I'm flying from LAX to MGA and then GUA to LAX and connect through IAH each time. I'm trying to figure out if I should buy a ticket for the short layover option (1 hour) or the long layover (3+ hours). I'm a US citizen and will do carry-on the whole way. However, I'm unclear as to how long it takes to clear customs, where I'd have to do it, what happens if one leg is delayed (all these flights have pretty poor on time %), etc.

Any insight is very appreciated!!!

Thanks,
Scott

Continental all the way...


Long Layover
Flight 294
Departs: 9:00a Los Angeles (LAX)
Arrives: 2:16p George Bush Intcntl (IAH)

Layover in Houston, TX (IAH) for 3h 34m


Flight 1774
Departs: 5:50p George Bush Intcntl (IAH)
Arrives: 8:05p Augusto C Sandino (MGA)

travel through Central America....

Flight 444
Departs: 2:01p La Aurora (GUA)
Arrives: 5:55p George Bush Intcntl (IAH)

Layover in Houston, TX (IAH) for 3h 05m


Flight 1095
Departs: 9:00p George Bush Intcntl (IAH)
Arrives: 10:35p Los Angeles (LAX)


Short Layover
Flight 394
Departs: 11:35a Los Angeles (LAX)
Arrives: 4:49p George Bush Intcntl (IAH)

Layover in Houston, TX (IAH) for 1h 01m

Flight 1774
Departs: 5:50p George Bush Intcntl (IAH)
Arrives: 8:05p Augusto C Sandino (MGA)

travel through Central America....

Flight 444
Departs: 2:01p La Aurora (GUA)
Arrives: 5:55p George Bush Intcntl (IAH)

Layover in Houston, TX (IAH) for 1h 10m

Flight 47
Departs: 7:05p George Bush Intcntl (IAH)
Arrives: 8:41p Los Angeles (LAX)