Short layovers for connecting flights

[ky-mike]

I recently had a conversation with a reservations specialist at Delta. She said that if you book end to end and the airline gives you flight options for connections, then those options should allow for adequate connection time. That being said, if your incoming flight is delayed at all with a short connection time, you will likely miss your connection. However, the airline should get you on the next available flight.

 

[Golden Mean]

I have not had good experiences at Heathrow and Charles de Gaulle. But when flying to Western Europe, it's hard to avoid these two airports, particularly as you try to go non-stop from the US west coast to maximize the flight portion that you fly premium economy.

When I become less stingy and spring for business-class, I will have more choices.

We did Gatwick (London) and Orly (Paris). Both were pretty quiet and convenient. The Thameslink station is right at Gatwick and is a quick ride north to the city center or south to Brighton. Orly has a shuttle to the tube in Paris or you can take the OrlyBus to Denfert-Rochereau and take tube/bus connections from there.

 

[FIYes]

I’ve decided that we need longer connection times. We are generally flying economy and in the back of the plane so just deplaning takes time. While I can hit the ground running if need be, DH cannot and moves fairly slowly especially if he has been sitting for awhile.

 

[Koolau]

I’ve decided that we need longer connection times. We are generally flying economy and in the back of the plane so just deplaning takes time. While I can hit the ground running if need be, DH cannot and moves fairly slowly especially if he has been sitting for awhile.

I know about "not running" anymore. We now both require a wheel chair which can take extra time OR get you to the next gate quicker. Back when only DW used a chair, I couldn't keep up with the kid pushing her chair. I always tip well as it's really nice in an unfamiliar airport when someone knows where your connection gate is actually located.

 

[SecondAttempt]

This isn't a good example, a lock is part of a "quote" working lavatory which is certainly on the safe operating certificate required by the government. They... meaning the airline weren't inventing anything.

Yes, I agree. But let's balance that against delaying 500 passengers for 9 hours and likely much more after missing connecting flights. Maybe that minimum equipment list needs to be reviewed. Yes, 1 lav for 500 people might be a risk. But is 7 out of 8 such a risk that they wait 9 hours? The world has gone senseless!

 

[Vacation4us]

Late to the party but I live near SNA. Personally we fly in and out of LAX to avoid connections, layovers, and expensive flights. Depending on the time of day LAX is as little as an hour away from Orange County. If you’re renting a car it’s a no brainer.

 

[Vacation4us]

PS you can’t land in the OC after about 10 pm this will cause a diversion to LAX and a bus ride back to OC. Talk about a pain.

 

[athena53]

I know about "not running" anymore. We now both require a wheel chair which can take extra time OR get you to the next gate quicker.

Totally agreed on the running/ walking. Just flew out of Kansas City this morning and am in Miami. I’ve walked over 3 miles although some of it was deliberate- had to transfer between terminals at MIA and then go through the TSA again although I do see there was a tram. The new Kansas City airport is big and shiny and pretty but requires a LOT more walking. If DH were alive and in the shape he was in his last few years we’d definitely need a wheel chair for him.

 

[53anddone]

I'm retired. I have more than 4 Million miles of travel experience from my working days.

When I fly now my primary goal is no drama. I don't run through airports anymore or try and swim upstream to "get off the plane to make my connection".

I don't book connections under 90 minutes unless its between two major airports. Sometimes I will drive to a major airport to avoid the connection, sometimes just spend extra time in the airport. Either way it is worth it to avoid the angst that comes with that tight connection.

 

[brett]

I'm retired. I have more than 4 Million miles of travel experience from my working days.

When I fly now my primary goal is no drama. I don't run through airports anymore or try and swim upstream to "get off the plane to make my connection".

I don't book connections under 90 minutes unless its between two major airports. Sometimes I will drive to a major airport to avoid the connection, sometimes just spend extra time in the airport. Either way it is worth it to avoid the angst that comes with that tight connection.

Ditto. Since retiring we have also switched to carry on only. Even if we are delayed we end up with a minimum amount of stress.

In retirement we have become spontaneous travelers. No point in painting yourself into a box or sweating over a late flight or missed connection once you have commenced your trip.