JFK International Arrival to Domestic Departure
I arrive JFK Terminal 8 from LHR at 17:05 and need to transfer to Terminal 5 for a 19:45 domestic flight. I have Global Entry and TSA Precheck and only carry-on baggage. Is this enough time to leave T8, take Airtrain, and get through security at T5?
Best Answer
If the plane is on time, this is doable with Global Entry, hopeless without. Upon landing, you might see a queue a mile long waiting for immigration and empty space next to it. This might be signposted for crew only or not at all but don't be disheartened, by the time you actually get to immigration (this can be a few minutes walk next to all the people who are queuing...) you will realize you are in the right place. I'd expect even 90 minutes can be enough but 2.5 hours is easy.
But let's get back to that if. This is a transatlantic flight, likely flown by a widebody plane (747 and up,A330 and up). The problem with those is if the plane has a problem, the airline won't have a spare. For short flights at a major hub, it's possible the airline has a single aisle small plane (737, A320, that sort) on standby but the widebodies are much more scarce. Admittedly, the East Coast is reachable from London with a narrowbody as well. Check what your flight is supposed to use.
I very often book unprotected connections: I fly from Vancouver to wherever I can get to Europe either on a sale or a low fuel surcharge award ticket, then sleep at or near the airport and continue the next day. I would not try same day connections, much less 2.5 hours. Not only are the chances high of not making it but if your plane say starts an hour late, you will spend the entire flight stressing out what happens on landing. Of course, if you are the unshakable, totally laid back, ice-in-their-veins kind of person, kudos for you and this doesn't apply. For a lot of people, I am afraid, this is a valid concern.
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How do I get from JFK International to domestic?
The quickest and easiest way to get between terminals at JFK is by hopping on the AirTrain. This operates 24/7 and takes around 8 minutes to complete a full loop around all of the terminals. The AirTrain is free to ride for connecting between terminals or to Federal Circle, or Lefferts Boulevard stations.How much time do you need between international and domestic flights at JFK?
If you must connect via JFK, make sure you have sufficient time: For connections from domestic (US or Canada) flights to other destinations in the US or Canada, allow 2\u20133 hours; for transfers from domestic to international destinations, allow 3\u20134 hours; for international to domestic, 3\u20135 hours; and for international to ...Do I have to pick up my luggage on a connecting international flight?
If you're connecting in the U.S., they require everyone from international flights to re-check their baggage upon the first landing point.Does JFK have a separate international terminal?
JFK Terminal 4 was opened in 2013 and currently handles international arrivals at JFK Airport. It serves as a major international hub for Delta Airlines for its long-haul flights and other airlines.New York John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport – Arrivals, Ground Transport \u0026 Subway train connection to NYC
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Answer 2
From the OP in the comments:
I considered all the caveats, and since I'm on separate itineraries on different airlines elected to change my inbound to an earlier flight.
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