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JFK immigration

Posted:
14 Oct 2013, 10:27
by at240
Good morning --
I remember there's a quick lane at T4 for those with connections. Is this open to you if you have booked a separate ongoing flight -- or does the whole itinerary need to be on one PNR?
Thinking about risking the VS45 again, you see...
Thanks!
Re: JFK immigration

Posted:
14 Oct 2013, 11:50
by Blacky1
Not sure about the answer at240 but the mention of the 45 just sent a shiver down my spine !
Re: JFK immigration

Posted:
14 Oct 2013, 14:46
by catsilversword
What's the problem with the 45???
Re: JFK immigration

Posted:
14 Oct 2013, 14:48
by at240
Immigration queues can be bad -- I've been lucky in the past but this time may have a connection.
Re: JFK immigration

Posted:
14 Oct 2013, 16:22
by declansmith
Quick connect..
Flight needs to be departing within three hours and you just need to show onward boarding card or itinerary

contact ground staff when you step off the aircraft.
Re: JFK immigration

Posted:
14 Oct 2013, 18:30
by Kraken
I've done the VS45 twice and have been very lucky - through immigration in under 10mins on both occasions. The queue for a taxi at the front of the terminal took longer.
I do know from reading trip reports on here, waits of up to 2hrs for immigration when arriving on the VS45 are not unheard of. Ouch.
Re: JFK immigration

Posted:
14 Oct 2013, 19:05
by Blacky1
Kraken wrote:I've done the VS45 twice and have been very lucky - through immigration in under 10mins on both
occasions. The queue for a taxi at the front of the terminal took longer.
I do know from reading trip reports on here, waits of up to 2hrs for immigration when arriving on the VS45 are not unheard of. Ouch.
Nearly 3 on my first visit
Re: JFK immigration

Posted:
14 Oct 2013, 19:23
by Turquoise
I have had a lengthy wait too on all 3 occasions I have been to NY. If I go again, and I do so want to (!), will definitely avoid the 45! Last time, we waited nearly 3 hours to get through.
Re: JFK immigration

Posted:
14 Oct 2013, 20:04
by at240
declansmith wrote:Quick connect..
Flight needs to be departing within three hours and you just need to show onward boarding card or itinerary
contact ground staff when you step off the aircraft.
Thank you Declan -- the name had escaped me. Much appreciated. y)
Re: JFK immigration

Posted:
14 Oct 2013, 20:48
by bebop
Crumbs. I booked tickets on the 45 for travel next year only the other day. Didn't even cross my mind immigration queues could be that long. Yikes.
Re: JFK immigration

Posted:
15 Oct 2013, 12:45
by Daniel Armstrong
Went last time on 45 - it was 3 hours...
This time I am on VS3, I have been told this is a much better time and you wizz through... Anyone know if this is right..?
Re: JFK immigration

Posted:
15 Oct 2013, 13:11
by duggy83
Daniel Armstrong wrote:Went last time on 45 - it was 3 hours...
This time I am on VS3, I have been told this is a much better time and you wizz through... Anyone know if this is right..?
Was literally an empty hall when I last took the VS3 - was outside and in a cab (with luggage) 20 mins after getting off the plane!
Re: JFK immigration

Posted:
15 Oct 2013, 13:27
by Gonzo
Oh the 45... I have used this many many times and the immigration line can vary wildly. I think that there are a lot of European flights that arrive at roughly the same time as the 45 hence the long lines.
If at all possible I go for the early flight across which in my experience has less line trouble at immigration though this does mean i have to organise my travel arrangements differently. Thankfully I don't have to use the Taxi rank (Looking at the line for that on the 18th of sept made me wince !) and that was a lunchtime landing too.
I have on occassion used the train link to Jamaica station which is fine, however, if using this please note that it will cost you $5 to pass through the barrier. There are plenty of trains to take you in either direction and platform information is fairly good.
The other issue with T4 is the security at departures, oh how I used to love it when you could check in then proceed down to duty free, grab a coffee and nip back outside to join all the other unfortunates like myself in smokers corner(s).
Having watched as they built the new security channels over this last year I was hoping that at least the lines would be shorter getting through... but oh no... I couldn't believe how long it was !!.. fortunately I had cunningly upgraded and could use the sneaky UC/Buss class line... phew... only 3 in front ! ):
Re: JFK immigration

Posted:
15 Oct 2013, 21:21
by ratechaser
2 hours queueing for me last month after the 45, never again, even if it is the one on my beloved 744...