RohitS

Apologies if this would be better suited in a NYC/AA forum

I am looking at flights on Finnair to the USA (HEL-SFO, via JFK to take advantage of the Transcon AA).

There are 2 options, one with a roughly 2 hour connection in JFK (T8 I believe), and one with a 5 hour connection.

Is 2 hours enough time for an Intl-dom Finnar-AA connection?

Thanks!

ffay005

In the direction HEL-JFK-SFO, two hours might not be enough. It depends totally on US immigration, which could take two minutes, or an hour. You could risk it and book it, and they'll put you on the later flight if you miss your intended flight. However, if the later flight is full, that would be problematic. Or you could take the later flight, and stand by for the earlier one if you reach the gate on time.

For SFO-JFK-HEL, two hours is more than enough. Basically you walk from one gate to the other, and this takes 15 minutes at most.

OHTOW

I've done it several times with scheduled approx 2 hour connection time. Never missed, but always stressed. Some cases they will hand over the Orange Express Pass at the AY005 disembarkation gate to bypass the long queues at the terminal re-entry security. With returning ESTA and the immigration kiosks working, you have the chance to be at the luggage carousel waiting before those are unloaded. And another way around, one hour queue at immigration and you will miss the connection. Take the chance, if you have the option of being late and re-scheduled for later flights; just my 2cents. Hand luggage only might save you some valuable time.

Coming back with 2 hour connection or less, is no-brainer as no outbound immigration or re-entry security, sometimes next gate and you will have plenty of time for the AA Flagship lounge.

florens

I agree with ffay005. Personally I would plan more time (5h), so immigration / customs is not stressful and you can take enjoy the Flagship lounge at JFK (have a shower, eat, drink, relax) before the transcon. I did the same last year.

OHTOW

Agree with ffay005. I've done this HEL-JFK-SFO many times during the approx 20 years missing direct flight HEL-SFO. Most of those with approx plusminus 2 hours connection. Luckily, never missed. But, always stressed.

RohitS

It's meant to be a relaxing Californian holiday, so longer connection it is!

Thanks all!

NoWindowSeat

That’s a good call, my record from AY5 doors open to Flagship is 30-35mins but that doesn’t happen often. 2 hours is definitely stressful transfer at JFK (from int’l) as other have said.

miamiflyer8

My record is making a 5:25PM departure on SBY from LGA 78 minutes after AY5 doors opened. Even missed the check in deadline by 3min but luckily the agent let me on. Even my checked bags made it.

ffay005

Well, that's really something!

Ukki

My experience from yesterday, HEL-JFK-PHX with 1h35m connection time.

Due to late departure and heavy head wind, AY5 landed 31 min late, at 15:21 (according to FlightRadar). Orange Express Connection pass was given at arrival gate. By rushing I was on Gate 43 for PHX at 16:04, 21 min before departure. I think this is quite close to practical minimum since there was no delay in immigration and only some waiting time in security check.

miamiflyer8

Glad you made it, AA agents are notorious for closing the door way early so that could've been an obstruction too.