Connecting London Heathrow to Charlotte - enough time for immigration?

[Tod&Copper]

I wonder if anyone can help please?

We are considering a flight from Heathrow to Charlotte in December and there is only 2.15 hrs between the onward connecting flight to MCO.

Does anyone know if this is enough time to go through immigration and get to the next gate on time?

Is it a big airport is anyone aware?

TIA

 

[2Tiggies]

It should be fine, as long as your flight from Heathrow isn't late. You will probably need to keep moving though. You need to clear immigration, collect your bags, clear customs and go through the security checkpoint again to board your connecting flight. What is your alternative? Is there a later connection or are there later flights out that day to MCO, in case you miss the one you are booked to fly on?

 

[sam_rogers]

I agree about the potential of a late flight causing problems. Dh went to hawaii last year and had around 3 and a half hours to make a connection at LA. we were delayed at Heathrow for an hour and got stuck on the tarmac at LA for 50 mins, a massive queue at immigration, bag collection, terminal change with no idea where we were going at had to go back through security...we just about made the flight! Needless to say it was extremely stressful when we thought we'd have plenty of time to make it!

 

[jtotheb]

Does anyone know if this is enough time to go through immigration and get to the next gate on time?

Is it a big airport is anyone aware?

We're doing a similar journey in February. One of the reasons we chose to fly via CLT was due to it being a relatively small airport (single terminal). Some flights popped up connecting in New York, plus a terminal change, with sub-90 minutes between flights. I thought that they were relatively optimistic

Assuming everything is running on time the consensus on airline/airport forums suggested to us that a couple of hours in Charlotte were sufficient due to its relative size and how busy it gets. Fingers crossed for both of us!

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

I made a flight in June by minutes and I had a 4 hour change around time! Never underestimate how long delay's at Heathrow can be!!!

 

[seashoreCM]

At least have the entire itinerary on the same ticket booking. This way, if you miss the continuing flight the airlines must still fly you to your final destination without collecting additional fares or fees.

 

[jeffbear]

One saving grace about Charlotte is that they don't have a ton of International flights. That means the whole customs area generally doesn't get hammered with people due to flights backing up. That comes with a down side though, because the customs and airline folks aren't as used to dealing with timing problems as they are at say JFK ... where I've had airlines reps literally walk with me through the process to make sure my bags at least got checked in ... even if they didn't end up making the plane.

Also, Charlotte is not a super big airport, although the hike between terminals can still be substantial. If you're running late make SURE to flag down somebody to put you on one of the carts. That will beat running through foot traffic every time.

 

[horner89]

I lived in Charlotte for a year and used the airport for national and international travel several times.

While it's generally pretty quiet, it once took over 2 hours to clear the customs line as a couple of international flights arrived at the same time. If your flight is late departing and there's a queue, you might run into some troubles. Several people in the line behind me did on that trip and they missed their connection.

On the plus side, the airport is fairly small so if you need to run to make it you won't have too far to go. If you do have some time, it's a nice airport to explore (rocking chairs and live music on a grand piano in the waiting area are nice touches).