Originally Posted by
Often1
OP has incorrect information. The MCT for ORD for I-D BA-UA is 90 minutes. That is simply the "legal" minimum at which BA will accept a passenger for a connection -- thus a single ticket -- to UA. If the passenger is traveling on separate tickets, MCT is irrelevant.
If this is on a single ticket, 2:20 is plenty of time and the passenger will be rebooked by BA if it delivers her late to ORD. If on separate tickets, I generally advise no less than 3 times the MCT as a rule of thumb because missing the UA flight will mean that the ticket (and any onwards or return segments on that ticket) will be cancelled and will retain whatever value they retain under the fare rules (generally nothing). This would mean purchasing a new ticket.
Thus, all a risk tolerance assessment.
Doesn't UA have a semi-official flat tire rule to cover missed flights? I wouldn't automatically assume she wouldn't be accommodated.
If the BA flight is going to be late then it's likely that's known before leaving LHR in which the problem can be dealt with up front, including being put on the earlier BA flight or an AA flight to ORD.
Originally Posted by
cheltzel
The 0:40 DD connection is only for some specific UA-UA connections. EF has the correct default ID MCT (90 minutes). As long as the BA flight is more or less on time, there should be no issue.
When the OP's wife clears immigration and customs, she will need to use the UA check in desks before she clears the sterile area. She can check her bags and get her onward boarding pass. It will make the transit a lot easier. She will be able to go directly to TSA security when she arrives at T3.
Since the arriving flight is on BA, I suspect she will be on separate tickets for her international flight as opposed to her domestic connection.
OP said she'll have carry-on luggage only. UA is in
T1.