Just booked indirect flights - what do I need to know?

[scottishnellie]

Originally Posted by Floridasun

Don't panic. Once you've done it you'll be happy to do it again. The outbound connection is tight but if you miss it they will rebook you onto the next fight with availability so don't panic. You can try to book seats as close to the front as you can and be ready to power walk to to immigration to beat the queue. After you clear immigration you'll collect your luggage, clear customs and redrop your luggage (There'll be signs) Remember to put any liquids you have bought into your case now as if you change terminals you may have to redo security so any perfumes etc won't be allowed. Once you land in Orlando you'll be straight to luggage. No long MCO immigration queue for you!
On your way home it is easier, you check your luggage in at Orlando and you won't see it again till the uk. Much easier and faster connecting on the way back.
We fly out 2/4 but to mia and driving up . We got a good deal last april. Have a great time and enjoy the savings you made.

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Thanks so much - that's really helpful

[Mrs Red C]

Definitely good liquid advice, pop it in case or drink it once you've collected your cases before going through security at Philly otherwise you lose it!
You can always take an empty water bottle through and refill it after security for 2nd flight.

I always get stressed going through immigration, last time it took 2 hours to get through Atlanta out of a 3 hr layover pre covid. We finally made it to the gate only to find flight was delayed!

Maybe you can tweak it? Just be super ready with paperwork and luggage and try to relax. I'm always less worried about going home 😂

[Maindrain]

First of all congratulations on getting a price you are happy with, good for you!

We have been indirect over fifteen times, been through Philly, Dallas, Boston, Atlanta loads of places, I echo the advice of getting a "flyer" to immigration, some seem to handle it better than others, but they all know in advance the load on the plane and how many they will have coming through.

Try to get everyone "fed and watered" before the flight lands if you know what I mean. We did have a ten minute loo break for my son while in the immigration hall.

Happy days. It will be fine.

[ELLENUT]

All looks good to me. Indirect is fine, it’s nice to stretch your legs a bit and then you get through quicker in Orlando. Enjoy

[Gryff]

Helen
I do it all the time
You will be fine as others have said pick up bags after immigration put them on the connecting flight carousel them make your way to the next gate
On the way home you only need to check in 2 hours before departure
Just make sure you make yourself know at the departure gate at Chicago in December it caused all sorts of problems for those of us with a MCO connection to Heathrow to Glasgow including lost luggage delaying the flight etc even although we were all checked right through
It’s a breeze honest

[scottishnellie]

Originally Posted by Gryff

Helen
I do it all the time
You will be fine as others have said pick up bags after immigration put them on the connecting flight carousel them make your way to the next gate
On the way home you only need to check in 2 hours before departure
Just make sure you make yourself know at the departure gate at Chicago in December it caused all sorts of problems for those of us with a MCO connection to Heathrow to Glasgow including lost luggage delaying the flight etc even although we were all checked right through
It’s a breeze honest

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Thanks Helen

We're not flying from Heathrow back to Glasgow on the way home as we will be using our free train travel. Would that be the only reason I would have needed to speak to them at the Chicago gate? or is there something else I need to check with them when just flying to Heathrow?

[Gryff]

Just make your self know at the gate but with this mornings news of no return testing for the PLF the faffing about with the checks of verifly etc hopefully will be in the dim and distant past
Just ask if you want to know anything I’m off out now but will be in later

[princess allie]

We did it a few years ago, we did have a delay going out, but we were simply put on a later flight. Coming home it was a breeze, we actually really liked it on the way home, as it makes the transatlantic part quicker, so feels easier. We would do it again without hesitation if the price is right.

[7SeasSailor]

Hopefully everything will happen on time for you. Looking forward to the trip report.

[macy]

You should be fine with the layover time in Phili, we have done both routes you mention and it was a breeze. Being honest it made a change from direct flights as well , something different. The good thing is hopefully you manage to do a new trip report too. Happy planning.