Originally Posted by
eefor jfp
Can someone explain to me how pre-clearance saves time if it involves an extra stop in Ireland? Looking at the BA timetable it says that the 0945 LCY flight arrives at JFK at 1355. The 0940 flight from LHR arrives at 1210. That's 1:45 minutes longer than if you just cleared customs at JFK to be at the same "door-to-door" overall time frame (OK, maybe not counting that LCY check-in is faster than LHR check-in). Plus you still have to wait for your bags (if you check them) with the LCY flight even if you don't have to deal with immigration.
Maybe having global entry means that I am jaded but does it really take someone 1:45 to clear US immigration at JFK?
Pre clearance take place during the refuling stop the plane has to make anyway.
Yes immigration can take that long - and sometimes longer
People may also save time by e.g. LCY being easier to get to / closer to home and the later check-in cut off time.
As to bags - there are a lot less of them on plane with 32 pax than there is with one with 200 pax so it really is very quick.
LCY works for some passengers. LHR works better for others.