redfrog

If I travel from Paris to Charlotte and have 2 hours and 30 minutes to get to my connecting flight (on a Friday or Saturday), is this enough time to get through customs/immigrations and still get to my connecting flight at Charlotte? What happens if the lines are so long and I miss my connecting flight? Do I have to get a new flight at my own expense? Do the airlines (AA) help with this? Sorry if this is a dumb question - I haven't flown much in recent years but hope to change that. Thanks!

JMontpelier

Is this all on one ticket? Or booked on separate tickets?
Do you have Global Entry?
Will you have checked luggage?

redfrog

It is one ticket/one reservation for a one way flight from Paris, with a connection in Charlotte. No checked luggage. Do not have Global Entry

777lover

They will assist you in rebooking

AndyAA

Outside of a very, very delayed flight, you'll be fine. As yes, in your situation, AA will get you on another flight in case you miss your connection.

JJeffrey

With no bags 2.5 hrs is plenty of time.

At CLT, once you pass through immigration/customs/security you'll wish that you only had a 1.5 hr connection versus 2.5.

Hornetcoach

You have plenty of time and AA will rebook you on the next available flight. My experience last year in Charlotte, we arrived late and baggage was very slow. When I got my bag I went through customs and there was a person diverting passengers who would misconnect. Sent us to a check in desk instead of just a baggage drop. This was about 5:50pm, my flight was 6:20pm. The check in desk was quite slow. The next flight at about 8pm was full so they confirmed me on the last flight, about 10pm but put me on standby for the 8pm flight. Eventually my standby cleared and they put me in first class. This is not unusual for misconnects, they will try to take care of you. When I finished at the check in desk I went to see if I would have made my original flight. It was slow because I had to go through security again. I made it to the gate about 6:15pm, the plane was there but the flight was closed, doors shut.

FAA1996

It sounds like you would have made the connection if you hadn't wanted time at the check in desk. I would have been very upset.

Hardlanding

Try using the CBP MPC app. It is easy and quick to complete and then you can use the Global Entry lanes.

Hornetcoach

I was a bit upset at first because I thought I could make my flight but I wasn’t expecting to have to go through security changing terminals. The real issue was how slow baggage claim was. Anyway if I had made the flight there is a good chance my bags wouldn’t have made.

pauleeepaul

Hahaha

Find a barstool and relax

ZenFlyer

Just to clarify, since you say you are out of the habit of flying, the reason everyone is saying with confidence that AA would help with a misconnect is because your flights are part of single reservation. If you had two separate reservations the airline might assist but would not be obliged to.

redfrog

Never heard of this, thanks! is this something I can do ahead of time (like before I even leave USA), or is this something I do on my flight on the way home for example?

ZenFlyer

See detailed information here: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citize...ssport-control

redfrog

So I would also have to have Global Entry for this, is that correct? The app is free, but global entry is not free. Maybe I am mis-understanding what you are saying, so clarification is appreciated. Thanks!