Connecting Through IAD or ORD?

[nkereina]

I'd go with ORD since it has the 3 hour layover. Last time we had a one hour layover, our originating flight got delayed by unforeseen circumstances (bad smoke detector in the bathroom ) and we left 45 minutes late. We missed our connection. I'd rather have to kill three hours at ORD if everything went well than have to sprint across IAD, or worse.

 

[dvcdisney]

Overall, when including all airlines, ORD gets almost three times as many passengers as IAD.

However, when just comparing the United to United, IAD is not a "much smaller airport." United has a similar number of gates (around 70 to 80) spread across a similar number of concourses at ORD and IAD. Neither United hub is as convenient as United's Denver (DEN) hub for connections, but neither the ORD nor IAD hub is as big as United's Houston (IAH) hub.

There are numerous reasons why IAD or ORD might be better for your plans, but don't pick IAD expecting a small airport with just a few gates, all close each other.

I'm glad I asked the question here. I had no idea. Most reviews I've read considers IAD much smaller than ORD. I didn't realize that IAD had just as many gates utilized by United. This was, somewhat, what I wanted to avoid. But it looks inevitable.

I think I'd be much more comfortable with a longer layover. It's possible my views may change once I've flown in either of these airports a few times. But since it'll be my family's first time, I think I'll be cautious.

Thanks again.

 

[dvcdisney]

I'd go with ORD since it has the 3 hour layover. Last time we had a one hour layover, our originating flight got delayed by unforeseen circumstances (bad smoke detector in the bathroom ) and we left 45 minutes late. We missed our connection. I'd rather have to kill three hours at ORD if everything went well than have to sprint across IAD, or worse.

I agree. I think I'll be doing that. I finally understand how much larger IAD than what I first thought. It would likely be a sprint.

Thanks.

 

[dvcdisney]

IAD is my home airport, but I have spent much more time at ORD, due to many, many, many late departures and cancelled flights (weather, mechanical, etc). Plus it's SO boring there if your flight is delayed. It's just a much busier airport than IAD. When I travel, I try my best not to transit through ORD or JFK. I really dislike both of those airports.

You won't be flying from Terminal A at IAD unless you are on United Express. You will fly into/from Terminal C or D. You can walk between the terminals; no need to take any transit system. I would go with IAD.

I appreciate your suggestion. However, I will be flying on United Express so I guess that would mean I would arrive in Terminal A.

Thank you. This is very helpful.

 

[dvcdisney]

United's flights to and from Halifax (YHZ) are operated by ExpressJet Airlines under the United Express brand. These flights use concourse A.

Today's United flights from IAD to San Diego (SAN) all departed from gates on concourse D.

When connecting at IAD between a YHZ flight and a SAN flight, a passenger should expect to use the transit system.

Again, so glad I asked here.

You and all the posters have been very helpful. I'll be going through ORD.

not happy that I'm going through ORD, just glad I'm understanding this a lot more...definitely a load off my mind...

 

[Minnesota!]

Considering how many times I have been burned on shorter layovers, I would always opt for the longer. I hate rushing, I hate worrying. Summer - prime time for thunderstorms. Your flight from home could be delayed by one, etc. Even 15 minutes could make an impact if you have to switch terminals at IAD.

I would, personally, go with ORD. Knowing that 3 hours is plenty of times, and you have a cushion if there are any unexpected delays - just fine.

3 hours pass pretty quickly, anyway. Figure you land at ORD at 11. Get off the plane, hit the bathroom, window shop, grab a meal at a sit down place. You are already looking at 1 pm. Get to your gate and they will start boarding around 130. It goes fast...

But, as I said, I prefer the cushion so I can avoid any extra worry.

 

[N365PA]

As a former flight attendant and pilot, 3 hours at ORD hands down.

IAD is very nice but flying YHZ-IAD is probably on Shuttle America (Embraer 170) which will take you into either A, C, or D concourse. United mainline is out of C and D. Connecting from A to C/D is a 15-20 minute transit. I dont like pushing hour connections if I have the choice at a 3 hour. 3 hours at ORD is plenty of time. If it was 1 hour at ORD vs IAD, IAD hands down. With 3 hours on United, I would go Chicago.

 

[dvcdisney]

Considering how many times I have been burned on shorter layovers, I would always opt for the longer. I hate rushing, I hate worrying. Summer - prime time for thunderstorms. Your flight from home could be delayed by one, etc. Even 15 minutes could make an impact if you have to switch terminals at IAD.

I would, personally, go with ORD. Knowing that 3 hours is plenty of times, and you have a cushion if there are any unexpected delays - just fine.

3 hours pass pretty quickly, anyway. Figure you land at ORD at 11. Get off the plane, hit the bathroom, window shop, grab a meal at a sit down place. You are already looking at 1 pm. Get to your gate and they will start boarding around 130. It goes fast...

But, as I said, I prefer the cushion so I can avoid any extra worry.

Makes perfect sense to me. Thanks. Now that I'm aware that IAD isn't as small as I thought, I will definitely not chance it.

 

[dvcdisney]

As a former flight attendant and pilot, 3 hours at ORD hands down.

IAD is very nice but flying YHZ-IAD is probably on Shuttle America (Embraer 170) which will take you into either A, C, or D concourse. United mainline is out of C and D. Connecting from A to C/D is a 15-20 minute transit. I dont like pushing hour connections if I have the choice at a 3 hour. 3 hours at ORD is plenty of time. If it was 1 hour at ORD vs IAD, IAD hands down. With 3 hours on United, I would go Chicago.

I appreciate your experience and, as I mentioned before, I'm so glad I asked here.

Thanks!