I am hoping that it being summer means no weather-related delays.

I'm shocked luggage doesn't go straight through though - this is the first time I'll have to pick up my luggage and drop it off again in countless years!

I assume we'll get priority at security, but do they tend to be ok with you jumping to the front of the queue at immigration/customs if the flight happens to be late (or whatever it may be) and it is looking extremely tight? I guess we'd have to ask to do this in the worst case scenario. But hopefully all will go fine.

cestmoi123

Standard for the US; US airports really aren't set up for international-international connections, as they're a relatively tiny portion of the traffic.

ETA: If you don't mind my asking, why not go with AF through CDG, easier connection, and shorter trip?

sbm12

If things are looking iffy mention it to the person at the beginning of the security line. They may be able to help you out. You can also use the DL premium check-in area which lets out into the security lane area but also has DL agents there so if you're running late those agents may escort you to the front of a line. That is on the right of the terminal as you are facing in from the road.

NYCRachel

Dan are you a US citizen? If so get Global Entry, so you can cut the immigration queue.

If not, when you arrive at immigration mention your layover in a overly friendly manner to one of the immigration agents who helps with the queues. They may be able to help you cut the line.

Dan1113

I chose this itinerary purely for cost reasons, to be honest. Heading to Brazil, the cheapest business ticket was £2200 round trip pp going from Europe straight to Brazil via one European city, but this single itinerary with KLM/Delta via the US was coming in at £1500pp - less than premium economy with LH or AF. Coming back takes 2 overnight flights with a full day in Atlanta, haha, but it seemed worth it.

Rachel - yeah I had a look into that (and my partner, as a Brit, can get it too now), but it seems like to 'activate' it you have to have your interview in the US at an airport (or Canada or Qatar), so no good for us unfortunately.

Yoshi212

That will only help the OP and not the OP's companion whom is not a US citizen. Doubt the OP wants to go to GRU without the companion.

NYCAIR1234

What citizenship does your spouse have? Also when was your spouse's last visit to the US?

Terminal 4 has automated passport control kiosks and lets all US, Canadian, and returning ESTA visitors use them - it's all one queue. Returning ESTA means visa waiver program visitors (http://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta) who have entered previously.

I passed through Terminal 4 late afternoon last year and it was a quick process - probably less than 20 mins. It seems they're trying to smooth the process for both US citizens and regular visitors from abroad.

I also second what other posters have said regarding flagging down help if you need it. Delta has been working hard to improve the JFK experience and I'm sure there are people in the immigration hall who are instructed to prioritize pax with tight connections.

Analise

If your passport is an older one, the kiosks are useless and you'll have to stand on what could be a long line to get through immigration. I had that problem last year.

Dan1113

I have a US passport, and he has a British one. He's had ESTA before, but on an old British passport (that didn't have a chip - new one does). Would he still be able to use this?