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I’m travelling to LAX from LHR in Business next year with a tactical stop-off at JFK to maximise TP and retain BAEC Silver. It’s a straight through ticket sold by AA. The connection time between my BA flight landing (1600) and the AA departing is 1hr 25, which is deemed acceptable as the MCT is, apparently, 1hr 10 for these flights. That seems tight enough but, after doing a bit of research, I now discover that I have to collect luggage at JFK, do immigration, bag drop and then back through immigration. I’ve spoken with AA, who assure me this is entirely achievable…..and if it all goes wrong, they’ll put me on the next available flight. Has anyone else had a similar MCT at JFK, and did it turn out ok? Any tips on how to expedite my progress through JFK?
Use Global Entry if you have it?
JFK – Minimum Connection Time (MCT)
Thanks, just looking into that now.Yes, have done this plenty of times in the past, although with the luxury of GE and TSA-Pre. Rechecking bags is very simple as there is a dedicated drop off just after reclaim and before you exit into the arrivals hall. Of course can be hit or miss with security lines but you have the back up that AA will put you on the next flight anyway.
It’s likely someone will meet you off the flight with an express connections pass so pay attention to any staff around the jet bridge. You then use a seperate lane at immigration
The process is (and is standard for entering the US)
Immigration
Collect bags
Walk to bag drop (it’s just before the exit to landslide). You don’t go the check in desks.
Walk to security – but as you’re in business you can use the flagship check in area which will put you towards the front of the queue for security. If necessary they can also deal with rebooking,There is no additional immigration check.
If your onward flight is delayed there are usually staffers offering faster connection vouchers on the jetway to affected passengers (cabin crew may even make an announcement). If not they will rebook you and you should check the AA app for options.
TBH the delays are usually for bags rather than immigration which is a lot quicker than it used to me.
JFK – Minimum Connection Time (MCT)
Thanks, just looking into that now.Global Entry will not help you on this journey. You’ll need to attend an interview at JFK on arrival and that process alone is likely to take at least an hour.
Yes, have done this plenty of times in the past, although with the luxury of GE and TSA-Pre. Rechecking bags is very simple as there is a dedicated drop off just after reclaim and before you exit into the arrivals hall. Of course can be hit or miss with security lines but you have the back up that AA will put you on the next flight anyway.
All noted – TY
It’s likely someone will meet you off the flight with an express connections pass so pay attention to any staff around the jet bridge. You then use a seperate lane at immigration
Will do – thanks
The process is (and is standard for entering the US)
Immigration
Collect bags
Walk to bag drop (it’s just before the exit to landslide). You don’t go the check in desks.
Walk to security – but as you’re in business you can use the flagship check in area which will put you towards the front of the queue for security. If necessary they can also deal with rebooking,There is no additional immigration check.
If your onward flight is delayed there are usually staffers offering faster connection vouchers on the jetway to affected passengers (cabin crew may even make an announcement). If not they will rebook you and you should check the AA app for options.
TBH the delays are usually for bags rather than immigration which is a lot quicker than it used to me.
Thanks for clarifying!
JFK – Minimum Connection Time (MCT)
Thanks, just looking into that now.Global Entry will not help you on this journey. You’ll need to attend an interview at JFK on arrival and that process alone is likely to take at least an hour.
Thanks – maybe next time around then.
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