Connection duration in the US

Connection duration in the US

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Discussion

theboyfold

Original Poster:

11,170 posts

241 months

Thursday 30th July 2009
quotequote all
Currently looking to book flights to the States for my Stag Do and have noticed some airlines suggest very short connection times.

With all the trips I've made over there, I don't actually think I've ever connected in the States before. So what I need to know are what is the process? Do I have to clear immigration before picking up the domestic flight? If that is the case, is 90 minutes enough to make the next flight? With a 20 minute delay and up to an hour to clear customs we could be very tight in making the flight.

What do you normally suggest in terms of a connection time?

Puggit

49,091 posts

263 months

Thursday 30th July 2009
quotequote all
You do have to clear immigration on first arrival, and it's a pain in the ass.

If you need to make the connection (for instance it's the last one of the day), then allow 3 hours.

theboyfold

Original Poster:

11,170 posts

241 months

Thursday 30th July 2009
quotequote all
If you miss your connection I'm guessing they will try and bump you to the next flight, but they can't promise it. Also with there being 4 of us it could be tricky as the connection is on a Embraer EMB-145

Puggit

49,091 posts

263 months

Thursday 30th July 2009
quotequote all
It does very much depend on the airport and the time of day. I understand Chicago is one of the biggest pains.

theboyfold

Original Poster:

11,170 posts

241 months

Thursday 30th July 2009
quotequote all
Chicago is one option, Newark and Houston are the others at the moment.

SwanJack

1,936 posts

287 months

Thursday 30th July 2009
quotequote all
I found Chicago immigration very relaxed.

ViperDave

5,649 posts

268 months

Thursday 30th July 2009
quotequote all
90 mins may be a legal connection but there is likely no slack for anything going wrong. in addition to immigration you have to collect your bags and clear customs, both of which could take seconds or a lot lot more. you are likely also to have a terminal change at both Huston and Newark (cant comment on Chicago) and you will have to go through TSA screening before being let into the main terminal. This can also add plenty of time as well We budget at least 2 hours and preferably nearer 3, better to have more time, stop have a bite to eat and get where your going on the day you expect rather than rush and miss a connection.

Edited by ViperDave on Thursday 30th July 13:04

theboyfold

Original Poster:

11,170 posts

241 months

Thursday 30th July 2009
quotequote all
Have just found flights at a very good price via Houston with a 3 hour stop over. Will book it in the morning if I can get tickets for the NFL match at the same time smile

F i F

46,822 posts

266 months

Thursday 30th July 2009
quotequote all
shock horror probe The boyfold wanting to turn up early for a party!!!

(In-joke, many apologies and very sorry to those not in the know) Arf Arf

theboyfold

Original Poster:

11,170 posts

241 months

Friday 31st July 2009
quotequote all
F i F said:
shock horror probe The boyfold wanting to turn up early for a party!!!

(In-joke, many apologies and very sorry to those not in the know) Arf Arf
biggrin

Very funny!!