I’m not sure what the deal is, but I’ve been noticing very tight connecting times at IAD when doing flight searches to the east coast recently. That might seem scary for the inexperienced travelers, but I can assure you that (in most situations) a 1 hour layover is enough time at Dulles:
- For domestic to domestic connections, a 1 hour layover is more than enough time.
- Domestic to international connections will require about an hour.
- However, 1 hour will not be enough time for international to domestic connections.
Hopefully that was all you needed to alleviate your concerns. However, if I’ve all I’ve done was rattle your anxiety, keep reading. I’ll show you why making connections at IAD isn’t all that bad…
Table of Contents
The reason why a 1 hour layover is enough time at the Dulles Airport (most of the time)
The nice thing about the Dulles airport is that all gates in all terminals are connected behind the main security checkpoint. This means that you can freely move between all terminals relatively quickly.
Not only that, airlines are pretty well grouped at IAD. Chances are extremely slim that you’ll have to run across the entire length of the airport to reach your connecting flight. Sure, there are occasional situations when that will be required, but it’s not as common as you might think.
If you do have to haul *** from one end of Dulles to the other in a short amount of time, the above-ground shuttles and underground train system (AeroTrain) makes it easy.
Reasons why a 1 hour layover might not be enough time
The main reason why a 1 hour layover might not be enough time in Dulles for a domestic to domestic connection is if you’re a slow walker. Having difficulty understanding public transportation might make it difficult as well.
Although it is possible to walk from the main terminal to terminal A and B, there’s no way to walk between terminals A and B to C and D. In those cases, you’ll have to walk to the nearest train or shuttle station and catch a ride to your destination gate.
For most people, this won’t be a problem. However, if your mobility is limited (or you easily get confused), it could add some extra time.
It should also be noted that a 1 hour layover at IAD won’t be enough time for an international to domestic connection. All arriving international passengers must go through passport control and customs prior to retrieving their baggage and re-checking it. That will take more than an hour.
What is the minimum layover time for domestic flights at IAD?
Honestly, if you’re flying United, the minimum layover for domestic flights at IAD (in my opinion) is 35 minutes. Yes, that will be cutting it close, but chances are pretty good that you’ll make it. If you’re flying in on one airline and departing out on another (assuming you have a carry-on only and you have checked in online), give yourself at least 45 minutes.
What is the minimum layover time for international flights at IAD?
Minimum layover times for international flights at IAD depend greatly on whether you’re coming or going. These are my personal time estimates based on my own experience:
Connecting TO an international flight
Connecting from a domestic flight to an international flight at Dulles will take about an hour. No, you will not have to go through any additional security checks board the plane, but you will be required to be onboard earlier than you would for a domestic flight.
Connecting FROM an international flight
Connecting from an international flight to a domestic flight at Dulles will take a minimum of an hour and a half. Going through the customs and immigration process will take some time. Not only that, you’ll have to retrieve (and re-check) your baggage before continuing on to your domestic connection.
A brief overview of the terminal layout at the Washington Dulles International Airport
The Washington Dollis International Airport is weird. I don’t necessarily mean that in a bad way, but it always seems to throw me for a loop whenever I’m there.
There are three main buildings at IAD:
- The main terminal contains all airline ticketing counters as well as a small number of gates (Z gates and H gates)
- Terminals A and B are grouped together in one building
- Terminals C and D are grouped in another
The main terminal is nothing short of beautiful. It’s an elegant and grand structure, probably one of the most iconic airport buildings in all of the US. Unfortunately, the other two terminals are depressingly sterile and soulless.
Walking time between all terminals at IAD
Moving between terminals at the Dulles airport is relatively easy. However, it’s important to note that because there’s no way to walk between terminals A and B and C and D, getting around will take a little longer than you might expect from just looking at the terminal map.
The good news is that the above ground shuttles and the underground train are extremely efficient and easy to use. Getting from one end of IAD to the other is relatively quick given its large size. Here are my personal time estimates:
Main Terminal to:
- Z Gates: 2 minutes
- H Gates: 2 minutes
- A Gates: 7 minutes to walk / 6 minutes via the AeroTrain
- B Gates: 7 minutes to walk / 6 minutes via the AeroTrain
- C Gates: 7 minutes via the AeroTrain / 14 minutes via the shuttle
- D Gates: 17 minutes via the AeroTrain / 10 minutes via the shuttle
Z Gates to:
- Main Terminal: 2 minutes
- H Gates: 2 minutes
- A Gates: 5 minutes to walk / 4 minutes via the AeroTrain
- B Gates: 5 minutes to walk / 6 minutes via the AeroTrain
- C Gates: 5 minutes via the AeroTrain / 14 minutes via the shuttle
- D Gates: 14 minutes via the AeroTrain / 8 minutes via the shuttle
H Gates to:
- Main Terminal: 2 minutes
- Z Gates: 2 minutes
- A Gates: 5 minutes to walk / 4 minutes via the AeroTrain
- B Gates: 5 minutes to walk / 6 minutes via the AeroTrain
- C Gates: 5 minutes via the AeroTrain / 14 minutes via the shuttle
- D Gates: 14 minutes via the AeroTrain / 8 minutes via the shuttle
A Gates to:
- Main Terminal: 7 minutes to walk / 6 minutes via the AeroTrain
- Z Gates: 5 minutes to walk / 4 minutes via the AeroTrain
- H Gates: 5 minutes to walk / 4 minutes via the AeroTrain
- B Gates: 3 minutes to walk
- C Gates: 5 minutes via the AeroTrain
- D Gates: 8 minutes via the AeroTrain / 5 minutes via the shuttle
B Gates to:
- Main Terminal: 7 minutes to walk / 6 minutes via the AeroTrain
- Z Gates: 5 minutes to walk / 6 minutes via the AeroTrain
- H Gates: 5 minutes to walk / 6 minutes via the AeroTrain
- A Gates: 3 minutes to walk
- C Gates: 8 minutes via the AeroTrain
- D Gates: 12 minutes via the AeroTrain
C Gates to:
- Main Terminal: 7 minutes to walk / 14 minutes via the AeroTrain
- Z Gates: 5 minutes to walk / 14 minutes via the AeroTrain
- H Gates: 5 minutes to walk / 14 minutes via the AeroTrain
- A Gates: 5 minutes via the AeroTrain
- B Gates: 8 minutes via the AeroTrain
- D Gates: 3 minutes to walk
D Gates to:
- Main Terminal: 17 minutes via the AeroTrain / 10 minutes via the shuttle
- Z Gates:14 minutes via the AeroTrain / 8 minutes via the shuttle
- H Gates: 14 minutes via the AeroTrain / 8 minutes via the shuttle
- A Gates: 8 minutes via the AeroTrain / 5 minutes via the shuttle
- B Gates: 12 minutes via the AeroTrain
- C Gates: 3 minutes to walk
As I noted earlier, the need to use the train or a shuttle might be confusing for some passengers. In that case, a little extra time will be needed.
How long of a layover do you need at the Dulles Airport for a no-stress connection?
Unlike many other airport layover guides that I’ve written, my ideal connection times for IAD are considerably low. It’s just not a very fun airport to hang out in in my opinion, and the less time that I have to spend there the better. The following are my time estimates for no stress connections at Dulles:
Domestic to domestic layovers
A layover of less than 1 hour to go from one domestic flight to another at IAD is perfectly sufficient. The only reason why you would want to choose an itinerary with a longer connection time is if you want to get something to eat between flights. Otherwise, there’s really no reason to hang around.
Domestic to international layovers
I tend to think an hour and 25 minutes would be the perfect amount of time for a layover between an inbound domestic flight and outbound international flight at IAD. Not only will this give you enough time to be on board your connecting flight earlier, but it’ll also give you a chance to grab a bite to eat in the terminal before your long international segment. Because hey – food isn’t exactly what it used to be on airplanes these days.
International to domestic layovers
2 1/2 hours is what I would want for a no-stress international to domestic layover at IAD. This amount of time might be overkill for most people, but I personally like to walk around and stretch my legs after a long international flight. A layover at this length will allow me to walk around doing the old-man stretches that have become a necessity in my advanced years.
Useful tips for making a 1 hour layover at IAD
By far the best advice I can give you for making a one hour layover at IAD is to not worry about it at all. As long as you’re flying domestically, there are very few reasons why one hour won’t be enough time.
However, if you’re going from an international flight to a domestic flight, I can assure you that one hour is going to be extremely stressful.
No matter what your particular situation is, here are a few tips that’ll make tight connections at the Dallas airport easier to handle:
- Make every effort possible to book your flights on the same airline (or at least the same airline alliance). By doing so, you very likely won’t have to walk very far to your connecting gate.
- Don’t get distracted trying to find something good to eat if you’ve got a tight connection. There are very few decent food options available at IAD (just my opinion), so if you’ve just got to eat, grab the first thing you see that looks acceptable and plan on finding something better at your destination.
- Be prepared for the crowds. The two satellite terminals at the Dulles airport are thin and narrow, and they tend to get overcrowded at certain times of the day. Seating will be limited, and you’re probably going to feel frustrated trying to find a relaxing place to sit. As long as you know this ahead of time, the rage you’ll most certainly feel will be easier to deal with once you’re there.
Kelli
Hello – thank you for this article. I was having some bad anxiety about the short layover during an upcoming trip and this helped to alleviate some of my concerns!!
Scott (SANspotter)
Glad you found this helpful Kelli! Short layovers at IAD are generally very easy, so you’ll be fine. Have a good trip!
Ishaq
Hi scot i coming with my wife at united from Tel Aviv to Houston at IAD. Do u think the 3 hours layover is it enough time to get the flight to Houston
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Ishaq – yes, even if you have checked luggage, three hours will be plenty of time to get through the entire customs and immigration process at IAD. You’ve got nothing to worry about!
Jonathan
Hi, I’m flying in from Aruba (which has a US customs pre-clearance) and I have a layover of 1 hour and 15 minutes to Frankfurt. Both flights are operated by United Airlines and both the arriving and departing flights are in terminal C, which I assume should give me enough time to get on the next flight. Would my checked in luggage also make it?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Jonathan – yes, 1 hour and 15 minutes will be plenty of time. As you said, you’ll go though US customs and immigration before leaving Aruba (which is going to save you a lot of time upon arrival at the Dulles Airport).
Once you arrive at Dulles, it’ll be a matter of walking from one plane to the next with no additional security checks. Your luggage will automatically be transferred. Have a good trip!
Malinda Nichols
This is so helpful! I’m flying United from Munich to IAD with a 1 hour 20 minute layover before heading to Atlanta. 2 days after Christmas. And our seats are at the very back of the plane—we’re flying with 2 kids so we’ve got those 2 rows of 2 seats at the back. We’re strictly carry-on, so no baggage recheck. What do you think? Will we make it?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Malinda! 1 hour and 20 minutes will be tight since you’ll be last off the plane, but you’ll make up a lot of time by not having to claim (and then recheck) any luggage. You’ll make it if you hustle!
Christina
Hello, I’m flying from Vienna to Washington IAD, got 3h layover, is it possible to make it on time with immigration check? I got only carry on backpack so I guess I don’t need to recheck a baggage right?
Thank you
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Christina – yes, 3 hours will be more than enough time. As a matter of fact, you’ll likely have so much time before your connection that you’ll be bored out your mind. IAD isn’t a very exciting airport!
And you are correct – as long as you only have a carry on, you won’t have to re-check anything. Have a good trip!
Melody Osborne
Hi Scott, thank you for such an informative article. I’m concerned now because I have a 40min. connection time from a United Airlines domestic flight to a United Airlines international flight. My seat into IAD is 5 rows from the back of the plane. Will I have enough time to get off plane and make connection?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Melody – you’re very welcome! Yes, 40 minutes will be tight, but it’s certainly doable. There are no extra security checks you’ll need to go through to get on an international flight, so if you hustle, it’ll be ok. Also, the gate agents for your international flight will be aware of any passengers with tight connections, and may be willing to hold the flight for a few minutes to give everyone time to arrive.
Andrea H
Hi Scott, I think you’ve stopped my hyperventilation, but I just want to double-check.
54 min layover between domestic flight and international flight to Grand Cayman.
Two mobile adults.
Carryon only.
Sitting at the back of an Embraer 175.
Enough time? OR should I invest in more expensive seats near the front of the plan?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Andrea – that’ll be easy! I assume you’re flying United, so in that case, you (probably) won’t have to walk all far to get from one plane to the next. UA does have a hub at IAD, but it’s not all that gnarly compared to other hubs.
I’d probably recommend splurging for better seats if you were flying in on a larger aircraft, but the E175 is small enough to not have to worry about it. No need for hyperventilation!
Andrea H
Thanks so much! You’ve put my mind at ease. LOVE your site!!!
Lani Alba
I’m thinking about EWR to CDG with 1.5 hour layover at IAD and this article really helps me with decision-making. But still apprehensive about my checked luggage. Will traveling Polaris business class give additional assurance?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Lani – yes, an hour and a half at IAD won’t be any issue at all (especially if you’re fling Polaris). I’m not sure if it will give you any extra protection, but considering that 30 minute connections are legal at Dulles (and United can – and does – transfer bags from one plane to the next in that amount of time), you’ll be fine. Enjoy Paris!
Jolene
Hi we are looking at flight options and we have a 1 hour 50 minute layover from MSP to IAD then from IAD to ATH, would you say this is sufficient for outbound international? Would we have to go through security again or retrieve checked bags?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Jolene – yes, that will be more than enough time! You won’t have to go through security again (or retrieve your checked bags) when you arrive at IAD. Just walk from one plane to the next.
Kay
Hi, we have a 2 hour 20 minutes layover in IAD for Berlin to Cancun with United. Would that be enough time? and since we got our tickets on United’s website, I hope we wouldn’t have to get our luggage and check in again.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Kay – that will be plenty of time, but you will have to retrieve your luggage before going through customs (and then re-check it afterwards). It’s a requirement for all passengers entering the US.
Gilberto Espinosa
Thank you Scott for such an honest and precise article. I am traveling late April from IAH to Paris (CDG) flying United and the layover at IAD is ONE HOUR and 25 Minutes. According to current flights I have checked status they are from Concourse C to D. According to your experience that time will be more than enough, right?…Thanks again!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Gilberto – yes, that will be plenty of time! The transfer from C to D doesn’t take long – you’ll have lots of time to relax and shop / get something to eat before your flight to CDG. Have a good trip!
Adam
Thank you for the guide. But what I’m missing or is missing? Transfer from international to international.
Flying VIE-IAD Then IAD-PTY. Austrian to B-gate and Copa from A-gate. We have 1h53m transfer time.
Do we go through security? Check our bags? or can we just go gate to gate?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Adam – International to international connections will require going though the full customs and immigration procedure. Upon deplaning, you will first go though passport control. Then you’ll have to retrieve your luggage before going through customs. After that, you’ll have to re-check your bags to your final destination (there’s usually a bag drop area right outside of the customs exit). From there you’ll go through the security checkpoint to re-enter the terminal.
2 hours will be tight, but as long as you keep moving, you’ll make it.
Christina
Hi Scott, sorry for asking again, I think I wasn’t exact by previous question. I’m flying from Vienna to IAD. I got there 3h transfer time to catch next flight to Guatemala.
Do you think its possible to make it on time with all security check/immigration control?
Thank you
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Christina! Yeah, 3 hours will be enough time even if you’re transferring to another international flight. Once you clear US customs / immigration upon arrival at IAD from Vienna, you’ll go directly back into the terminal to catch your flight to Guatemala. It’ll be just as easy (and quick) as connecting to a domestic US flight.
Nicole
Hi Scott!
I really need your opinion on this one.
Would a 1hr40min layover in Dulles be enough time from a United Domestic to an International flight with United partner (Austrian Airlines)? The only other option is 6hr30mins and I feel that is too long, especially with my 5yo. Right now we have ours booked for the longer layover, but I am looking to change it – if you think that 1hr40mins is enough time.
In addition to that, coming back from our trip (Vienna – Washington), we will have a 2hr layover. Would that be enough time for immigration, baggage, get to our gate etc? I think we have done this once with a 2hr15min layover and we made it no problem a few years back, but it’s hard for me to remember clearly and this is the first time I travel independently with my young child.
I do feel a little nervous and my kid will be on a stroller due to a minor disability – so that helps a bit if we need to walk fast.
Hope to hear back from you.
Warm regards and thank you!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Nicole! Yeah, an hour and 40 minutes will be more than enough time to make a domestic to international connection. Even if you have to do a terminal change, it’ll be fast and easy since there will be no additional security checks to go through. IAD is kind of a bland airport as well, so the less time the better IMHO.
And yup – 2 hours to make an international to domestic connection won’t be an issue either. You won’t have a lot of time to spare though, so just try to get through customs / immigration as fast as you can (greased up wheels on the stroller will help lol). Have a good trip!
Nicole
Haha. Thank you Scott! I really needed the reassurance 🙂
This article helps a lot!
Pleasant travels to wherever you head to next!
Nicole
Hey, back just to ask one more question.
Typically are United flights on time in the afternoon? I forgot to ask this yesterday. Departing from Knoxville to Washington. It will be an afternoon flight, 2:30pm. With an 1hr40min transit before my next flight to Austria, should that be enough time? If there were a delay, what were to happen or do you think that wouldn’t happen?
I know it’s hard to predict, but just the typicality of the situation based on experience or knowledge.
Thanks again!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Nicole – yeah, it’s hard to predict if a particular flight will be on time or not. One way to check is to go to google flights and do a flight search for that exact flight you will be flying on. Along with all the flight details (time, price, etc) it’ll show you average on time performance. It’s not a prediction of what will happen, but you can use that info to get a general idea of what to expect.
You’ll definitely have enough time – even if your arriving flight is slightly delayed.
If something bad happens and you completely miss your Austrian Airlines flight, you will automatically be rebooked on another flight. Make sure you download the United app to your phone before you leave, as you will be able to see real-time updates on your itinerary (should they happen).
You’re gonna do great!
Nicole
Thank you so much for explaining all this. All your information really helps! I will definitely look into it.
All the best!
MARY
In May we are looking at flights on United from Tampa to Lisbon with a 1 hour layover at Dulles. The flight arrives in Dullus at 9:15 pm. Should I book or is it too close? What happens if we miss the flight?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Mary – 1 hour will be enough (you won’t have to go through security to reach your connection). Missing the flight won’t be the end of the world IMHO, as United (and it’s partner airlines) have a lot of European-bound flights departing Dulles every evening. You’ll automatically be put on an alternate flight if for whatever reason you miss the one you were originally booked on. Just log into the United app on your phone and you’ll see the updated itinerary.
If things go really bad (meaning they can’t find a flight to put you on that night) they will pay for a hotel stay so you can fly out the next day.
You’ll make it though. United runs a very efficient operation at Dulles, so you’ve got nothing to worry about. Have a great trip!
Jason
Hi Scott – great article but leaves me very worried! Travelling from the U.K. (four adult with four checked bags) to Dulles on Saturday 1st April, arrival 11.05am, then due to catch a connecting flight to Orlando at 12.32pm (both with United). With only a 1hr 27min connection, be honest do I need to panic? Any advice would be great please!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Jason – no need to panic, but you will need to hustle! It’s a makable connection for sure, but you will need to move fast (no bathroom breaks until you get through haha).
If it makes you feel any better, missing your connection won’t be the end of the world. United will have no issues at all finding another flight to Orlando to put you on instead. Good luck!
Jason
Thanks and appreciated!
Kira
Hi Scott,
your article helped me a lot to decide if 1h 20min would be enough between a domestic flight from Columbus, OH to Washington (gate A) and an international flight from Washington to Munich (gate C).
As I understand, I don´t have to go through customs at IAD when arriving and I also don´t need to pass secure check (even when switching from A to C?). Can you tell me the fastest way to get from A4 to C1? I know its by taking the Airtrain but which level am I arriving, which level is the train (outside secure check?) and where to go once on the train to terminal C?
Thanks for your help!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Kira – 1 hour and 20 minutes won’t be an issue at all. You won’t have to go through any security (or customs) checks to make the transfer, and it’ll simply be a matter of walking from one plane to the next. And you are correct – the train will be the fastest way to move from A to C.
The train is on the lower level, and it’s not hard to find (especially from the A gates). Just follow the signs, and you’ll be directed to a set of escalators and elevators leading to the train platform.
Once you arrive at the C gates, go up one level and turn left. Gate C1 will be the first gate you see. Have a good trip!
Frances Ann
You are a saint! Here’s my question. Is 55 minutes in the afternoon enough to connect at Dulles? Flight from Austin arrives 4:25 pm. Flight to Frankfurt (LH) departs 5:20 pm. Afternoon flights are often delayed so who knows if I would actually arrive IAD at 4:25. I am trying to get a seat near the front of the first plane. I don’t want to worry about this for the next 2 months. Thank you!
Scott (SANspotter)
Good news: you’ve got nothing to worry about. 🙂 IAD is really easy to navigate, and it’ll take just minutes to move from one terminal to the next (if you need to). There are no additional security checks to go through, and all it takes is just walking from one plane to the next.
Taking the train to move between terminals is often the fastest, but it may be a bit of a walk to the nearest platform/station (depending on where your arriving flight is parked). The above-ground trams are fast too, so if you run into a tram stop before reaching the train, take that instead.
And yes – sitting near the front of the plane for your arrival into IAD will help cut down on th time needed to make the transfer. Have a good trip!
marius
I will be flying on a Friday LUFTHANSA LH 5931 to IAD from Germany. My connecting flight to TPA operated by United it is schedule a 5:37 PM LH9064 .Di I need to worry about transferring from Term A to Term C after custom?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Marius – no, it won’t be an issue at all. There is a centralized customs and immigration at IAD, and getting to terminal C after going through that process is super easy (the train is probably the fastest way). Have a good trip!
marius
Do I need to check out -collect my luggage and check it back on the united flight after custom?
Scott (SANspotter)
Yes, immediately after going through passport control, you will be required to claim your luggage before going through customs. After customs, there will likely be a baggage drop area of some kind where you can re-check it with United for your flight to Tampa.
Adam
Update on my IDA stop. Almost 3 H in line for TSA. They stoped the line for none US, for 45 min. So we missed our flight. We got great help from the Lufthansa group…after they realized that we flew in business. If you fly in business, tell them straight away. They sat us up with Hotel, food and a direct flight next day. The family was very happy!
Scott (SANspotter)
Wow, 3 hours! That wouldn’t have been fun at all – but at least you were able to get everything sorted out.
Wendy
Hello Scott,
I will be flying United flight 1986 from Seattle to Dulles arriving at D16 at 8:56 pm. I have a connecting United flight 924 on to London leaving at C3 at 10:00 pm. What do you think, Enough time?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Wendy! Oh yeah – that’ll be easy (you’ll have plenty of time to spare). You actually won’t even need to physically change terminals, since Terminals C and D at IAD coexist in one building. Terminal D occupies one end of it, and C the other end. It’s just a matter of walking from one end end to the other. No trains / trams / security checks.
Have a great trip!
Samy
Hi Scott, do you think arriving at 915pm from UA4280 and flying UA 924 at 10pm is possible? Thanks!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Samy – yup, totally possible! United Express to United connections are very quick and easy. You’ll just walk from one plane to the next (no need to go through any security checkpoints).
scott
Appreciate your concise information //Flying united from abroad and landing at Dulles , 3:50 pm- need to catch domestic united flight at 5:18(one hour and 40 minutes). I know i will b in the same terminal, but can u advise on the process btw flights. Specifically, can i pass thru customs and p u luggage, all in that terminal, and have enough time to make connecting flight?
Scott (SANspotter)
Yup, an hour and 40 minutes is enough. Keep in mind that you’re not likely going to have a lot of time to spare once you get through the entire customs and immigration process though.
FYI, the process will consist of: going through passport control > retrieving your checked luggage > going through customs > re checking your checked luggage with United > going through security to get back into the terminal.
You’ll be fine as long as you keep moving!
Tina Deaver
Hey Scott, I am arriving from London on CHRISTMAS EVE to Dulles. The flight arrives at 3:40pm. I would like to take a direct flight to Detroit that leaves at 5:15pm. I know that is just 1 hour and 35 minutes but I have GLOBAL ENTRY. Is this too stressful a connection? Is Christmas Eve quiet or busy?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Tina! I’d do it. Christmas Eve will be busy, but not as busy as the 22nd or 23rd IMHO. Most people will be where they need to be for the holidays by then, so I think you stand a really good chance of pulling it off without any issues. Especially with Global Entry!
That said, it’s probably wise to have a plan B if for whatever reason you misconnect.