JFK Customs
 

We're flying from FCO to JFK on Delta BE on a Sat in June. We arrive JFK at 1:55 pm. Our flight on Delta F for Atlanta leaves at 3:20 pm. This doesn't seem like enough time to clear customs, but I talked to Delta and they said it is a legal connection (but I've heard that one before...). Anyone have insight on average time for Americans to clear customs at JFK? Any strategies I should pursue just in case?

Frankly if the plane is relatively on time, you won't have a problem. You are connecting to a Delta flight so you don't have to change terminals (you might have to cross a bridge to go from one part of the Delta terminal to the other but you don't need the Airtrain or anything like that)...

Delta has its own customs/immigration set up at Kennedy in its own terminal. Usually immigration is very easy for Americans as all the officer does is check your passport run it through his computer to make sure you don't have any unpaid parking tickets and voila done...you will then have the normal wait at a carousel for baggage (or you might be one of those who carry on your baggage and don't wait at the carousels)...anyway once baggage comes down there is rarely a long queue at the exit which is the actual "clearing" customers...the customs inspector will look at your declaration and 99% of the tinme will simply waive you through. You then will find a spot just past there where you drop off connecting bagge and since it is Delta to Delta you will be fine and simply go to the gate (assuming Delta will have checked you in upon departure...or if not you can go to the gate of the departing flight. It really is no big deal when you are not changing airlines at JFK (and with the air train in full operation, it isn't all that bad to change terminals there anymore).

Ecellent post by <b>yz123</b>, and I totally agree with it.

I just want to add one more thing. Without checking Delta's schedule between JFK-ATL, I'm inclined to think that they probably have flights hourly or so between the 2 cities. In the unlikely event that you miss your original connecting flight, they will put you on the net one, space available.

And, since you are flying BE, you ought to be the first off the plane and through immigration. Piece of cake.

Does anyone have similar info on clearing customs in Newark coming in from Milan on Continental. The recomended flight only allows 1 hour 15 min for connection to a continental flight to FLL
Thanks

jespaulding - No problem there. CO's Milan flight arrives pretty early in the afternoon, before most other internationals. I took that one on 1/2. No line at all at immigration for US citizens and residents.

Don't worry. And CO has plenty of flights going down to FLL, in case you miss the connection.

One note, though. There are three sets of security checkpoints at EWR Terminal C. The one closest to the customs exit is always the most busy. If the line is very long, walk to the ones further way (closer to Gates 71-115, instead 120-139).

Thank you very much for your input

John