54 Minute Layover - Doable?

[vicarrieous]

I have a 54 minute layover in Delta at MSP. My departure flight was recently changed leaving us only 54 minutes to catch the next flight. I can do this right? lol

 

[OKW Lover]

Yes, that is doable. Not that you'll have time to dawdle between flights but you can make it.

 

[vicarrieous]

Yes, that is doable. Not that you'll have time to dawdle between flights but you can make it.

Thanks for the reassurance. I am a good task master, so I can easily get us there directly without a pit stop This is one of the things I hate booking a flight 6 months out.

 

[georgina]

It's doable assuming your first flight leaves on time. That is a big assumption. Is it an early morning flight at least? Less time that way for things to get backed up or have your plane delayed because it hasn't arrived yet from its previous destination.

I had a thread not too long ago because my DD had United change her flight so she only had a one hour layover at EWR. First plane (red-eye) left 30 mins late and she had to change terminals so she missed her connection. I've missed a connection in Atlanta on Delta for the same reason.

That being said I have 2 upcoming SW flights with only 45 min layovers in Atlanta. I bought Earlybird (which I do not usually do) so I could sit near the front of the plane to try to make my connection. We have had good luck with SW holding flights for us and have been on SW flights which have waited for connecting passengers, but never in Atlanta which is so busy. Not much you can do about it other than hope it works out!

 

[vicarrieous]

It's doable assuming your first flight leaves on time. That is a big assumption. Is it an early morning flight at least? Less time that way for things to get backed up or have your plane delayed because it hasn't arrived yet from its previous destination.

I had a thread not too long ago because my DD had United change her flight so she only had a one hour layover at EWR. First plane (red-eye) left 30 mins late and she had to change terminals so she missed her connection. I've missed a connection in Atlanta on Delta for the same reason.

That being said I have 2 upcoming SW flights with only 45 min layovers in Atlanta. I bought Earlybird (which I do not usually do) so I could sit near the front of the plane to try to make my connection. We have had good luck with SW holding flights for us and have been on SW flights which have waited for connecting passengers, but never in Atlanta which is so busy. Not much you can do about it other than hope it works out!

Yes we are an early morning flight and the first of the day out of our small regional airport. Weather would be my biggest concern second to "deicing" or mechanical for plane as for delaying take off.

We got to choose our seats and will be row three so I am hoping once we hit the gate we can just go. We travel light which should help. All I can do is cross my fingers and hope we don't have to figure things out on the fly if we miss our flight.

 

[schoen]

I think with a tight layover you need to hope for the best, but be flexible. I recently had a layover at MSP that was really tight, my plane had issues and I was rebooked on a flight that left six hours later. It wasn't ideal, but I knew it was a risk.

On my return flight I had an hour layover and it was MORE than enough time. No issues on that leg.

 

[DebbieB]

I would take a look at the terminal layout to get familiar. MSP has had a lot of additions so the gates are not always close by.

http://www.delta.com/content/www/en...nd-aircraft/airports/minneapolis-st-paul.html

 

[AquamarineSteph]

It's doable as long as the first flight arrives on time, but be prepared to make haste to find your next gate! Have a good trip!

 

[mb187143]

I recently had a layover in MSP flying from KCI to PHL. The layover should have been 90 minutes but we left KC about 45 late and then had to circle MSP twice. We landed and I took off from the 1st plane which came in to D3 and booked it to my next, flying out of F7 I think. I did a fast walk and made it to my next flight in time to board. It should have been plenty of time but that day, it just wasn't. I would still book that same schedule again though over a longer layover.

 

[mb187143]

Duplicate post

 

[vicarrieous]

Wish us luck We have 6 months until the flight so a lot can change before then, but I hope the layover doesn't get too much shorter. I am also looking into some trip insurance just because its a tight time frame and with weather in WI/MN you just never know!

 

[brownhaired_girl]

I would take a look at the terminal layout to get familiar. MSP has had a lot of additions so the gates are not always close by.

http://www.delta.com/content/www/en...nd-aircraft/airports/minneapolis-st-paul.html

I'm not sure where you are flying from, but if it is a smaller plane, it may be a hike between gates. Be aware that they will start boarding 30 minutes before takeoff. I think it will be doable but do your homework. If you are able to choose your seats, try to get them closer to the front of the plane. For restroom break, I would not choose the one right at the gate that you get off as there may be a line. Planning ahead can save your day.

 

[DebbieB]

One thing in your favor is MSP is a large Delta hub. They should be able to reschedule you quickly if you miss the connection. I used to fly there a lot for work, they are good with winter weather.

 

[Collette]

I have had many layovers at MSP - and several time changes for flights with Delta. The last few times when the time changes have created a too short connection time, I have been able to change my flight times (without charge).

Depending on the gates where your first flight lands and next flight departs, it can sometimes be quite a hike. Good advice above to look at the MSP terminal map and be familiar where the gates are located. One time I landed in F and was departing in A. I barely made it and they weren't exactly happy that I was "late". I hadn't stopped for anything along the way. It's a long way from one end of the airport to the other. There are carts to ride that help you go a little faster. There is also the tram along C. I would check flight statuses for several days to get an idea where your flights "usually" land and depart. I like to have a plan for navigating the airport. It's good that you are in row 3 and can get off the plane quickly.

I have also become quite familiar with the Memphis airport a couple times due to missed connecting flights - one due to weather, another when there were backups at MSP waiting to land. Delta was very good about getting me to MCO each day even though it was much later than planned. This was quite a few years ago. I don't know how it would be currently when it seems there are not as many flights per day. Now we either drive to Minneapolis or schedule connecting times at least over an hour or closer to two hours in winter.

Good luck! I hope the weather cooperates and that everything goes smoothly for your first flight and lands on time - or even a few minutes ahead of schedule!

 

[seashoreCM]

I would look into hand picking alternate flights I would like and requesting a re-change,giving connection time as a reason. But not going ahead and paying any money to accomplish it.