We actually have a 12 hour layover in JFK. We go to LHR on the evening flight but we want to take full advantage of being in New York to see as many sights as possible. Is it allowed for a US citizen to go through the alien line? I would prefer we stick together as my husband's language skills aren't the best (he's from the Pacific Islands and a naturalized Aussie). Once in LAX, I tried to sneak him through the citizen line (June 2001) and we got chewed out but they did finally process him very rudely.

We will be in economy but should be platinum if the LAN segments post within 7 days. Good point though, I will book the seat assignments right now as far to the front as possible and with carry-on size backpacks we can outrun the people with the wheelie bags.