Is a 3 hour layover at O´Hare around X-MAS enough (international)?
Hello everyone!
I am about to purchase tickets traveling from Madrid to Phoenix on December 28th. I would take Aer Lingus from Madrid until Chicago and then purchase a separate ticket from Chicago to Phoenix using American Airlines. Is 3 hours enough time to switch from the international terminal to terminal 3? Don´t forgot, I will have to go through customs. I am most worried about increased lines due to holiday travel.
Thanks in advance.
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If you could take a later flight if you could . because of many unknown factors mainly the weather and the possibility of many travelers also trying to get thru customs.
i would allow at least 5 hours or more ..even the possibility of leaving the next day
There is no telling with Chicago. If you can get a later flight to Phoenix, I would. Better to be safe than sorry. While 3 hours is generally more than enough time, you also don't want to get stuck sleeping at O'Hare around Christmas time! If there is not a later connection to Phoenix, then I would at least try to make it. Have a great trip!
3 hours may be close for turn around. OHare is a zoo. But the biggest problem you may face is the weather. Chicago in Decomber can get lots of snow and ice storms. But there isn't anything you can do about the weather, other than pack essentials in your carry on bags incase you get stuck overnight.
Your 3 hr layover / customs inspection should be okay but cutting it close. There are free shuttles connecting the terminals...12 min ride.
Why not take AA from MAD to PHX? There is a 3 1/2 hr. layover in Miami which is a much smaller airport.
http://www.aa.com/aa/homePage.do?dyn_server=144.9....
Three hours should be plenty of time. As crazy as O'hare maybe, it won't take three hours to go from the international terminal to terminal 3. Even getting through Customs shouldn't be that bad; getting through local customs is a lot quicker than going through international customs.
There is no telling with our crazy weather here in Chicago. Good luck!