Indirect flights

[Malificent]

We haven’t used indirect flights since before having our son. About 12 years ago.
We are considering, now he is older returning to indirect flights to open up options.
Can you tell me about your experiences?
Would you consider certain connnection airports better than others?
How long is a decent time for layover?
Airlines you have used?
I appreciate any feedback. Thank you.

[Gryff]

I've used American United KLM Aer Lingus Icelandic and BA
No difference with any of them if clearing US customs and Border I won't consider anything less than 3 hours out bound
Icelandic usually a 2 hour layover and BA connection at Heathrow or Gatwick I also like 2 hours
Most will say a 45 min layover is fine I just find it way to tight
Inward bound a 2 hour layover minimum you just never know when a thunderstorm will hit Orlando in the summer

[Malificent]

Originally Posted by Gryff

I've used American United KLM Aer Lingus Icelandic and BA
No difference with any of them if clearing US customs and Border I won't consider anything less than 3 hours out bound
Icelandic usually a 2 hour layover and BA connection at Heathrow or Gatwick I also like 2 hours
Most will say a 45 min layover is fine I just find it way to tight
Inward bound a 2 hour layover minimum you just never know when a thunderstorm will hit Orlando in the summer

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Thank you Gryff. Really useful.
How do you know if you will clear immigration- does it say on the ticket?

[Gryff]

You can clear immigration in Dublin
You also have to clear immigration and customs at your first point of entry in to the US unless you have cleared at Dublin
It's simple clear immigration pick up your bags clear customs and then
It can be a couple of mins walk to put your bags onto the connecting flights carousel then proseed to your next gate /terminal if appropriate
Dublin slightly different you just have to identify your bags at immigration on a screen
On arrival at your destination you are landed as a domestic passenger
Collect bagsand go
Homeward check in bags and they will be checkedright through to destination
You may or may not have to do immigration if you are connecting out side the US
In some cases you may have to do security again as well
Hence I like the longer. Lay over both ways
Others will say different its personal preference
Until you are stuck for 2 hours miss a connection and have to wait 10/12 hours for the next flight
we don't have much choice from Scotland but indirect

[Malificent]

Thank you so much for the information.
Do you always collect bags or are they sometimes transferred for you?

[Gryff]

You have to collect the bags at your first point of entry in to the US with th exception of Dublin they show you them on a screen at immigration
Transiting through Iceland UK Paris Skipol etc no they go right through
To the US

[Malificent]

Originally Posted by Gryff

You have to collect the bags at your first point of entry in to the US with th exception of Dublin they show you them on a screen at immigration
Transiting through Iceland UK Paris Skipol etc no they go right through
To the US

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Thank you, you have given me such useful information.

[Malificent]

Thank you so much for the information.
Do you always collect bags or are they sometimes transferred for you?

[Gryff]

Yes in the US first point of entry you must collect bags

[xcited]

We quite like flying indirect, much prefer a USA connections. It breaks the journey up and arriving as a domestic passenger is a massive bonus. I would reiterate the 3 hour lay over, even changing in the UK, last year our Manchester plane was late departing because of a medical emergency on the inward flight, it was a nerve wracking run through Heathrow, to catch our connection but we made it.