stephie0107

We just booked a trip to Belize and realized we'll have 1 hour and 15 minutes to get through customs and change planes on our way home- we're on the last flight (Continental) to Philly, and the last flight to Newark, NJ, which is equally close leaves about the same time. I'm assuming they wouldn't schedule planes this way if people were always missing flights, but I'm still nervous. We're staying 8 nights inland so with more than bathing suits there is no way to fit everything in carry-on to help move more quickly. Has anyone done this? SHould I call the airlines now and see if I can switch?

Thanks!!

mikemo

I returned to Houston IC from San Jose, CR in March '02 on Continental, waited nearly an hour for luggage, faced huge lines for customs and security and made my connection with 2 minutes to spare - my worst airport experience ever.
Fortunately, I was going to Dallas and there were still several flights each hour later in the evening.
I never had a large delay problem with flights from MX (BJX).
Time of day, I think, is the critical issue - lots of international flights arriving simultaneously in the late PM.
Good luck!
M

z

Stephie, do you have two connections? One in Houston and another in Philly? Then to Newark? Are all your flights on Continental? What month, day of the week are you flying?
'the last flight to Newark, NJ, which is equally close leaves about the same time.' What do you mean?

mikemo

Lo siento Stephie, the flt from CR was in March '03.
M

KatHep

We flew through houston from Costa Rica and there were several international flights that came in at the same time. As we approached immigration and looked down, it was like a cattle call. Several hundred people in one small area. It looked small anyway. It took us 1 1/2 hrs to get through it all.

Dondiega

I recently flew in from Rio to Houston and landed at 5:30 am, waited for my bags, went through customs and had plenty of time to spare as my flight to Newark was at 6:45 am. Don't worry so much they wouldn't schedule it if they didn't think you can make it also when you arrive in Houston tell a Continental rep that you need to make a connection and they will expedite your process.

Dude

I've done lots of 1 hour conection in Houston and Mexico City. You need to move right along, but it is doable. I missed one in Mexico City once and they put me on a flight two hours later. Don't worry, most of the time you can make it. Remember the flight times shown on your ticket are not the real time spent in the air. There is time built in on both ends to try and get you where your going on time.

stephie0107

Thanks so much everyone- and sorry I didn't respond to teh question sooner; my fiance has been doing maintenance on his servers the last few nights and I didn't have access. It's one connection- houston to Philly, but I was checking the Newark flights in case we missed the flight. Newark is a little more convenient to where we live but Philly was $200 cheaper. I think we just need to hold our breath, cross our fingers and wish for the best. It sounds like it is pretty close. The flight gets to houston at 5:49 PM and theoretically leaves for philly at 6:58Pm- Sunday night. The second flight has an on-time percentage of only 60%- perhaps this type of scheduling is why?!

Thank you!!

z

Stephie, don't worry. Try to think about positive things of your upcoming wonderful trip to Belize. If your flights are on time it will be great if not you are going to figure out something. Relax and have a great trip

whirldwid

Stephie i just went through what you described. We got off and had 55 minutes between flights to go through immigration, get bags, customs, check bags, and get to our gate which was in another terminal. I thought there is no way!!! This was on a sunday mid-day the busiest time. There was probably 500-1000 people in the same boat and to my surprise we did all of this in 20 minutes! They have it figured out there! Dont worry, be happy

Jean_Valjean

I'd say it is doable, but completely dependant on how fast you go through immigration. Houston has to be one of the worst airport in that aspect, and I usually avoid it because of that. I'd suggest that you go ahead with your plans, but have some sort of alternative ready.