Flight change times.

[tracyd1014]

We are traveling from Barcelona to Phoenix at the end of our cruise.  Home from Barcelona has a layover in Philadelphia for only 2 hours.  Originally it was 4 hour layover, the airline changed it to a different flight.
Is that going to allow enough time to go through customs and get back on the flight from Philadelphia to Phoenix?

[CruiserBruce]

Yes. Immigration usually takes the longest time, and potentially has the most complications, not Customs. Particularly if you don't have Global Entry.

[phillyguy31]

It could be tight,  do you have Global Entry? The biggest factor is getting your luggage, and then going back through security. Philly is not the fastest in getting the baggage off loaded. You will probably make it but I would look at having a plan b.

[sumiandkage]

A full two hour change is typically enough to trigger your option to change the ticket within reason or refund it. If there is a later flight into Phoenix, I'd ask them to put you on that later flight. 

[tracyd1014]

We were on a later flight originally. We did so much research into our flights making sure we had plenty of time in between. It’s American Airlines booked through British Air. And we just found out we will have to re-check our luggage ourselves. Well just have to take only small carryons but that’s going to take some figuring out because we’re goring to be gone 2 full weeks. Thanks for the suggestion though.

[phillyguy31]

Rergardless of airlines you always have to claim and recheck your luggage when arriving from out of the country, because you have to pass through cumstoms with your luggage.

[CruiserBruce]

3 hours ago, phillyguy31 said:

Rergardless of airlines you always have to claim and recheck your luggage when arriving from out of the country, because you have to pass through cumstoms with your luggage.

Not if you are flying from a pre-clearance airport, but that doesn't appear to apply to OP's question.

[phillyguy31]

Agreed but they are far and few in between.

[FlyerTalker]

6 hours ago, phillyguy31 said:

Rergardless of airlines you always have to claim and recheck your luggage when arriving from out of the country, because you have to pass through cumstoms with your luggage.

 

That "recheck" after passing through US customs is NOT the same as your original baggage check.

 

If the bags have been through checked at BCN (which I would assume is most likely on AA flights), you merely take the already-tagged bag and drop it off at a designated bag-drop location just outside the secure customs area.  Takes only a minute or two.

 

You would then need to go through security screening.