2 hour Intl -> Domestic transfer @ JFK?

[Mal]

In November, I will be arriving at JFK from LHR (BA J) and then wanting to fly domestically on AA.

The BA plane is expected to arrive at 1:30pm. I have several flight options including:

3:30pm (ex JFK) (Gets me where I want to be around 3 hours earlier than LGA option)
5:40pm (Ex LGA).

Havn't looked at other airlines yet.

I know that you can transfer from JFK to LGA in around an hour via shuttle bus or taxi.

Normally a 2 hour Intl-Dom connection in the U.S fits outside my transfer risk profile. I would prefer 3 hours at a minimum at JFK. (Leave plane, clear customs, checkin/recheck bag, clear security). I'm not sure if I would have express security clearance or not.

What's the general consensus on whether I should risk the 2 hour connection @ JFK (probably hand luggage only but maybe checked bag) or should I just take the 5:30pm flight ex LGA and all the mucking around it entails?

There is a ~$100 price difference between the two fares as well with the LGA one being more expensive.

(I also have a 3 hour AA Y Intl-> BA J Intl @ JFK as well, but not too worried about that. Should be ok esp if just hand baggage and hopefully BA would be kind if I misconnected even though seperate tickets)

Any weather type delays normally occurring in November? Should be too early for snow...

 

[stryker]

In November, I will be arriving at JFK from LHR (BA J) and then wanting to fly domestically on AA.

The BA plane is expected to arrive at 1:30pm. I have several flight options including:

3:30pm (ex JFK) (Gets me where I want to be around 3 hours earlier than LGA option)
5:40pm (Ex LGA).

Havn't looked at other airlines yet.

I know that you can transfer from JFK to LGA in around an hour via shuttle bus or taxi.

Normally a 2 hour Intl-Dom connection in the U.S fits outside my transfer risk profile. I would prefer 3 hours at a minimum at JFK. (Leave plane, clear customs, checkin/recheck bag, clear security). I'm not sure if I would have express security clearance or not.

What's the general consensus on whether I should risk the 2 hour connection @ JFK (probably hand luggage only but maybe checked bag) or should I just take the 5:30pm flight ex LGA and all the mucking around it entails?

There is a ~$100 price difference between the two fares as well with the LGA one being more expensive.

(I also have a 3 hour AA Y Intl-> BA J Intl @ JFK as well, but not too worried about that. Should be ok esp if just hand baggage and hopefully BA would be kind if I misconnected even though seperate tickets)

Any weather type delays normally occurring in November? Should be too early for snow...

I have a bit of a similar situation to negotiate next week. I am ticketed to transfer SFO Intl-Intl in just less than 2 hours. I'm not confident it will happen, though the computer says it is a legal connection. If I don't make it, there is another flight to my destination with seats available about 90 mins later, so this may be an option. Failing that, I will be having a night in SFO at my own expense (but I can handle that).

As for your own situation, unless the airline will cover you, I would not attempt a 2 hour connection at JFK, particularly when you have to change terminals. A taxi to LGA shouldn't take more than 40 mins, unless you are very unlucky. But what about other options ex JFK, eg US, DL, etc, etc. I know you might not get the miles, but at least you will get there (wherever it is).

I always try to have a plan B and C, because if you don't and events conspire against you, you may have big problems.

 

[Mal]

I ended up taking a 5pm connection out of LGA. Booked myself into P class (F cabin) which will give me flexibility if my incoming is late for only around 3x the cheapest price available. (and due to LGA and JFK being "similar" airports, I have the ability to shift onto an earlier flight at JFK if for whatever reason if I fly in way too early and there are seats free).

The other good thing is reasonable refund rights if American immigration takes offence to me or my plans change

I have a crazy cascade of flights on this trip and little room for misconnects. Hopefully the dominoes will correctly fall into place.

 

[Reggie]

I have a bit of a similar situation to negotiate next week. I am ticketed to transfer SFO Intl-Intl in just less than 2 hours. I'm not confident it will happen, though the computer says it is a legal connection. If I don't make it, there is another flight to my destination with seats available about 90 mins later, so this may be an option. Failing that, I will be having a night in SFO at my own expense (but I can handle that).

As for your own situation, unless the airline will cover you, I would not attempt a 2 hour connection at JFK, particularly when you have to change terminals. A taxi to LGA shouldn't take more than 40 mins, unless you are very unlucky. But what about other options ex JFK, eg US, DL, etc, etc. I know you might not get the miles, but at least you will get there (wherever it is).

I always try to have a plan B and C, because if you don't and events conspire against you, you may have big problems.

stryker, I had a int to int transfer at SFO, but longer time difference. Assuming your flight arrives on time, the 2 hours should be no problems, it was the easiest and quickest entry I have had into the US.

 

[Dave Noble]

What's the general consensus on whether I should risk the 2 hour connection @ JFK (probably hand luggage only but maybe checked bag) or should I just take the 5:30pm flight ex LGA and all the mucking around it entails?

I would expect to make the connection. Is it genuinely a connection i.e. are you booking it as a single ticketed itinerary; if so, then there is no reason not to go for it since , should there be a delay, the airline is responsible for getting you to your destination.

If it is 2 separate bookings, then there is a risk, but personally, I would go for it. 2 hours should be ok to get from T7 to T8/8

If concerened about the 2 hour connect, rather than going to LGA, couldn't you take an earlier departure out of LHR. BA has an 08:55 departure and AA has an 08:30 departure which arrive at 11:20 and 11:00 respectively

Dave

 

[stryker]

stryker, I had a int to int transfer at SFO, but longer time difference. Assuming your flight arrives on time, the 2 hours should be no problems, it was the easiest and quickest entry I have had into the US.

Thanks for that Reggie.

My experience with SFO is that the UA flight from SYD can land just after a flight from TPE where few of the Pax have clear entry papers.

Then what???

 

[cssaus]

Thanks for that Reggie.

My experience with SFO is that the UA flight from SYD can land just after a flight from TPE where few of the Pax have clear entry papers.

Then what???

That's when it's nice to have an APEC card