Connections through philadelphia?

Question

I am flying to from the UK to Las Vegas via Philadelphia in early December. I have a layover time of 2 hours 5 minutes and was wondering if this was enough time to catch my connecting flight. I have read several reviews on various websites and cannot get clear info on this. I have been told you need an hour to clear customs, get your bags, etc and then I have to get to the gate for my connection. I beleive I then do not clear customs when I get to LV. Is this right?

Having never flown in to the States before I have no idea what the procedure is and what to expect. Any info would be gratefully welcomed.

Answer 1

2 hrs is just at the safe limit for an intl connect in PHL.  If your flight is on time you should be fine, its only delays I would worry about.

Bascially, when you arrive in Terminal A, you will claim your bags and clear customs.  This can take from 20 mins to an hour depending on volume.  Right past customs is a spot to re-check your bag (I haven't done the recheck myself, I think you basically just drop it on a belt).  From there you exit into the main terminal.  MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT LEAVE AIRSIDE, if you exit groundside you will have to re-clear security.

From there it depends on where your flight leaves from.  It's a long walk from Terminal A to E, but doable.  B+C are 10 mins or less at a good pace.  If you happen to leave from terminal F, there is a shuttle bus at gate C 16.  If time presses, hail down one of the carts that drive around (remember the less time you have, the larger the tip).

You will not clear customs in LV