A few weeks ago I booked a trip Beijing. Usually I connect in ORD, but this time picked a route through SFO because the C fare was several thousand dollars less. The return itinerary had 1:34 between flights, so this thread had made me plenty nervous; for example:
Originally Posted by
debracey
I disagree. 2.5 hrs is just enough time, not *plenty* of time. I personally wouldn't connect with < 3 hrs. Passport control & customs with baggage reclaim can easily take 2 hrs at busy times. Then you have to go through TSA, which might also be busy.
I called the GS number after booking, and they told me it would probably be okay (especially because I have Global Entry).
The return trip was this morning, and we actually arrived a little early. From deplaning through immigration, customs, and TSA (with PreCheck)--plus walking to the UC in T3--it took me 30 minutes. I ended up with an hour in the club. I will admit that I changed from my usual upper deck seat, to one near the door--so I could be one of the first off the plane.