Minimum Connection Time - Etihad at JFK
 

Hi,

I didn't find anything posted on Minimum Connection Times for JFK. I will be arriving from PHX on Delta airlines (#1994) and then transferring to Abu Dhabi on Etihad Airways. What is the minimum time I should allow between flights? I believe both airlines are in the same Terminal 4 at JFK.

Any advice on checking luggage through with Delta?

Thanks!

MCT only applies to an itinerary booked on the same ticket, not two separate tickets.

Nevertheless, you'll need to allow upwards of 3 hours.

Are you on one ticket or two?

It is on two tickets.

If you are on two tickets, there is no such thing as MCT. MCT is simply a carrier's willingness to accept the risks associated with a misconnect. If you are on two tickets, you have accepted the risk. If you were on one ticket and your DL flight is late and you miss your onward, DL would rebook you.

As it stands, if you no show for your xJFK, your ticket may be cancelled and what happens next will depend on your fare conditions and the charity of EY. Could be anything from having to purchase a new ticket at then prevailing prices to simply being issued a boarding pass for the flight the next day.

It is also extremely unlikely that DL will check your bags all the way through. This will mean claiming your bags at JFK, dragging them to EY, checking them and reclearing security.

I would allow a minimum of 4 hours to allow for all of this and to give yourself a cushion against delays as you have no protection from the carriers.

+1 to all of the above, but particularly to checking the fare conditions of your EY ticket. If they allow you to change to a subsequent EY flight with little or no charge, you can be a bit more relaxed about the possibility of a missed connection (though even then, there will be the matter of seat availability). But if they require high change fees or even buying a new ticket, the risk obviously becomes much greater. Also be aware of alternatives you can try for the domestic leg if your DL flight is canceled or seriously delayed.

So, I agree that you should shoot for at least four hours, and even more if possible. Hope it all works out.

Agree with all that has been said about MCT, fare conditions etc.

In respect of fare conditions please bear in mind that most semi-flex fares need proactive management of the situation, if your connections becomes at risk. Often you can rebook for relatively modest fee, if - but only if! - you do so (e.g. by phone) before check-in of the second flight closes. No shows, in contrast, are often treated much harsher by fare rules than voluntary changes.