sadiqhassan

I am flying HKG-IAD (CX) which lands at 825pm. My final destination is Pittsburgh and unfortunately CX's partner, AA, doesn't have a flight until the next day and from DCA. UA has a 1025pm flight IAD-PIT. I am debating buying a seat on this flight if there is any chance I could make the connection on separate tickets (likely with checked baggage.) If I miss the flight, it is not a big deal, but I don't want to throw away the $150 for a one way IAD-PIT for no reason if this is a pipe dream and I have no chance of making it. Thanks!

Repooc17

Which cabin?

Do you have Global Entry?

Will you have checked luggage?

How risk adverse are you?

Often1

This is not a connection, so the risk is on you. UA's bag check deadline is T-45 and thus you only have 1:15 to make it from brakes locked on the inbound to bag check for UA (which is not particularly far from where you will exit CBP at IAD). Possibly doable if on time and have GE, but any delay and you likely are SOL having to purchase a new ticket and stay in a hotel.

CX interlines with UA. Have you checked the ticket price HKG-PIT with a connection at IAD? That would get you protection if you are delayed.

sadiqhassan

Thanks for the replies - no global entry. Probably checking bags but could do carry on only. Will be flying business class. HKG-IAD is on an AA award so can't add UA segments. I am quite risk averse but the only downside of missing the flight would be that I would be out the $150 for the ticket. My current ticket includes a flight DCA-PIT the next day and I have refundable hotel reservations for an overnight in IAD already.

IADCAflyer

8:25 pm is pretty late and there shouldn't be that many international arrivals that late.

JimInOhio

Are you sure you can cancel your hotel reservation that late in the evening without penalty?

Also, even though it's an AA award ticket, CX might check your bag all the way through if they have your UA reservation number. You might not know until you check in with them.

sadiqhassan

Thanks for all the advice - just wanted to update the thread with the final result. Parked at gate ~830pm. Some issue with jetbridge so did not deplane till 845pm. I was the first person in the immigration hall and was in line by 855pm. Line was very long - waited for about 20 minutes before realizing I could download mobile pass and that line was much shorter. I was in the baggage hall by 930pm and my checked bag was on the carousel (only checked through to DC). I carried it on for the next flight. Followed "transfer" signs which led me to a security area that had closed at 9pm so went to the departure area. No line at TSA precheck. Departing flight left from "C" gates and I was at my gate by about 945pm. Boarding started soon after at 955pm.

IADCAflyer

Thanks for the follow-up. Close shave, but you made it. If you had to check that bag, you probably would not have made it. You were also the first one off the plane. On the other hand, there were jetbridge issues which cost some time. And you were linking up to the final flight bank of the night so the IAD terminal and security check points are much lighter than, say, between 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm.

I think for less savvy passengers, 2:00 for a connect on different carriers is just a bit too tight. 2:30 would be a better cushion.

Often1

It all depends on risk tolerance. Here the onwards ticket was a micro-haul to PIT so worth the risk.

Little things such as jetway glitches, lines at CBP and the possibility of having to check a bag turn a smooth transfer into a no show quite easily.