What is the safest time between flights to assure you make your flight?

Question

I am looking at flights to Japan this fall and I found one that looks promising - only problem is that I have to change airlines and the slight issue of short layover. I would be flying from Dallas to LAX arriving at 10:30 AM and then have to catch a flight from LAX to KIX (Osaka Kansai) at 12:10 PM - a difference of 1:40 minutes.

Okay, please tell me if I am cutting this close, but it is a grand total of $250 cheaper than NWA (which I have flown on before). It would require changing planes between American and EVA Airways, though, meaning rechecking bags, right? I really think I would be cutting this too close and miss my flight - or miss my bags.

Answer 1

They will check your luggage straight through so you would not have to recheck your luggage so you should be fine.  I would double check which terminal you will arrive and then have to get to to go to Osaka.  You should have plenty of time.

Answer 2

Since you are using two different airlines, you'll have to claim your luggage & then recheck it with the second airline.  

I would give yourself some more time between flights, if possible.  You don't want to stress yourself out and if there are ANY delays from Dallas to LAX or long lines to recheck your luggage or at security you'll be VERY stressed.  Try to give yourself some extra time.

Answer 3

So...one person above said they will check your luggage through to the other airline, and the other person said they won't.  Here's the deal:  They will, only if American and EVA have signed an agreement to do so.  It's pretty random which airlines will do it with which other airlines.  I would suggest that you call customer service to find out.  Of course, if EVA is in the OneWorld Alliance, they definitely will.

Now, on the return flight, assuming it's KIX-LAX-DFW, you will absolutely have to get your bags at LAX, because you need to clear customs at the first airport in the US that you get to.

I can't really comment on if 1:40 is enough - it varies by airport and I haven't connected through LAX before.  But if orbitz or whoever was willing to sell you the ticket, that means they think it's possible.