Kuwait Air Through Check-In
 

Will be flying from London (LHR) to JFK through to Buffalo, NY in early May via Kuwait Air and JetBlue. Having trouble getting straight answer if it is possible to check bags at Heathrow direct to Buffalo or if we must retrieve bags at JFK, re-check bags with JetBlue, and go through security lines again.

How much time between flights should we allow?

Welcome to FT BuffaloBob!

I am not sure about your specific situation, but in general, international arriving passengers collect their checked bags before proceeding through US customs. If the bag is checked through to Buffalo, you would drop it at the baggage recheck, otherwise you would need to go to the JetBlue counter. In either case, you have to go through security again, as you've had contact with your checked baggage.

The exception to this would be departure points where they do US pre-clearance (you go through US immigration and customs before boarding your originating flight), I don't think they do this at LHR, but I could be wrong.

djk7 has it in one. Unless you pre-clear, you must collect your bags at the first point of entry to the US and recheck them. Pre-clearance is not offered anywhere in Europe except for DUB and SNN.

You will need to allow 3 hours minimum for your connection, as the immigration lines at JFK can be pretty epic.

Thanks for the welcome and info. As an international traveler newbie the replies covered all my questions and concerns.