Travelling with ESTA, 1h30min in JFK connection flight

Travelling with ESTA, 1h30min in JFK connection flight - Man in airport waiting for boarding on plane

I have a connection flight HEL-> JFK (3:50PM) JFK(5:20PM) -> SAN (San Diego) So it means I have a layover of 1.5h. How does it work?

  1. Can I get any wristband/permission to skip immigration line? If yes, how I could get it? Last time I spend about 1 hour just waiting at immigration line.

  2. Then I go through the immigration, what happens if they select me for individual check? I mean, it could take longer and I won't make it to my next flight?

  3. Will American Airlines issue me new ticket for free?

  4. Then I need to take my luggage, go through the customs, with air-train go to another terminal. I called AA, but they don't tell me in which terminal I am landing and where is my second flight. Is it possible to figure out this online?

  5. So I need to check in my luggage again or I just need to drop it somewhere?

EDITED: VNO -> HEL http://www.flightstats.co.uk/FlightRating/flightRatingByFlight.do?airlineCode=AA&flightNumber=8981&departureAirportCode=VNO&arrivalAirportCode=HEL

HEL -> JFK http://www.flightstats.co.uk/FlightRating/flightRatingByFlight.do?airlineCode=AA&flightNumber=8985&departureAirportCode=HEL&arrivalAirportCode=JFK

JFK -> SAN http://www.flightstats.co.uk/FlightRating/flightRatingByFlight.do?airlineCode=AA&flightNumber=95&departureAirportCode=JFK&arrivalAirportCode=SAN



Best Answer

I have managed to do it in less then 30 minutes, that is getting out and boarding the connecting flight. Given I only had hand luggage.

Whether you'll manage is hard to say though. If you are entering on an ESTA which has been used before, you are actually allowed to go to the same line as US citizens and residents. Which might speed up things. If it is your first time on your current ESTA, you might be slower.

  1. I leave it to others to answer the priority label, but I doubt it is possible.

  2. That is certainly possible. In which case, see 3.

  3. Since you will be flying on the same carrier, they have to put you on a next flight if you don't make it due to longer waiting times at immigrations. So you won't get a new ticket, but you will certainly get a new boarding pass.

  4. Tools like tripit are a great help here. You load your itinerary, into you account and you get such details as to what terminal to go.

  5. I have to leave this for others to answer, since I usually travel with only hand luggage




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Do you have to go through customs for a connecting flight JFK?

To make your connection, follow signs for AirTrain. You will need to reclear TSA security once you arrive in your departure terminal. For international arriving passengers, you must claim all checked bags at Customs and recheck with your departing airline, even if the bags are checked to your final destination!

Do I need esta for connecting flight?

The United States Department of Homeland Security requires Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers to obtain approval from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) at least 72 hours prior to check-in for a flight to the U.S. or connecting through the U.S. An ESTA is required even if you are immediately ...

Do you have to go through security when changing terminals at JFK?

You'll need to go through security again for most JFK terminals because there are no airside walkways between terminals.

Do I need to recheck my luggage at JFK?

Yes, all internationally arriving passengers must claim their luggage at JFK. Recheck counters are available just outside Customs for any bags that are checked to their final destination.



Tips on Flight Connectiongs at New York's JFK Airport




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