Connecting Flight at O'Hare to LAX from Rome, is 2 hours and 45 min enough time?

Question

I will be departing from Rome on October 24, 2008 and arriving at Chicago O'Hare at 2:35 pm and catch a flight to LAX leaving at 5:20 pm (on a Friday). Is this enough time to reclaim my bags, clear customs, and then catch my flight to LAX?

Also, since I'm flying with American Airlines, in the event that I do miss my flight because of unexpected delays, will AA try to get me on board the next plane that leaves to LAX? Thanks.

Answer 1

That is a very leisurely transfer time. Italian residents are not required to have a visa (only a machine readable passport, which I am sure that you have). When you pick up your bags to go through customs you quickly insert them back into the system. You don't need to carry them for very long.

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In the event of an unexpected delay the airline will do their best to accomodate you. American has lots of flights from Ohare to LAX. The next one leaves at 6PM.

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It is likely that you will have an hour to kill in a bar.

Answer 2

It should be plenty of time. You will have to immigration, claim your bags and clear customs at O'Hare as it is your first point of entry into the US. You should recive both your boarding passes in Rome and after clearing customs at O'Hare there will be a desk to drop your luggage off for your flight to LAX. If you're flying AA all the way, yes they will try to get you on a later flight if you are delayed for any reason.

Answer 3

yes it is enough time