CPH to LHR to JFK Question

[TERRIER1]

We are flying from Copenhagan and connecting in Heathrow to head home to JFK (NYC). The ticket is booked on American Airlines but British Airways is the operator of the segment from Copenhagan to Heathrow. Do we have to retrieve our luggage at Heathrow and go through customs? Also, how early should we arrive at the Copenhagen airport prior to our flight? What is the process? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[6rugrats]

Your bags should be checked all the way through, and you won't have to pick them up until you reach JFK.

 

I'm not sure what you mean by, "what is the process". You will check in with the operating carrier of your first flight, BA, and they should be able to issue all your boarding passes.

[rajaniblue]

I have found that 1and a half minimum to two hours prior to departure is necessary at most airports in the world. For one thing, if you aren't familiar with the airport, just finding your way around to the proper check in and security points can sometimes be problematic.

 

Transfers from flight segment to flight segment within Europe (European Union) work just like flights from state to state in the US; i.e., no customs between member countries. You check your bags in Copenhagen then forget about them until you get to JFK. Once at JFK, you will deplane, show your passport at the US re-entry kiosk, then retrieve your bags from a carousel and take them through customs. Once you get through customs there is usually a close and convenient carousel where the bags are left to be loaded onto your next flight segment. In most customs areas in US airports this process all happens in a short walking distance and is very organized (Atlanta airport is the best one for this, IMHO).

 

Have your customs papers ready on the plane so you don't have to fill them out on deplaning. When you deplane, HUSTLE to the re-entry kiosks unless you want to wait in a line behind everyone else on your plane :)

 

Unless you get singled out for inspection at customs, usually the entire re-entry and customs process in the US doesn't take more than 15-20 minutes at worst.

[TERRIER1]

Thanks for the info. I have a 4 hour layover in Heathrow and I wanted to know if I had to drag my luggage around.

[fbgd]

Transfers from flight segment to flight segment within Europe (European Union) work just like flights from state to state in the US; i.e., no customs between member countries.

 

This is very misleading.

 

Being members of the EU or not does not have any impact when it comes to international transit, it depends on whether the countries have signed the Schengen Agreement. The UK is part of the EU but has not signed the Schengen Agreement. (Also Europe and European Union are not the same thing!)

 

However, in the UK you are not required to clear immigration and customs whilst in international transit unless the airport's terminal does not permit airside connection or because or ticketing arrangements (i.e. separate tickets) you need to re-check-in.

 

In the OP's case when they arrive at Terminal 5 from CPH they'll follow the signs for Flight Connections where they'll go to Terminal 3 for their AA flight to JFK. They will need to clear security whilst in Flight Connections. They will not need to clear immigration and customs and luggage should be transferred from CPH to JFK without any intervention needed by the passenger.

 

Unless you get singled out for inspection at customs, usually the entire re-entry and customs process in the US doesn't take more than 15-20 minutes at worst.

 

20mins at worst? You're kidding right? :D

[AZjohn]

Thanks for the info. I have a 4 hour layover in Heathrow and I wanted to know if I had to drag my luggage around.

 

No, it is very civilized and simple with luggage in Europe and they are kind enough to take care of the transfers. But as fbgd explains very accurately:

...arrive at Terminal 5 from CPH they'll follow the signs for Flight Connections where they'll go to Terminal 3 for their AA flight to JFK. They will need to clear security whilst in Flight Connections.

Which means a good portion of your 4 hour layover will be used up by this process

 

...20mins at worst? You're kidding right? :D

I think only one time in my life I had that short of a wait. I must be doing something wrong:D

[FlyerTalker]

I think only one time in my life I had that short of a wait. I must be doing something wrong:D

Amazingly, I had a process of under 10 minutes total at JFK yesterday from jetbridge to concourse. Of course, this was due to DL's new concierge service for diamonds. Personal escort, skipped to the front of immigration (no one ahead of me), straight through customs (carryon only) and through security screenings (again, no one ahead of me).

 

I will savor that when I have a much longer process through ATL later this month.

 

To the OP....always block out at least 30+ minutes (more like 45-60) just to be on the safe side. You can be pleasantly surprised if it takes less.

[PennyAgain]

Allow plenty of time for arriving at Copenhagen airport. It has very, very high standards of security.

[azalice]

We found the Copenhagen airport to be very convenient and easy to navigate. Security worked efficiently as well.

 

Alice

[alcpa1]

We flew out of Copenhagen in August.

Please allow more than two hours to check in. The check in lines for BA were near our Delta line and their process was no faster. We had friends flying BA so I was totally aware of their wait time. After your check in you will transit upstairs for security and then you are heading through the duty free store to the flight corridors.

The process, without shopping in the duty free, took over two hours.

[TERRIER1]

Thanks for all the good information. I had called AA and they said to allow 2 hours for check-in at Copenhagen. Given your experience I will allow 2 1/2 hours. I will be travelling in mid June. Another question. If I connect in Heathrow to go to JFK would I shop in the duty free in Copenhagen or Heathrow? Thanks.

[AZjohn]

Amazingly, I had a process of under 10 minutes total at JFK yesterday from jetbridge to concourse. Of course, this was due to DL's new concierge service for diamonds. Personal escort, skipped to the front of immigration (no one ahead of me), straight through customs (carryon only) and through security screenings (again, no one ahead of me).

 

Sweet! Made me think that my UA perks get me inside the airport and plane very quickly, but nothing to help with immigrations or customs or security back inside the airport... I think I should write a letter:rolleyes::D

[fbgd]

Amazingly, I had a process of under 10 minutes total at JFK yesterday from jetbridge to concourse. Of course, this was due to DL's new concierge service for diamonds. Personal escort, skipped to the front of immigration (no one ahead of me), straight through customs (carryon only) and through security screenings (again, no one ahead of me).

 

I will savor that when I have a much longer process through ATL later this month.

 

Nice...wish my airline of choice did that for me :p

 

Although IRIS means that in the past three years I've waiting a combined total of about 15 seconds at immigration when entering the UK :D

[PennyAgain]

You can shop and buy at either airport, but be aware of liquids and hold off buying those until your last chance before your ultimate flight home.

 

In the airports the duty free shops offer a great range of stuff, but you need to be a wise consumer. Just because it is duty free doesn't mean it is less expensive that you could buy at home on sale or on the internet.

 

I always buy chocolates in Europe and know the prices. I don't buy liquor as it just doesn't man anything to me. I have bought wonderful wool sweaters and socks, a fine umbrella and some make up duty free.

 

The US government has restrictions on the importation of meats and some cheeses.

[FlyerTalker]

For AZ and FB: more info HERE.