28 minutes to connect to another flight...HELP

[Charleyann]

Delta changed my flight again. I only have 28 minutes to get from one gate to another with a child in a wheelchair by myself! Can I do this with assistance? This is Boston airport connecting flight to Fredericton? (Comair?)

Delta told me this was a legal connection and this is also last flight out to Fredericton. My only other option is flying out of MCO earlier and that gives me a 7 hour layover in Boston . Can't do that with a special needs child...last time I'm flying with carrier!

If we miss our flight, is Delta liable to cover Hotel cost?

Charleyann

 

[DebbieB]

They would only be liable for a hotel if it was their fault the plane was late, such as mechanical problems. If it was weather, then there's no liability.

You should tell the flight attendent that you will need assistance when the plane lands, they can radio ahead. Delta did that for an elderly woman who was on my flight a couple weeks ago.

When is your trip? If it's not for awhile, chances are they will change it again.

All the carriers have been doing this, it could happen with any of them.

 

[czkmom]

I don't have a child in a wheelchair, but I have a child with physical disabilities that will not allow him to run quickly. I am flying NWA and have a 38 min layover. I did ask about assistance and they said they can arrange a wheelchair guide to be at your arrival gate but they couldn't arrange a golf cart.

They informed me to call ahead the night before and they could give me the gate for arrival and departure and verify the wheelchair. I am hoping that having someone meet us with a wheelchair that they will at least have a radio to call ahead to the gate to tell them where on our way.

Good luck!

 

[Charleyann]

My child just needs wheelchair for endurance. He has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in his ankles and knees and wears braces. He Also has cystic fibrosiis and he can't run. So his wheelchair is for endurance and flareups.

I'll try calling the night before like you. Thanks for the advice! We aren't going until Oct 30 - Nov 14...so maybe it will change again!

Charleyann

 

[princess jasmine27]

i know how you feel. last year we did the make a wish trip and i was flying alone with my 2 son's ages 2 and 7 at the time. my 7(now8) year old also has cystic fibrosis and we had to connect to a boston flight in philadelphia in about that much time. it was very nerve racking knowing that he couldn't run and the stress of being in an airport that you aren't familiar with on top of that..... i i ended up putting my older son in the stroller and carrying the younger one on my hip while pushing the stroller extra fast with one hand. probably wasn't the best method but i got there and by the time i did they were already starting boarding!!!!!! i'd ask the flight attendents from the first flight to get help for you before you exit the plane. cystic fibrosis is a special need and i probably should've done that! good luck!

 

[Charleyann]

My son's wish from the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada was to meet princess Jasmine ! How is your son doing CF wise?

I'm going to to call Delta again, and suggest they get us a motorized cart or something. I do not want to spend a night in Boston.

Thank you

Charleyann

 

[tribus121]

Good luck sending some Pixie Dust at least all delta flights are out of the same terminal in boston and you clear customs in Fredericton . Hopefully they will change it again . I was looking at the current schedule and way you could realistly improve this is to fly through atlanta and i dont realy think that would realy help much . I have 45 min to make conections in PHL & none of us requre assestence and I worry about making it but if we mis we only have to wait till the next flight as we are flying out of bangor early in the am

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

If both flights are on Delta, you should have time, unless your first flight is late.

And no, if you miss your flight, you won't get compensation. If you are really concerned, you might want to change your flights.

Delta told me this was a legal connection and this is also last flight out to Fredericton. My only other option is flying out of MCO earlier and that gives me a 7 hour layover in Boston . Can't do that with a special needs child...last time I'm flying with carrier!

This really isn't Delta's fault. You do have other choices.

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't know if Dleta still does this, but the last time we flew with them, they required anyone with a wheelchair/needing wheelchair assistance to wait until the plane was completly empty before you could get off. And I mean completly - there were a few people still in the back of the plane, but the aisle had been clear for several minutes and they still would not let us get off.

Also, if you are gate checking a wheelchair, I would be concerned that 28 minutes is not enough time to get the wheelchair back up to the gate. Our DD's wheelchair sometimes doesn't arrive until most of the plane is empty anyway. If there is a closet on board the plane and your wheelchair will fit in it, you are allowed to store it there (it takes priority over other things people may want to put into the closet). The 'wheelchair' closet space is first come, first serve though - they may allow you to 'register' for it ahead of time, but they have space for only a limited number of wheelchairs and if it's full, you have to gate check.

 

[jodifla]

If both flights are on Delta, you should have time, unless your first flight is late.

And no, if you miss your flight, you won't get compensation. If you are really concerned, you might want to change your flights.



This really isn't Delta's fault. You do have other choices.

How is it NOT Delta's fault? She bought a ticket at certain times, and they're making it impossible for her.