linglingfool

AA should be quite flexible in rerouting due to a schedule change. If you don't absolutely need to arrive at LGW, take the three hour time savings and gently but firmly push AA to reroute you on a non-stop service. If you have the flight numbers handy when you call and know exactly what to ask for, your odds improve nicely.

allthem

Is this an award ticket? If so, you can probably get them to reaccommodate you on the AA JFK--> LHR flight and save ~$1100 in fees.

grandsquirrel

Hi everybody, and thanks for all your help.
After reading all the posts, I have decided that I will definitely not leave this alone and change my itinerary.
I just called AA again and the agent would just not believe that the MCT is 2 hours betwen terminals 8 and 7 for domestic->international flights. I told him I keep getting emails from AA, to no avail.
He did offer to rebook me on the super inconvenient flight, but would not agree to reroute on a direct flight because the second flight is on BA. The only Oneworld direct flights I saw are BA 284 and BA 286. Not sure if that adds another hurdle that no AA flights fly that route that day.
I refused the offer and will try again tomorrow at another time with another agent who hopefully will be more helpful.

Andriyko

AA codeshares with BA on the direct SFO-LHR flights. Perhaps the reason that the agent refused to rebook you onto one (even though AA's rebooking options allow it when there is a lost connection) is because he or she did not 'believe' you that you actually had lost the connection. Ask to speak to a supervisory next time you call if you're going nowhere with your rerouting request.

JJeffrey

When you call back, look up the AA codeshare flight numbers for the SFO-LHR flights and ask for those specifically. This can sometimes make it easier for an agent.

So rather than asking for BA 284 SFO-LHR, say something like "it looks like there is an AA flight 6789 from SFO-LHR, can you rebook me to that" and go from there. Don't mention anything about the flight being operated by BA initially.

If they were to give you any more slack about the flight being operated by BA, ask them how that's any different from your current booking through JFK. This should be a relatively easy change however as with all things AA these days you may have to HUCA a few times.

Often1

AA will see immediately that they are rebooking onto BA. At a front line level, agents know they are empowered to book across the two carriers. At a business level, they are empowered because it is a JV and thus a revenue neutral decision.

EGLK FLYER

wetrat0

The published MCT for ID Terminal 7 to Terminal 8 is 1:45. AA does not publish a DD connection time for Terminal 7 to Terminal 8 but there's no reason it would be more than 1:45. The standard DD MCT is 1 hour.

That being said, 1:54 would be too close for comfort for many people on a terminal change at JFK. You may still have luck getting the agent to change the flights. Key suggestion: have the flight number(s) for the flight(s) you want before you call. You will have much better luck if you feed the flight numbers to the agent than if you ask them to find an alternate flight for you.

EGLK FLYER

GNRMatt

I have an upcoming trip starting at JFK (not my usual airport). A lot of the reviews of the off-site parking facilities have some pretty negative items, specifically around their shuttle services not being all that great and timely. I'm debating between using the airport's long term parking and the short term Red parking right next to Terminal 8. The difference in price is about $200 vs. $400 for my stay.

I see for the long term that the AirTrain is involved. It's going to be 2 adults carrying 2 full size checked bags, 2 carry-on bags, plus 2 backpacks. How much of a pain is it going to be with this much luggage using the AirTrain? I know everyone's opinion is going to vary, but I'm curious of others' experience with this, and if it is significantly easier to park right next to the terminal. Also, how often does the AirTrain run to the long term parking lot?

Thanks in advance!

TravellingSalesman

IMO the AirTrain experience is fairly smooth, possibly smoother than taking a shuttle. For $200 difference I would definitely take the AirTrain. They run fairly frequently, too (every few minutes).

JTK

Drop off your luggage at the terminal and have one person wait while the other parks in long term. Air train runs fairly often so the wait should not be to bad.

FlyingWelshie

I am planning to book LHR-JFK (AA105) and JFK-LAX (AA300). The connection time is 140 minutes which I assume is plenty.

Just a few points. As I will have a "new" esta cam I still use a booth or will need to see an agent. Also is T8 a busy time at 6pm (Thursday in early December)

JJeffrey

Yea, 2 hr 20 mins will be plenty of time. Might be a few other flights around that time, but by and large arriving at 6pm at T8 will not be an exceedingly busy time. Not sure on the ESTA question.

george 3

I don't know where you are driving in from, but Uber may be far far less money. Also, I'm a HUGE proponent of using the LIRR (or subway) to Jamaica to access the AirTrain. If you are concerned with all of your baggage and stuff, don't worry, you will be among many families with plenty of gear on the AirTrain (and the LIRR for that matter).