Hi Eveyone,
I'm looking at a MSP-ORD-LHR flight on American to save a few thousand as compared to a MSP-LHR direct flight. Going out and coming back there is a 1hr 45 min and 1 hr 35 min layover respectively in O'Hare. Is this even remotely enough time to make the connection/get through customs on the way home, etc. etc.?! We will not have any checked bags. I usually try and avoid O'Hare, but the price difference is significant. Thanks so much for your advice!
Posted by
San Francisco area
1987 posts
Is this for summer of 2024? If so I would probably just continue to monitor fares to see if the price of the nonstop comes down.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
Yes, you would make it if everything is on time. But it would be nice to know whether there are later flights on the LHR or back to MSP on the way home you could catch if you miss your connection. Obviously if the flight into ORD is two hours late, you won't make the connection. An hour late? Maybe, better chance if the departing flight is also late. You're banking on the flights being on time both ways, and of course any flight can be delayed who knows why.
Flying home, it will save you some time if you have Global Entry. If not, at least get the Mobile Passport Control app which could save you time time when you land at ORD coming home.
You might also look at alternate connections ahead of time to be prepared. E.g. maybe you can get home from LHR to MSP via DFW, which is way out of the way of course, but if for some reason your original flight out to ORD is delayed, be prepared to ask, "Can you put me on the one via DFW?" Sometimes it may be on a partner airline like British Airways. Just nice to have done some homework to know what your options are in case of delays.
Posted by
Green Bay
22847 posts
If it is truly an American Airlines flight, they depart for London from the domestic terminal, so 1 hr 45 min should be plenty.
The return will arrive at the International terminal, so 1 hr 35 min seems tight as you will have to transfer to the domestic terminal. Are there later flights to MSP you can get on if you miss the scheduled one?
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9468 posts
Haven't been through there recently, but my beef with ORD, is that if you're flying in on a regional jet, you might be at a distant gate from where you need to be. And the AA regional jets may not have room for a normal carryon so bags can get gate-checked to your final destination. So check the flight details to see what kind of connecting plane you'll be on.
Posted by
OP
52 posts
Thanks everyone for your two cents! I'm thinking my original hesitation is worth listening to. Just seems a little too close for comfort. I'll keep looking as this is for summer of '24 so I have a little time before I have to book. I want the convenience of the non-stop, but for my family of four, connecting was $2000 cheaper! Hopefully the direct will come down a little as the autumn goes on and I can book November/December with a relatively reasonable price.
Posted by
Freedonia
18007 posts
Abovw post from info reported.