Dallas Fort Worth DFW 1h25m International to International transit enough time?

[qhillihp]

Hi all, I'm looking at a Qantas trip from Sydney to Mexico City with a layover in DFW of 1h25m (13:00 landing, 14:25 departing).

Is 1 hour 25 minutes enough time to transfer? I can't find any info on this for international to international transfer in DFW.

I understand I'll have to clear customs > collect lugagge > drop off baggage > enter security again > get to gate.

The next best option is United with a 4h29m layover in LAX, which I'd rather avoid.

Cheers.

 

[RooFlyer]

I would say - no, not enough time. Departure isn't really 14:25 - you would be boarding 30 to 45 mins before that, with a cut off maybe 15 mins before. You would be relying on the QF flight arriving dead on time - possible, but I wouldn't bet on it.

It sounds like you'll have a QF flight number all the way through, so the bags should be checked through, but if not, you'll have to pick up your bags, clear customs and then re-check at the onward carrier's check-in counters.

As you observe, you'll have to re-clear security for your onward flight irrespective of whether your bags are checked though or not - don't underestimate the time this might take.

If you have an ePassort which you've travelled with your ESTA on to the USA before (ugh! sorry about the grammar), you can use electronic passport gates, if not, its the queue and that's another possible delay.

If the only choices are the two you mention, I would go with the 4h29m without hesitation. Its not as if you'll be hanging around for all that time.

 

[BVT]

Hmmm.

I have a 90 minute connection from QF7 to QF4391 at DFW next week. I have been wondering about connection times, too.

Do they have a "fast track" for nominated tight connections as I have seen at LAX?

I have an ePassport, but a new - replacement for an expired - ETSA only just acquired. Does this mean that I cannot use the SmartGates? Th last time I was at DFW the queues were enormous and moved with a speed that made glaciers appear to be speedy!

Grateful for any observations, advice etc.

 

[Matt_01]

DFW is easy to transfer through, 1hr25 will be tight. If you can get off the plane quickly and get to front of the line that helps, if you can use ePassport that will also speed things up. Getting through immigration, collecting luggage, customs and bag drop off is all relatively painless. I find the biggest delay can be going back through security, in my experience there is always a number PAX who have no idea how to prepare for US security's clearance so this can easily slow the transfer process. If there are any delays in arrival time things could get worse.

 

[RooFlyer]

I'm pretty sure that if you have been through US immigration with an ePassport but a new ESTA, you can't use the electronic gates - but some-one may correct me. When I went through Dulles a month ago, there was a guy at the entrance to the 'ESTA' rope line who was asking "Used your ESTA before?" I said yes and he waved me though. Don't know what would have happened if I said 'no', but I don't think I could have proceeded that way.

On the same trip I allowed a 90 min connection in Miami when I had immigration and customs pre-clearance (so it was essentially a domestic flight). With a 20 min arrival delay, I just made it to the departure gate at the start of boarding. For a separate, full international arrival with domestic connection at MIA on the same trip, I allowed 3.5 hrs.

Here is a resource for immigration wait times at US airports. Note it doesn't include customs nor re-entry security.

 

[BVT]

Many thanks for your insights. Your comments re ETSA accord with my dim memory of what I have heard and read here.

I called QF and they said to leave it as it is - do not change flights - and, if there is an issue AA will sort it out at DFW for me; there are plenty of alternate flights. Shame about my plans for that night in NYC!

 

[RooFlyer]

That's true; if you mis-connect you will be 'protected' if its all on the one ticket - just don't take Qantas' word for alternative flights - check for yourself they are practical and not, say, via Tallahassee.

 

[Dr Ralph]

In my experience under 1 hr and 30 min is not going to happen. I allow a minimum of 2 hours. I often just make it in the 2 hours.

If I was you I'd make sure my journey is booked all the way through with one carrier.

 

[qhillihp]

Thanks for the comments everyone. It's all on the one ticket through Aunt Betty (not direct with Qantas). The connecting flight is "Qantas Airways 4407 Operated by American Airlines", so luggage might be checked through... though I thought that all USA flights needed you to collect luggage off the belt at the first port of entry.

Damn, I really wanted to fly Qantas rather than United with longer layovers (4hrs there, 6 hrs back). I am tempted to give it a go and see if I make it by some fluke, and then still feel 'protected' if I don't. But of course, that's a stress.

 

[RooFlyer]

With a QF flight number on an AA flight, your bags will be checked through.

QF 4407 at 14:25 is AA flight AA2350. There's another AA flight DFW-MEX at 16:40. If you really want to fly QF/AA (and I don't blame you, over UA), can you get a QF flight number on the 16:40 departure? If not, an AA flight number (probably cheaper)? Even if you have to collect your bags and re-check in that case#, you have plenty of time to do so.

# I'm not sure of the situation with recent OW changes.

 

[dajop]

Really it's a personal decision. Some people would find it too stressful, others like living life on the edge and would do it. I'm happy with tight connections if they are protected, and if the personal consequences of a significant delay aren't too bad (ie. not goingto attend a special event, start tour/cruise etc).

You will be protected, but
1) It seems it could be a bit of a rush, and a bit stressful. Some personalities will not cope well with that.
2) Bear in mind if the following flight is full, then there could be a significant delay. If delay is due to weather or ATC, and you can't get a flight that afternoon/evening, you may have to pay for own accommodation that night. Again, some personalities may not cope well with that stress.
3) Most people get to gate 45 mins before departure, and boarding oftens starts 30-35 mins out. If you are late to gate they may give your seat away, even with BP... although if you have checked luggage, that may provide a degree of protection against this,

BTW, published minimum connection time for QF-AA international to international is 1:20, so is protected.

 

[RooFlyer]

<snip>
2) Bear in mind if the following flight is full, then there could be a significant delay. If delay is due to weather or ATC, and you can't get a flight that afternoon/evening, you may have to pay for own accommodation that night. Again, some personalities may not cope well with that stress.<snip>

... and the delay accommodation may not be claimable against travel insurance, as I learned to my cost on a recent trip through the USA. YMMV on travel insurance, of course, but mine is pretty comprehensive.

 

[dajop]

... and the delay accommodation may not be claimable against travel insurance, as I learned to my cost on a recent trip through the USA. YMMV on travel insurance, of course, but mine is pretty comprehensive.

I self-insure for non-medical items ... too many exclusions and hassle that comprehensive TI often seems not worthwhile. Following cancelled flight a couple of weeks ago flying UA, travelling with my mum, her TI was no good as accommodation price was less than excess. My self insurance policy then kicked in

 

[qhillihp]

Nice idea, but no go. I just tried now again to do it as separate fares but it is costs hundreds more. As one ticket, 'sale' fares aren't available for that other AA flight.

So for now I have bought the United ticket. As a side note @RooFlyer, why do you say "I don't blame you"? Bad experiences? I'm actually curious to see if United's new (as of 2016) Dreamliner 787-9 is much better for its humidity and pressure. (But yeah, that dragging off the plane fiasco left a bad taste in my mouth.)

 

[qhillihp]

I still may try and roll the dice and cancel the United ticket and get the Qantas with the 1h25m layover, but all the responses here seem to say no go. I won't be able to use the e-passport machines either. Though perhaps they would put me ont hat later AA flight if I miss my flight!

 

[milehighclub]

I had a quick look at a previous QF7 and there were 46 passengers connecting between 1425 and 1431.

DFW will automatically transfer bags for international flights on the same ticket. This also means that at passport control, you can use the GREEN line.
The green line is for those with hand luggage only (which would include you since you won't be taking your bags through customs). This line is always short, is manned by two officers and can be used regardless of the type of passport or visa your are using. After you've been processed, you go down a lift and immediately walk into the arrivals area bypassing the customs line. You then head back upstairs to go through security and find your gate.

 

[amaroo]

That's a pretty tight connection .... and an awful transit after a 15+hr flight (if it all goes wrong)

We're doing the same trip later this year and decided to stop overnight in Dallas and have some of these https://trulucks.com/welcome/

 

[aytan]

Hi, I made the same flight 3 years ago. Made both flights but my luggage and those of the others also travelling from Australia didn't make it that day. I had to catch a cab back to the airport to collect my luggage. If you're staying in a hotel they may be able to forward the luggage, or just take a change of clothes in your carry on

 

[Daver6]

I wonder if it could be worthwhile chatting to the crew onboard QF7. Mention the tight connection. If you're travelling in Y, see if they can move you to a spare seat near the front so you can get off the aircraft more quickly.

My experience with arriving at DFW on QF7 was good. Using the eGates I was through customs in no time (travelled Y).

 

[Sdtravel]

I'm pretty sure that if you have been through US immigration with an ePassport but a new ESTA, you can't use the electronic gates - but some-one may correct me.

I was under the impression that you can use the egates as long as you have the same passport and that you didnt need to be on the same ESTA.
Im travelling in 2 weeks through DFW from QF7 to AA1414 with 1h 45m connection. I have a new esta so was counting on a speedy processing time.


Can anyone comment on if there are express passes handed to tight connecting pax or those with status? Do said express passes (if they exist) work for security as well or are they only for immigration & customs?