There's no non-stop flight LGA-SFO.

If this is a on separate tickets, why not just take Jetblue or Virgin America JFK-SFO? They are not that expensive, and save on time and taxi fare.

RK is correct - there is no LGA -SFO non stop, so he'd be connecting in Chicago or DFW.

Nor does AA fly JFK to AMS so pls confirm what flights he's actually on. It could be BA AMS-LHR then AA LHR-JFK, or it could be another airline, but not an AA partner as far as I know. If he is flying AMS-JFK non-stop then he'd likely arrive at a different terminal. Getting to LGA would be the same process.

What I would actually do is contact the AA a day in advance and try to get same-day standby on one of the afternoon or evening JFK to SFO AA non-stops. If they have an opening he can do that for $25 guaranteed standby.

Alternatively upon arrival at JFK I'd check with the AA agent just outside customs and try the same thing, only this time free same day standby. Those are 767's and aren't always full except on Monday am and Friday pm.

They're flying KLM non-stop from AMS to JFK, then AA from LGA-DFW-SFO. Believe me, I didn't arrange their flights! (and rkkwan, it's a long story, but anything more than $0 from JFK to SFO is too much to them)

Anyway, what's done is done so we just have to hope the flight from AMS arrives on time. They'll take a cab to LGA.

I'd still try for the free same day standby on the non-stop, even if it means a quick stop at AA JFK terminal 8 by AirTrain from the KLM arrivals (T1?) I think they are currently around 3pm and 6pm, although they do shift the times around a little bit.

The good thing about AA LGA is that there are loads of flights to DFW and ORD, with numerous (albeit fewer) connecting options on to SFO (or SJC even). If you know they are running late and are at risk of missing the LGA departure then he or you can call AA and get moved to a later flight for free - better that than showing up late and unannounced.

No - for flights out og LGA they want you to check in 2 hours in advance. Is it absoltuely necessary - maybe. Security may take 15 minutes 0 or it may take an Hour (I've seen it).

So, it you plan is on tie, if there isn;t bad weather or an accident between the ariprots and if the security line at LGA isn;t too bad you wil make it. But with 3 hours - there are no guarnatees. (I wouldn;t do it with less than 5 if I wanted to be safe.)

I assume this is a single ticket with asingle airline - so they - not you - are responsible if youmisss the flight of of LGA.

Security at LGA usually isn't too bad. As long as the flight coming into JFK is on time, they should be good. Definitely cab it though. Its a short trip and traffic should be ok. Did you say Uganda? That sounds very interesting and exciting. Sounds like you have a kid to be very proud of SF!

For someone coming back from Uganda (and through AMS), even if he's US Citizen and is totally clean cut and no records of anything, he should still expect to be sent through secondary customs and agriculture inspection.

rkkwan, I'll check with him - he and his girlfriend have each been back and forth several times so he knows what to expect at customs. I'll remind him though.