I am going to Wayne State University, Detroit on 12th of august by 3 interconnecting planes. I am going to Delhi from Kolkata by Sahara Airlines 11th august, at 15:05. After that, I have a booking in American Airlines from Delhi to Chicago at 00:15 (12th) which will reach Chicago at 05:35. Besides, I have another booking in American Airlines from Chicago to Detroit at 07:19 (12th). As Chicago is the first entry of my attending US, so I have heard that it would take some time for them to check my immigration status at Chicago Airport. But the time interval between the arrival time of the Delhi-Chicago Flight and the departure time of the Chicago-Detroit Flight is not quite long. Will it be a big trouble for me to catch the Chicago-Detroit Flight at 07:19 after the immigration checking (the arrival time of Delhi-Chicago Flight is 05:35)? Is there any possibility that I can miss the Flight from Chicago to Detroit at 07:19? I tried to cancel the booking and tried hard to book a flight at a later time, but I couldnt find any seat at those Flights. What should I do? Should I inform it to the airhostess just before arriving Chicago from Delhi that I have an interconnecting Flight at 07-19 towards Detroit? Or should I dont think about it at all? Kindly help me in this matter.
RE:Problems facing due to 3 interconnecting flights
by Shirish on Aug 08, 2006 01:11 PM Permalink
Hi,
As said earlier, two hours should be sufficient.
In case you feel you are getting delayed (your queue is moving slowly) you can always go to the front of the queue and request the persons there to allow you after explaining your problem. I had done that once. People are considerate.
RE:Problems facing due to 3 interconnecting flights
by Prasannaa Ganesan on Aug 08, 2006 01:58 PM Permalink
You don't have to worry about being delayed or missing a flight. If there happens to be a problem because of the airline delay or airport officials including immigrations, you can be certain that you will be put in a flight that flies to the destination ( either a direct or a connecting one) soon. Everyone out there understands the circumstances well and it should never be a problem. Have a safe trip and all the best for your higher education. One thing you need to make sure is you communicate well to the airport officials. Even if the delay was caused by them, be polite in asking them if they can put you on a flight that still takes you the deisred destination faster among the alternatives being provided.
RE:Problems facing due to 3 interconnecting flights
by rabi panda on Aug 08, 2006 12:44 AM Permalink
hi indrajit u can inform the airhostess and also do not need to worry much. if u miss ur last flight then the airlines will arange for other flight.if that is ur connecting flight they'd do it. in the worst case be prepared to buy another flight tikcet. stay cool rabi
RE:Problems facing due to 3 interconnecting flights
by Anush on Aug 11, 2006 11:53 PM Permalink
Well, I dont need to add much, but I had the same problem. Delhi-London - Miami - Houston. My flight got delayed at London and the immigration took 3-4 hrs (phew...nebody reading...avoid Miami..thats where the whole of South America lands..lol). I landed in Miami at 2 p.m, had my connecting flight at 4 p.m. Anyway, eventhough it was really frustrating, the folks at the Ailine were very nice. They offered to set me up with another flight at 5.30 p.m...I missed that too, and they still set me up with another flight at 9.30 p.m (yep...thats how long I waited..it was fun though). The best thing to do is to STAY CALM. You are now in the U.S and even if you miss ur flight its not like the world is gonna end. Normally the airline which has the connecting flight will come and announce at the immigration counter that the flight is gonna leave and will ask for those who were scheduled on that flight. Depending on the circumstances, they will put you on another flight of the same airline or a different airline. BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS THIS. CONFIRM WITH SAHARA AIRLINE THAT YOU ARE ALLOWED TO CARRY 2 BAGGAGES WEIGHING 50 POUNDS in you flight from Kol - Del.
Two hours is plenty of time to clear immigration at Chicago. Get to the immigration line quickly once you get off the plane. But DO NOT TELL the immigration officer that you have a flight to catch or tell him to hurry. Be very polite and have your documents in order.
If you miss the connecting flight because of immigration clearance delay, the airline will put you on the next flight.
RE:Problems facing due to 3 interconnecting flights
by Krish on Aug 08, 2006 08:27 AM Permalink
Hi, I think you may just be able to make it. The chances of your making it are just ten percent, to tell you frankly, on this connecting flight. Of course do not hurry the immigration officer. You see, Chicago is a big airport,( maybe the biggest in the world ) and I am pretty sure you will have to change terminals, which itself may take a little while. In case you miss the connecting flight, not to worry, even though the reservation system may show flight full here, for the later flight, there will always be one or two seats to spare, and the airline staff at the airport will accommodate you if you explain. Best of luck
RE:Problems facing due to 3 interconnecting flights
by Shashank Singh on Aug 08, 2006 12:11 AM Permalink
As said in earlier reply don't show any hurry to immigration officer or airport authority. Just be cool and calm. Probably what you can do is to be among the first one to get off the plane so that you are atleast ahead of few hundreds of people who travelled along with you. This would save you enough time.
At immigration check it doesn't takes more than few minutes just your finger printing and they would ask you your purpose of visit, etc. Only time spent is standing in the line and waiting for your turn to reach immigration officer.
I guess you should be able to catch the connecting flight if everything goes smooth and there is no delay in flight.
RE:Problems facing due to 3 interconnecting flights
by Tarun Sharma on Aug 07, 2006 08:14 PM Permalink
I dont think airlines usually account for immigration delays and perhaps accomodate passengers in the following flight only if the previous connecting flight arrived late.
RE:Problems facing due to 3 interconnecting flights
by Amitdyuti Sengupta on Aug 07, 2006 11:54 PM Permalink
HI
I read your email and as replied by rediff experts, two hours is enough time to clear immigrations. I passed O'Hare myself and they have lots of counter to easily handel the visitors.
By any chance you miss Chi-Det flight you can be put as "Stand By" pessanger and made to board any of the numerous flights for Detroit that day. You will not be charged so relax again!!!
RE:Problems facing due to 3 interconnecting flights
by Ch V Kalyan on Aug 07, 2006 10:22 PM Permalink
Hi,
you could also try and get a seat towards the front of the aircraft (as much as possible!). Also, the overall process in chaicago processes about 75 peole in about 15 mins incase there is no major delays and hence you should be safe with 1 hr 45 mins that you have.
Another advice, pls try and arrange with the airlines for your lugage as you need to collect luggage and since the time for the flight is going to be less, check-in at the boarding gate than check-in after customs check. Because there is a time constrain, the possibility that the luggage will be arriving on the next flight is VERY HIGH and hence suggest you carry a set of clothes (and not more!) in your carry-on baggage.
As stated, in case you miss the flight due to the immigration/customs check, they will put you onto the next flight.
