We’re flying from Buffalo, NY to Dallas, TX the day before Thanksgiving, with a layover in Chicago (O’Hare). The problem is, on the way there the layover is an hour, and on the way back it’s an hour and twenty minutes. Is this enough time to get through security? Or since it’s a layover do they not put you through everything they did when you got on the first plane? I’m all for going through the endless security measures; I think it’s great they’re doing everything… I just want to make sure we’ll be able to make the connecting flights. Thoughts?
At O’Hare, you won’t have to go through a full-blown security check again because it is a layover.
However, you will still have to show ID to board the plane and to any one of a number of officials who can ask you to show it at anytime. You may be selected for a random carry-on search and scanned with the hand-held metal detector before boarding, but unless they detain you they’ll hold the plane 'til all the people being searched are finished with being searched.
Advice: when you land in O’Hare proceed as quickly as possible to your departure gate then wait patiently and quietly to be ID’d, questioned and/or searched.
It is doubtful that you will miss your flight due to increased security measures.
I flew from Providence to Los Angeles and back last month, and I had to stop in Chicago both ways.
I don’t think there was any more of a delay than before 9/11. There were random checks, but I got through with no problems. The only thing I did notice was that I had to show my ID to board the plane, like Motorgirl said.
I think you have plenty of time.
Enjoy your trip!
Rose