I'm returning to JFK from Dublin at 7:30 PM and the last flight to my state is at 9:20...would you buy a ticket on the 9:20 PM flight??

Long distance flights are less likely to be delayed since, even if you're slow getting off the ground, you can make up time in the air. If you're a US citizen and have nothing to declare, you can probably zip through customs really quickly. Finding your way to your gate should take no more than 15 minutes. I say you have time.

I think getting through customs at JFK in two hours should be a breeze. I have made it through and to the next flight in much less time than that. I have even made it through customs in Philly and made my flight in 2 hours so if you can do it there you should not have any problem at JFK.

It depends on the airline and the circumstances. When I last landed at JFK a couple of weeks ago, it took me 1 hour and 15 minutes to get through immigration in the American Airlines terminal. Customs was negligible. If you get lucky, this connection is possible if you are flying on the same airline and can easily re-check your bags. If you are changing terminals, I'd say it's really pushing it.

Since you clear immigration in Ireland, getting your luggage and clearing customs at JFK could take up to 1 hour, then you have to recheck your luggage, change terminals, and go back thru security. That's cutting it pretty close.

What are your options if you don't make the flight?

Hi S,

If you are talking about one through ticket, you are probably OK.

If the second flight is on a separate ticket, you are cutting it very close.

Agree 2 hours is cutting it close. Under these circumstances I've experienced both scenarios (making my connection & not). Personally I'd book the flight take the chance and then if you miss the connection have the airline re-book you for morning and find a hotel for the night.

Otherwise you'll need a hotel in Dublin anyway right?

If this is a single ticket and the airline is responsible if you miss your on-going flight I would risk it. If it's separate tickets you would be stuck with any additional costs (hotel at JFK and new ticket for flight the next day) I would definitely take an earlier flight in.