I'm returning from Europe to JFK at 3:30PM and my connecting flight leaves at 5:30PM. Will this be enough time to get through Customs and security? Delta says it will but they also say it's the airports problem and not theirs if I miss the connection because of Customs or security. Any advice?

It's anybodies guess how long it will take there, it all depends on how many planes come in when yours does and how many lanes are open. My last time through (December) we were the only plane, and getting to immigration there was nobody in front of us. We were the second in line at the booth for immigration.

Pick up your bags, and zip right out of the customs line, that is usually not a delay at all.

You didn't say if you were a US Citizen or not, so if you are not all of this probably wouldn't be valid, that line was a bit longer.

I have also been in line for about an hour to get through immigration, it all depends on the number of flights.

I know my experiences in JFK are somewhat anomolous, but in the last couple of years - perhaps a couple of dozen arrivals into T7 (UA) - the longest it took me to clear both immigration (with or without the INSPass working) and customs was perhaps three minutes: seriously. I only have carryons (I keep my longterm stuff overseas), and am usually within the first batch of 10 or 20 people to deplane, so the lines have not formed. 99% of my arrivals into JFK are from Asia.

It depends which airline you're flying.

In my experience, Terminal 7 (BA, UA, Icelandair) is particularly speedy. My recent experiences at Delta (Terminal 3) have been quick too. It's really just American (Terminal 8) where it's been slow.

There are a few things that can help you...
You can walk between Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4 or between Terminals 6 and 7. If you CAN walk, be sure to do it. It's much, much faster than the bus.

Use carry-ons or interline your bags. That way you can get through JFK unencumbered by checked baggage.

If you don't have checked bags, you can check in for your Delta flight using an automated kiosk; the lines for domestic check-in can be very long in the afternoon.

Finally, the "red coats"--agents handling the check-in lobby at Delta are usually very helpful. If you're running late, let them know and they can get you on your way.

Bon voyage!

Mats (former JFK employee)

Actually, my experiences have been good at Terminal 8 with AA. very quick transfer and processing especially when I go to EZE

I've also had good experiences with AA in terminal 8. Usually less than 5 minutes, but since I usually don't check any bags, I am often at the front of the line.

in the last two years I arrived (transatlantic) 6 times (once with LH after sep-11) at JFK (4 times with LH, 2 times with UA) always in the very early afternoon.

I never had to wait more than 5 minutes to clear immigration.

If you arrive on Delta (terminal 3), you should be fine... even as a visitor, clearing immigration and customs was a breeze all of 2001.

Don't worry about your connection - there shouldn't be a problem. I never missed a connection there.

Recently came in via AA at T8. Was a bit of a mess, took more than 20 minutes to clear immigration due to 2 flights getting in at the same time and only 3 agents for all non-US citizens.

an immigration-queing-tip for non-US-passport-holders (worked for me at UA-IAD several times):

I take the 'line' next to the US-passport-holders. Often, after all/most US-passport-holders have passed through that next line, they change that desk to 'for non-US-passport-holders'. I keep my eyes open and will be ready (like at the start of a 100m sprint ...).

[This message has been edited by Rudi (edited 02-18-2002).]

I often do this overseas as well. Also, I usually get in a line that is next to an open desk, with the assumption that another agent may open it up if a large enough crowd forms.