Layover in New York from Cairo

[LynnandAhmed 0]

Anybody know how much time Ahmed needs in New York to switch planes?

I know that they have to pick up their luggage and transfer it to a connecting flight plus

go through immigration and customs.........

and possibly walk to another concourse or take a tram.

Any ideas of how short is too short?

[sara..... 371]

Anybody know how much time Ahmed needs in New York to switch planes?

I know that they have to pick up their luggage and transfer it to a connecting flight plus

go through immigration and customs.........

and possibly walk to another concourse or take a tram.

Any ideas of how short is too short?

hi

allow no less than four hours

chances are it wont take that long but sometimes it does

and missing ur connecting flight is problematic even for those of us that are used to flying over seas and back

[S and S 12]

I had a four hour layover, but my flight was delayed in Amman by over an hour. Then we arrived in New York only to have to circle around for another hour waiting for permission to land. In the end I didn't get out of customs and immigration and make it the airlines desk to check in until there was only 30 minutes left. Unfortunately that was the last flight out except a couple that were fully booked so I had to stay in New York overnight.

Yet the time before that I had about 4 hours between flights and had no problems. It is hit and miss so try to give him as much time as possible.

[True Love at Last 15]

Hi Lynn,

My husband was held up in immigration for 3 hours after his flight arrived.....I met him there and we didnt take a connecting flight....we stayed in NY for New Years....I would try and allow several hours...better he wait around than miss his flight...Good Luck!

InshaAllah a safe flight for Ahmed.

[polarbear 0]

My husband had 4 hours and almost missed his flight bc he had to take the tram btwn terminals and it took him about 1 hr to figure out where to go. He didn't speak or read English and had to find someone who spoke french that was nice enough to explain it to him - the poor guy! He has travelled a bit and knows how to follow the signs in airports, but I guess after no sleep the night before, 10 hr flight, and imigration it was just not clicking

[Aymsgirl 0]

Lynn,

My husband had a 4 hour layover. His flight arrived early from Cairo around 245 and he didn't call me until around 430-445 pm when he had found his next terminal and was waiting to board the next flight. He went through immigration easily with no issues or hold ups from them except waiting in line. I would suggest 4 hours to keep your sanity.

Tasha

[LynnandAhmed 0]

Thanks so much everybody!!! I called Ahmed and told him before he booked the flight.

So he booked a flight for July 18th with a 5 hour layover in New York!!!

He feels better about having a longer layover too since he has never flown before!

Really appreciate everyone's input, advice and suggestions!

Thanks a TON!!

[LRA 0]

And tell him not to be afraid to ask anyone if he is lost or doesn't understand anything. Hopefully many on the plane will speak his language and be able to help him...and don't forget the customs and immigration forms he has to complete and give to the officers. Tell him to hook on to a travel buddy who appears to know what he is doing ;-)

Can't recall how many of those forms I've filled out for other people on the plane or help someone's mom/grandma with getting to the right place at the right time or lifting those darn bags those ladies LOVE to stuff off the luggage return! I hope that someone would do it for my mom or R someday in return.

ETA: oops sorry it was someone else's SO that didn't speak English...but it won't hurt to ask about anything. JFK is by far the best airport I've flown into from overseas in terms of Immigration/Customs. ;-)

Edited July 9, 2008 by LuLu

[Nagishkaw 510]

Thanks so much everybody!!! I called Ahmed and told him before he booked the flight.

So he booked a flight for July 18th with a 5 hour layover in New York!!!

He feels better about having a longer layover too since he has never flown before!

Really appreciate everyone's input, advice and suggestions!

Thanks a TON!!

We are doing the same.

[brnidokiegurl 0]

just for me i have NEVER got the connecting flight out of NYC and it is nothing but confusion. First time had to spend the night in nyc, second time it was spend the night or travel to other airport which i did and barely got that flight....it was very very stressful i cant imagine someone not speaking well or understanding the trains etc...they would feel so lost im afraid

[LynnandAhmed 0]

I am typing out a list for him of things to know on the trip.

Like checking the monitor for gate number..............it can change every hour!

Not bringing creams and liquids....

How to get through customs.......

How to get on the tram going the right direction........

Etc, etc, etc,..........and he said he will ask if he is confused or feels like he is getting lost.....

Thanks so much everybody!!! I called Ahmed and told him before he booked the flight.

So he booked a flight for July 18th with a 5 hour layover in New York!!!

He feels better about having a longer layover too since he has never flown before!

Really appreciate everyone's input, advice and suggestions!

Thanks a TON!!

We are doing the same.

When is he flying in?

[polarbear 0]

I am typing out a list for him of things to know on the trip.

Like checking the monitor for gate number..............it can change every hour!

Not bringing creams and liquids....

How to get through customs.......

How to get on the tram going the right direction........

Etc, etc, etc,..........and he said he will ask if he is confused or feels like he is getting lost.....

I forgot to talk to him about that part

[Aymsgirl 0]

Lynn,

My husband said to tell anybody coming into JFK that they were so helpful to him and just ask and they will guide him. He did say that some of the doors to board the planes were marked a little strange????? Not sure what he mean except that he almost got on the wrong plane and then realized it on his own.

Tasha

[LynnandAhmed 0]

Lynn,

My husband said to tell anybody coming into JFK that they were so helpful to him and just ask and they will guide him. He did say that some of the doors to board the planes were marked a little strange????? Not sure what he mean except that he almost got on the wrong plane and then realized it on his own.

Tasha

Hey........your biometrics is coming!!!! That is fingerprints and background check again, right?

[Aymsgirl 0]

Sure is we go tomorrow to Cincinnati!