2 different airlines (connecting) to one destination

[lisareneeo]

This is non disney but you guys are the experts.

I am trying to get from Baltimore (BWI) to Key West for the lowest fare possible.

First, nothing flies direct to Key West anyway so I would have a stop over either in Miami or Fort Lauderdale.

My question...
I would travel from BWI to Fort Lauderdale (Air Tran) and arrive at FL at 9:41am Would that give me enough time to get my bag ( I may only have carryon) and make a flight on Continental from Fort Lauderdale on to Key West This flight leaves @ 11:50 am

this gives me 2 hours and 10 minutes in between flights. But I would have to go through the check in process again for Continental.

Same situation on the way back. I would have about 2hours and 25 minutes in between flights.

This is the least expensive way. I have a credit on Air Tran so that helps.

Opinions please.

P.>S It is only me traveling (meeting college friends) so I can move quickly in the airport.

Thanks
Lisa

 

[ducklite]

If all goes as planned it will work in FTL, MIA is iffier if you've got a checked bag. BUT, if you miss the flight to Key West due to a delay you're screwed. CO will consider it a missed flight, and will charge you to rebook on a later flight.

Airlines don't like it when you do this, and they won't help you if there's a problem caused by the other carrier.

Anne

 

[lisareneeo]

Thanks for your response Ducklite. The more I think about it, I probably will
only have a carry on so I am thinking I will be ok on time.

Any other opinions??
lisa

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Thanks for your response Ducklite. The more I think about it, I probably will
only have a carry on so I am thinking I will be ok on time.

Any other opinions??
lisa

ducklite is correct.

It's not just a luggage issue. The major issue is, what would happen if your first flight is delayed in such a way that you miss your second flight?

Let's suppose the first flight is delayed 2 or 3 hours due to a mechanical reason, a weather delay, or any other reason. Let's suppose your second ticket is a separate ticket, not a true connecting ticket.

The question is, what will Continental do if you fail to arrive at the departure gate in time for the second flight? They might allow you to fly standby on a later flight if there is availability (and you present yourself less than 2 hours late) -- but you really need to check with Continental regarding Continental's rules (and the rules associated with your fare).

Connecting from one airline to another is reasonable if both flights are on the same ticket. The airlines then have an obligation to get you to your final destination. That only works if the airlines have an interline agreement (in which case you should also be able to check your bags from your home airport to your final destination),

But if you have two separate tickets, and you miss the second flight (even though it's beyond your control), the second airline will treat you the same as if you had slept in or just not bothered to get to the airport on time.

 

[CarolMN]

I'd be a little leary of using AirTran for one of the airlines. They have a history of changing departure/arrival times. That could make for some huge problems.

Just a thought - are you going to need a car at Key West? If so, maybe it would be cheaper to just fly into Fort Lauderdale or Miami and drive from there. It's really a nice drive once you get past Key Largo.