Transfer Time at AUH
 

I have a flight coming in from India to AUH at 6:35 AM biz class, then AUH -> JFK at 10 AM on F class.

These are on separate PNRs booked via AA. Normally 3:30 hrs would seem to be more than enough for a transfer, but in this case, I'll likely have to move my baggage by hand from the transfer to check in and re-enter. Add to that flying to the US means that I have to go through US customs/immigration at AUH. My recollection is that US customs/immigration is in the old terminal, so additional time will be required to go there. I think you have to start going there at least 1:30 in advance.

My recollection is that F/biz at AUH have a separate entry area, so that should be quick. Not sure if AUH has expedited exit for biz class the way DOH does.

1) do I have enough time to make the transfer comfortably? Ideally, I'd like to spend half an hour or so in the F class lounge at AUH, but that is secondary.
2) Can I get AUH or AA (the booking airline) to merge PNRs together, so I don't have to bother with moving the luggage? Will AUH move the luggage automatically even for 2 separate PNRs if I tell them so when I check in in India?
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Thanks for any thoughts.

I don't have an answer to your question about linking the PNRs/checking through, but I think that should be more than enough time, even if you have to collect bags and check in again. Immigration is usually pretty fast and once you get out to the arrivals area, you just take the elevator up to level 3 to get to the First and Business check in area, which located on the right side of the hall. I would imagine it shouldn't take more than 30 minutes from plane to arrivals, depending on how long the baggage takes of course.

My recollection is that US customs/immigration is in the old terminal, so additional time will be required to go there.

FYI, the US CBP is now in the new terminal as well. There is no longer any operations at all in the old terminal.

To follow up on this, the check in agent in India gave me 2 boarding passes, and checked my bags through all the way to JFK. Very easy.

It might have helped that I was in J and F class, but I think Etihad will likely do it for any passenger.