Connection in JFK

Delta is usually pretty good at changing tickets with no change fees if there's a significant schedule change even if you aren't technically breaking a minimum connection time rule. (And if the first CS rep balks at doing that, hang up and call again and get someone different) Looks like there is usually a non-stop JFK-ATL flight at 7:30pm or so. Would call customer service and asked to be moved to the later ATL flight at no charge.

To specifically answer your question - with no checked luggage and Global Entry, you should make it easy. Standard assumption - Everything on time. The last time through JFK in May with Global Entry, sitting business class, (means we got off fairly quickly) we had cleared immigration prior to the luggage being available for pick up for customs. From the time we landed to being outside looking for a cab was under 30 minutes. There were long lines for regular immigration but no one on the Global Entry machines. Watch for the Global Entry line to pass out of immigration and the Global entry line for customs. I would stick with your schedule.

Another point to ponder, you'll clear Global Entry quickly and since you don't have to wait for your luggage to appear, you can speed out of the terminal on your way.

What holds up the process is everyone waiting for their luggage which only knows to come out at one speed.

You should also ask Delta if 90 mins is a "legal" connection at JFK. Ask several times, several ways. If they hedge or won't commit tell them they have to make you whole.

Global entry is really fast. Even with a checked bag I've been through in under 20min. The only wait was for the bag.

Plus, you have PreCheck, so you can skip the security line even if you have to change terminals.

I just did a flight from FCO - JFK, JFK to PIT. I was scheduled to land at 4:45 and depart at 8:00. I landed at pretty much 5:00 exactly, and without any checked bags, was at the gate for the PIT leg at 6:30. So basically it took me 90 minutes.

I do NOT have any global entry, but did have Comfort+ which got me into the shorter security line. That said, most of my time was burnt at the pointless customs lines, where I stood for plenty of time just to show my passport.

Just to make sure we are using the same term and not confusing anyone.

Global Entry is a status that you apply for and pay for. It is part of the government's Trusted Travelers program. You are finger printed, vetted, and given a number that you use with your reservations. When you used Global Entry station, you scan your passport, you answer the questions, scan in your finger prints. If approved, a slip prints out and you are on your way.

I was unaware that comfort plus provide any special treatment for TSA. Maybe you went down the business class line and they just let you pass.

I am sure it was the immigration line that sucked up most of your time. It wasn't pointless. That is what allowed you to reentry the US. Global Entry allows you to bypass the line and the immigration officer. Customs these days is pickup your luggage, hand your declaration page to the officer and keeping walking. Haven't seen a line in years. Customs never checks passports.

We really appreciate all the good advice. When Delta changes the schedule again (and I'm sure they will) we'll definitely consider what all of you said. Many thanks. TC

It occurs to me that 90 minutes may not be the amount of time you have to get to the gate - how much time is there between when Delta closes the gate and take-off? You need to be at the gate before it closes, not before the scheduled departure time.

Good point Chani. Thanks for that insight.

"Delta can't tell us which arrival and departure terminal(s) will be used"

I'm not sure why. Of course, these things can change, but for now, Delta international flights use Terminal 4 and domestic flights (except to SFO, LAX, and SEA) use Terminal 2. These two terminals are next to each other (Terminal 3 is being torn down).

I don't know if there is an "airside" connection between them, however. If there isn't, you would have to go through security to change terminals.

When I arrived from Barcelona in September, the lines for regular immigration were indeed very long (and I was stuck in them). But the Global Entry people just sailed through (before you get to the regular line, there's a turn off to the left for Global Entry, which is a shortcut to machines right next to the immigration desks). If you didn't have Global Entry, I'd say there's no way you'll make the connection, but since you do, you should be OK. In addition, there should be later flights from JFK to ATL that day, in the worst case scenario where they have to rebook you.

Harold, Thanks for the update on the terminals. It really helps and is greatly appreciated.

Harold, I don't think there is anyway to stay behind security since you will have access to your checked bags for custom purposes. Even if you don't have checked bags, the assumption is that you did so you will go through security again prior to the domestic flight.

Frank, you're right - I forgot that for an international to domestic connection, you always need to go back through security, even in the same terminal.