JFK connection

[rhu115]

we are landing in JFK terminal 4 for our connecting flight to mco also departing T4. Now we only have an 1.5hr connecting time. Please tell me this is doable? we are booked with virgin flying with delta, the TA has advised that we have to collect our luggage, is this correct? I always thought that if it was a connecting flight the luggage went straight through?

[HappyM]

You will have to collect luggage as JFK is your entry point in to the USA. On your return journey the cases will go straight through to final destination. 1.5 hours is doable if the first flight is on time and gets to the gate on or before the schedule time. Internal flight check in tend to close approximately 45 minutes before departure so even if everything goes to plan it will be tight.

[rhu115]

Originally Posted by HappyM

You will have to collect luggage as JFK is your entry point in to the USA. On your return journey the cases will go straight through to final destination. 1.5 hours is doable if the first flight is on time and gets to the gate on or before the schedule time. Internal flight check in tend to close approximately 45 minutes before departure so even if everything goes to plan it will be tight.

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thanks for your reply, I just think it will be a push, we are heathrow-jfk-mco and mco-man-edi on the way home so not fussed about the way home. how long does it take for immigrations?

[HappyM]

Unfortunately immigration is so unpredictable. Could be empty when you arrive, could be heaving. It is worth noting that if your are on a one ticket connecting flight, the airline will do its very best to get the people with short Connections off the plane first in order to meet their connecting flight got. Obviously, this isn’t a guarantee they will hold a plane for you. Again it depends on punctuality of arrival of first flight.

[visitedscotland]

Have done this going to see my son at his school in Ohio and have made that turn round, however a few times when ive had longer its taken ages to get through!
Once through it is fairly easy to navigate the gates. If you are with Delta then if you miss your connecting flight they will put you on the next one and they are fairly regular.

[Guest]

Originally Posted by rhu115

thanks for your reply, I just think it will be a push, we are heathrow-jfk-mco and mco-man-edi on the way home so not fussed about the way home. how long does it take for immigrations?

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Most people would want three hours on the way out, I would not be happy with 1.5 hours. Even if you make it, your luggage might not which is not what I want in the way out, I could cope with it when coming home.

I’d like two hours on the way back, but I might settle for 1.5 hours.

[Peko]

Although Delta does sometimes help people with short connections through immigration at T4, I wouldn’t be too comfortable with 1.5 hours and checked baggage. It’s also possible that the domestic flight will be switched to T2, which adds about 15-20 mins to your transfer time compared to an onward flight from T4.

You might well make it (I’ve made shorter connections, but I don’t check bags and generally get through immigration quickly ), but it’s a higher risk.

[Lilminx]

when I went we just about made our connecting flight and we had 2 hours and we had special assistance so didn't need to wait in the immigration queue which was insane! it was backed all the out the hall and up the ramp. People where missing flights all over that day. I wouldn't tackle JFK without minimum 4 hours now

[rhu115]

Thanks for the replies, i did question the timing to the ta as I thought it would be pushing it, but her response was you will be fine! Clearly not had an experience herself! I will give them a ring to see if there is a way to change flights. I just have visions of the scene from home alone 2 rushing through the airport

[Hawaii04]

we're doing this exact flight and i really wouldn't worry about it. Worst case scenario is they will put you on the next available flight if you do miss your connection and there are lots of flights going down to orlando. I spoke to virgin about it and they assure me that it is plenty enough time and if this flight was a problem they would not be selling it. Obviously there can be delays and it's possible that you could miss the flight but if it is the same flight as mine arriving in jfk at 11:55, no worries, you will get to mco on the same day. good luck and post any updates as this is a common question on this forum.