Denver connection time...

[chuff88]

We're flying out of Eugene, OR to MCO on 9/29, and Expedia has changed our itinerary. We have a 38 minute connection between a United Express flight and a regular United flight in Denver. Can we make it? Are we likely to be in the same concourse? I don't know that we want to go through the expense of changing our flights but I'm concerned.

 

[hopemax]

Yeah, that might be an issue. United is in the B concourse. Pull up a map of the airport. See the fork on one end. One of the "tines" is where the United Express flights come in. If your flight is at the opposite end of B, I'm not sure you can deplane and make it to the gate by the time they close the doors.

 

[AquamarineSteph]

I don't know what the minimum connecting time is for Denver's airport, but that sounds incredibly tight for any airport. Your second flight will usually start boarding 30 minutes before departure, which means that they will probably be boarding by the time you get off the first plane, assuming it is on time.

If the flight time has changed significantly, you may be entitled to a change of flight at no cost. Not sure since this is through Expedia, but I would definitely call them and see what can be done.

 

[chuff88]

So I made a crazy person 11pm call to Expedia and they assured me that our connection time is valid and that the gates are very near each other, so I think we’ll be okay. We’re planning to alert our flight crew of our tight connection as well. It’s all one carrier, which is reassuring.

 

[SirDuff]

I don't know what the minimum connecting time is for Denver's airport, but that sounds incredibly tight for any airport. Your second flight will usually start boarding 30 minutes before departure, which means that they will probably be boarding by the time you get off the first plane, assuming it is on time.

If the flight time has changed significantly, you may be entitled to a change of flight at no cost. Not sure since this is through Expedia, but I would definitely call them and see what can be done.

According to this thread in FlyerTalk (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/uni...e-logistics-domestic-international-den-9.html) it is 30 minutes for domestic-to-domestic.

"Suggested" Connection Times (Domestic to Domestic/International)
• 1hr to 1hr 30min (assuming a walk from B15 down to B90)
• Standard D/D MCT (UA-UA) is 30 minutes and 50 minutes for another carrier

Some helpful info for the OP in the thread.

 

[writerguyfl]

I don't know what the minimum connecting time is for Denver's airport, but that sounds incredibly tight for any airport. Your second flight will usually start boarding 30 minutes before departure, which means that they will probably be boarding by the time you get off the first plane, assuming it is on time.

If the flight time has changed significantly, you may be entitled to a change of flight at no cost. Not sure since this is through Expedia, but I would definitely call them and see what can be done.

One of the pluses of flying any airlines except Southwest is that you have assigned seating. As such, you don't need to be at the gate right when boarding begins. The biggest practical issue with a tight connection of this nature is that overhead bin space may be non-existent.

You are correct that some changes allow for no-cost changes. Generally, that includes: 1) flight times that are changed by over an hour, 2) connections that are shorter than the minimum connection time, or 3) carrier changes such as being move from a legacy flight (United) to a regional flight (United Express). None of those cases would apply here.

Where the ticket was bought does not affect the ability to change flights for free when an applicable situation happens. But, if you purchase from a travel agency (regular or online like Expedia), you do have to contact them to request a change. This adds more people to the mix, which can be frustrating. That's the reason why it's almost always best to purchase flights directly from the airline. The only reason to book with Expedia would be if it saves you money or if their rewards program offers some tangible benefits.

According to this thread in FlyerTalk (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/uni...e-logistics-domestic-international-den-9.html) it is 30 minutes for domestic-to-domestic.

I do think SirDuff is correct in stating that 30 minutes is the minimum connection time in Denver. You have two things working in your favor.

First, your United Express flight is on a smaller regional aircraft. It looks like a CRJ-700. It only has 70 seats (18 rows with 2x2 seating in economy class). Even if your at the back of the plane, it won't take long to deplane when compared to a "normal" single-aisle plane that can have 160-200 passengers.

Second, your flight isn't until the end of September. That's an eternity when it comes to airline schedules. It's possible that your flight times could be changed multiple times between now and then. I recall purchasing a ticket about five months ahead of the trip and having 4 different schedule changes.

I've been working in and following the travel industry for several decades. I totally understand the concern with these tight connections. Just remember that if you misconnect, it's up to the airline to fix the problem. As such, they won't purposely sell tickets for itineraries that result in routine misconnections. If United is selling a 38 minute connection, it means they believe it is possible.

 

[mom2rtk]

We had a 30 minute connection once in Denver. It was very stressful. We were literally running through the terminal. We just barely made it. But then the plane sat for a bit past departure time waiting on someone else. Of course the problem is you never really know if they will wait on you.

We were on one of those small planes and getting to the plane was like a maze. We actually walked outside onto the tarmac to board.

 

[sam_gordon]

So I made a crazy person 11pm call to Expedia and they assured me that our connection time is valid and that the gates are very near each other, so I think we’ll be okay. We’re planning to alert our flight crew of our tight connection as well. It’s all one carrier, which is reassuring.

I can't imagine Expedia having any idea of where the gates are in relation to each other for a flight that's in six months. You're being told what they think you want to hear.

It looks like a CRJ-700. It only has 70 seats (18 rows with 2x2 seating in economy class). Even if your at the back of the plane, it won't take long to deplane when compared to a "normal" single-aisle plane that can have 160-200 passengers.

Is it the CRJ that you "gate check" all carryons (drop off outside the plane when boarding, pick up outside the plane when deplaning)? That can add to the time also.

Are you travelling with anyone with a mobility issue (elderly, very young, health issues)? Delta once changed us to a 38 minute connection through Atlanta when the kids were young, I called them and told them we had young kids and weren't comfortable with that connection and they changed us for free (even though we didn't meet the "1 hour change" condition). You booking through Expedia instead of the airline makes this more difficult. You can try calling Expedia back and see if they'll set up a three way call with the airline and explain your concern.

 

[AlohaNow]

Denver is my home airport. It looks like you will not have to leave Terminal B, so I can assure you that it will be fine. You may even have time to use the restroom! Denver is not O'Hare or Newark. Not by a long shot! Enjoy your trip!

 

[writerguyfl]

Is it the CRJ that you "gate check" all carryons (drop off outside the plane when boarding, pick up outside the plane when deplaning)? That can add to the time also.

Good point. I do believe you are correct. Seat Guru says:

"Large carry on bags cannot be accommodated in the overhead compartments or under the seat. This may be checked at the aircraft door."
Source: https://seatguru.com/airlines/United_Airlines/United_Airlines_Canadair_CRJ700_E.php

 

[chuff88]

Good point. I do believe you are correct. Seat Guru says:

"Large carry on bags cannot be accommodated in the overhead compartments or under the seat. This may be checked at the aircraft door."
Source: https://seatguru.com/airlines/United_Airlines/United_Airlines_Canadair_CRJ700_E.php

I’m curious how they’re defining a “large carry on.” The picture clearly show overhead compartments. We’re only planning to carry on a purse each, and a small “toiletry bag” style carry on between us with a couple of changes of clothes in case our checked bags don’t make it on time (all soft sides, no wheels).

 

[sam_gordon]

I’m curious how they’re defining a “large carry on.” The picture clearly show overhead compartments. We’re only planning to carry on a purse each, and a small “toiletry bag” style carry on between us with a couple of changes of clothes in case our checked bags don’t make it on time (all soft sides, no wheels).

What are the sizes for the "toiletry" bag? When we travel as a family, we all have backpacks (go under the seat) and we have one carry on bag with night clothes/stuff for the first 24 hours. That bag (I think it's a 20") gets gate checked when we go on a CRJ.

 

[chuff88]

What are the sizes for the "toiletry" bag? When we travel as a family, we all have backpacks (go under the seat) and we have one carry on bag with night clothes/stuff for the first 24 hours. That bag (I think it's a 20") gets gate checked when we go on a CRJ.

I’d have to go dig it out and measure it, but it’s pretty small we’ve taken it on small planes in the past and had no trouble putting it overhead. I don’t think it’s longest side is even 20 inches.

 

[AquamarineSteph]

I’d have to go dig it out and measure it, but it’s pretty small we’ve taken it on small planes in the past and had no trouble putting it overhead. I don’t think it’s longest side is even 20 inches.

Sometimes it depends on when you board as to whether or not the bag is gate checked. If it doesn't have wheels, it has a far greater chance of making it into the overhead compartment on one of those flights.

 

[GingerPilot]

On the CRJ700 only one side of the aircraft can accommodate your typical rollaboard, don't be surprised if you're in the latter zones that you will need to gate check your bag. The other side of the aircraft can do briefcases and squishy type bags.

38 minutes in Denver is not enough especially if your first flight is on an Express. You'll have to zip upstairs (after waiting for your gate checked bag) then unless you're really lucky you will have to walk/run a half mile or more down the B concourse. Not to mention Denver has some of the worst ground handling and you're OFTEN waiting for gates if you're on an Express flight. Oh, and if the wind blows the wrong direction or you're flying at "rush hour" you may be held at your destination for 10 minutes to an hour OR MORE. 38 minutes sounds like a disappointment waiting to happen.

Can you tell I have a general disdain for Denver, and United?

 

[Ranger111]

I fly Eugene to Denver all the time.

I connect to DSM most of the time. Most of the connections are -- 38 minutes.

Usually the flight is early to Denver, which helps -- flights from the west coast have a tailwind and delays out of Eugene are uncommon -- especially if it is a first flight in the morning.

It is a bit stressful, the minimum time as stated is considered 30 minutes, so you will get no sympathy from the airline -- hey you have a whole extra 8 minutes.

You should have no problem, but you will worry about it. I do all the time and while I have made some wild dashes through the airport, have never missed a flight.

As for carry-ons:

YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CARRY ON ANY sort of rollaboard.

The overheads will NOT accommodate them, no matter what side of the plane.

You will have to gatecheck, unless it is a small bag. If your item exceeds 14x23x7 inches expect difficulty and expect to be told you can't bring aboard.

As said, expect your flight times to change.....you may end up with an hour or two connection by the time September rolls around.

 

[SirDuff]

What are the Denver to Orlando flights like? Are there are of them? My tolerance for risk depends on the number of other flights I could get if I missed my planned flight. I travel a lot for work and almost always have a connection (I live in Geneva - not a great hub for overseas travel). On the outbound, where there is generally one flight per day (if that), I do not risk tight connections if I can avoid it, but coming back, where there are usually multiple flights per day, I take the risk. For example, just traveled to Uganda via Brussels. My flight home was a 75 minute connection in Brussels. Alternative was a 3hr 20 minute connection. If I missed my connection, there was that later flight and another three that I could take, so I risked it. My Uganda to Brussels flight was 90 minutes late (since the FA told me that we were likely to have to cancel, I was happy with the 90 minute delay), so I missed my connection I was met on the gateway with my new boarding pass (and 13 Euro voucher for snack) and easily made the next flight. I would not take the same risk going, since missing the connection would have meant not getting out until the next day. I was also traveling alone, so easy to fit onto another flight (which is also a consideration).

 

[chuff88]

I fly Eugene to Denver all the time.

I connect to DSM most of the time. Most of the connections are -- 38 minutes.

Usually the flight is early to Denver, which helps -- flights from the west coast have a tailwind and delays out of Eugene are uncommon -- especially if it is a first flight in the morning.

It is a bit stressful, the minimum time as stated is considered 30 minutes, so you will get no sympathy from the airline -- hey you have a whole extra 8 minutes.

You should have no problem, but you will worry about it. I do all the time and while I have made some wild dashes through the airport, have never missed a flight.

As for carry-ons:

YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CARRY ON ANY sort of rollaboard.

The overheads will NOT accommodate them, no matter what side of the plane.

You will have to gatecheck, unless it is a small bag. If your item exceeds 14x23x7 inches expect difficulty and expect to be told you can't bring aboard.

As said, expect your flight times to change.....you may end up with an hour or two connection by the time September rolls around.

I can't say how much I appreciate getting this info from someone who's made this same connection before, thank you! Our carry on is NOT a rollaboard, and I don't think it exceeds the dimensions you listed (we've literally never had trouble carrying it onto any plane in the past), so I think we're going to be good. We have seats in the first economy row, so I think we'll be able to make a quick exit from our plane.

Thank you again for this reassurance, it's incredibly helpful.

ETA: Our flight is early -- 5:30am -- and I believe it is one of the first flights of the day. I don't think I've ever experience a delay coming out of Eugene, and late September is usually pretty mild weather here so I doubt we'll experience any delays because of things happening at this end.

 

[GingerPilot]

YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CARRY ON ANY sort of rollaboard.

The overheads will NOT accommodate them, no matter what side of the plane.

I know the OP said they won't be using a rollaboard, but that statement isn't true. I fly 2-4x a month and 1/3rd-1/2 of those flights are on regional jets, but usually the -200 which is even smaller than the -700. I carry a rollaboard and it fits into the bin fine even on the 200. When I'm lucky enough to get a flight on the 700 it's no problem at all as long as it's on the left side of the airplane. If you're using a carry-on that is the maximum dimension allowed by airlines it won't fit but slightly smaller and they fit fine.

 

[chuff88]

I know the OP said they won't be using a rollaboard, but that statement isn't true. I fly 2-4x a month and 1/3rd-1/2 of those flights are on regional jets, but usually the -200 which is even smaller than the -700. I carry a rollaboard and it fits into the bin fine even on the 200. When I'm lucky enough to get a flight on the 700 it's no problem at all as long as it's on the left side of the airplane. If you're using a carry-on that is the maximum dimension allowed by airlines it won't fit but slightly smaller and they fit fine.

Like you mentioned, we aren't using any rollaboards, but this is still helpful information. We'll each have a small backpack (we're using them in place of purses), and one small, non-rolling back between us with a couple of changes of clothes, so I think in terms of baggage we shouldn't have any issues.