Connecting from VS international to UA domestic at IAD (separate tickets) ...
Sep 26, 2018, 4:28 am
#16
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,309
You replied to my comment above but you really don’t seem to understand what i said. I said I’ve arrived many times and have been outside the airport completely done with all formalities within 40 minutes.
That time does include the mobile lounge. That time includes global entry. That time includes waiting for baggage. Usually by the tune you’ve taken the mobile lounge and gone through immigration the baggage is arriving on the belts. It’s quick. United’s check in counters are upstairs once you’re done with immigration. Sometimes they have a desk pen for luggage recheck at the baggage hall. Otherwise it’s a 5 minute walk. Don’t connect through Boston. That’s a ridiculous waste of time.
That time does include the mobile lounge. That time includes global entry. That time includes waiting for baggage. Usually by the tune you’ve taken the mobile lounge and gone through immigration the baggage is arriving on the belts. It’s quick. United’s check in counters are upstairs once you’re done with immigration. Sometimes they have a desk pen for luggage recheck at the baggage hall. Otherwise it’s a 5 minute walk. Don’t connect through Boston. That’s a ridiculous waste of time.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Sep 26, 2018 at 6:46 pm Reason: repaired quote
Sep 26, 2018, 4:40 am
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2015
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 685
It would help if you gave us the exact dates and times. There is a flight at 10:30PM from IAD to MCO, although maybe it doesn't run on your day.
The best I have done wheels-down to curb has been about 40-45 minutes - without a bag. The best I have done curb to C/D gate is about 20 minutes. So you have maybe 40 minutes of margin to collect your bag, stand in lines, and deal with any delays. This is not impossible, but is less margin than I would like.
The best I have done wheels-down to curb has been about 40-45 minutes - without a bag. The best I have done curb to C/D gate is about 20 minutes. So you have maybe 40 minutes of margin to collect your bag, stand in lines, and deal with any delays. This is not impossible, but is less margin than I would like.
You replied to my comment above but you really don’t seem to understand what i said. I said I’ve arrived many times and have been outside the airport completely done with all formalities within 40 minutes.
That time does include the mobile lounge. That time includes global entry. That time includes waiting for baggage. Usually by the tune you’ve taken the mobile lounge and gone through immigration the baggage is arriving on the belts. It’s quick. United’s check in counters are upstairs once you’re done with immigration. Sometimes they have a desk pen for luggage recheck at the baggage hall. Otherwise it’s a 5 minute walk. Don’t connect through Boston. That’s a ridiculous waste of time.
That time does include the mobile lounge. That time includes global entry. That time includes waiting for baggage. Usually by the tune you’ve taken the mobile lounge and gone through immigration the baggage is arriving on the belts. It’s quick. United’s check in counters are upstairs once you’re done with immigration. Sometimes they have a desk pen for luggage recheck at the baggage hall. Otherwise it’s a 5 minute walk. Don’t connect through Boston. That’s a ridiculous waste of time.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Sep 26, 2018 at 6:49 pm Reason: merging consecutive posts by same member
Sep 26, 2018, 5:57 am
#18
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Programs: UA MM, MB LifeTit
Posts: 1,830
I've also arrived at IAD internationally many times, I know all the tricks to get to the front of the group at immigration, and I don't think I've ever been at the curb in 40 minutes. All Global Entry gets you is a chance to wait for your checked bags. If you have checked bags, you won't make it.
FYI, you clear formalities in the main terminal. As I said before, I don't know if UA has anyone right there to check bags. If they don't, you have to go upstairs to the UA desk.
FYI, you clear formalities in the main terminal. As I said before, I don't know if UA has anyone right there to check bags. If they don't, you have to go upstairs to the UA desk.
Sep 26, 2018, 6:12 am
#19
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 622
First off the plane is, sadly, not often all that helpful at IAD. Everyone has to get onto the "Moving Lounges" and, unless you are lucky and just catch one still loading from a previous flight, you are generally waiting for the lounge to fill (i.e. waiting for the passengers getting off the plane behind you).
Unless things have changed recently (lived in DC until a year ago and have been back a few times since but last trip was March).
Unless things have changed recently (lived in DC until a year ago and have been back a few times since but last trip was March).
Sep 26, 2018, 6:31 am
#21
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: ORD
Programs: United Plat 2MM, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,727
Sep 26, 2018, 6:35 am
#22
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Programs: UA MM, MB LifeTit
Posts: 1,830
Sep 26, 2018, 6:37 am
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2015
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 685
Thank you so much for this info! I have no idea why this flight wasn't showing up on SkyScanner when I was searching for later options. That will be a perfect backup.
Sep 26, 2018, 6:41 am
#24
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Programs: UA MM, MB LifeTit
Posts: 1,830
I may be misinterpreting your use of the term "backup" but do a SDC to the 10:30 flight pre-departure and, if you get lucky on arrival you can stand-by for your original flight.
Sep 26, 2018, 6:50 am
#25
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: USA
Programs: Chase Sapphire Reserve, WFBF
Posts: 1,573
As long as the OP arrives at the United ticket counter within 2 hours of the missed flight, United should rebook onto the 10:30 PM flight. Obviously there is some level of risk here as the 10:30 PM flight may be sold out, but if that is the case it won't be possible to do a same-day change either.
Sep 26, 2018, 6:53 am
#26
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,309
I think you'll be fine. In my experience the foreign carriers at IAD do a pretty good job moving things along for their customers. when you get on the mobile lounge they'll tell you to go all the way to the back. Ignore them. Stay near the front. That way you'll get off quickly and get right through to global entry. I'm flying IAD - LHR on 10/5 so will be landing at Heathrow just as you're taking off for Dulles. Enjoy and safe travels.
Sep 26, 2018, 9:17 am
#27
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Dulles, VA
Programs: UA Life Gold, Marriott Life Titanium
Posts: 2,757
I've gotten home in Reston in less than 40 minutes from wheels-down on international flights, with checked bags, so you can certainly pull this off. Do keep in mind that 4:00 - 5:00 PM is the rush hour at security at Dulles. If you're Pre-check, you should be fine, but I think you will have to go upstairs instead of going through the first security line you come to after baggage transfer after Customs.
Sep 26, 2018, 9:24 am
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,386
It can be difficult to stand by with checked luggage. Not all agents will do it.
Sep 26, 2018, 10:16 am
#29
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
UA will change him to the later flight on request. If by chance he arrives in time to make the earlier flight and there is space, he can standby for the earlier flight or, more than likely, be issued a new BP given the timing.
Given the choice and OP's willingness to run to DCA and purchase a new ticket on AA, it would seem better to be assured of making it that night than to worry about availability on the day of travel.