Half hour between flights - can we make it?

[MickeyMonstersMom]

I used Expedia (first and last time!) to book my upcoming flight to MCO. Since booking, I've received several "updates" changing my flight times, each one whittling away the time between flights at our connection in Detroit. I'm becoming more and more nervous about making our connection, as it's just myself and 2 children. Questions for you air travel veterans:

1. Right now our flight is due to arrive at 11:30, and our connecting flight departs at noon. Will we be able to get off the first and get onto the second in time?? I've heard that the airport at Detroit is quite large, and we have to travel to another gate.

2. If this is - or, through more flight changes, becomes - impossible to pull off, what recourse do I have in changing my tickets on my own? Do I contact Expedia or Northwest about this?

Thanks for all feedback. In the meantime, I will try to stay calm and repeat the mantra, "I will never stray from TMA again, I will never stray..."

 

[blanq]

Well, I have had two prior flights (Minneapolis to Palm Springs w/ a connection in Phoenix on both the departing and return flights; Minneapolis to Orlando w/a connection in Atlanta on the departing flight) with connections that were a half hour or less. Our MSP to ATL flight was fine and we made the connection with plenty of time to spare. On our return flight from Palm Springs, PSP to MSP, we missed our connection in Phoenix, as our plane in PSP was delayed in taking off. Missing our connection was not a huge pain. All affected pax were simply directed to a customer service desk to rebook on the next flight to MSP. Granted, we did sit around the Phoenix airport for an extra 3 hours, but everything worked out fine...there was really nothing we could do about the situation, so we tried to just make the best of it and have a positive attitude.

I think if your flight leaves on time, and does not have to taxi for long at your connecting city, you should have no problem making your connection. Don't know what time your initial flight leaves, but gernally speaking, the earlier the better. The longer the day goes on, the more your chances increase for delays on any flight, unless a delay is mechanical as those can occur anytime. It seems like airlines sort of work like doctors...I always go for an early morning appointment as the longer the day goes on, the more my doctor gets backed up. As you are landing in your connecting city, a NWA employee will likely advise you (while you are still on the plane) which gate your connection is at, or there will be a person as you debark, at the gate, who will assist you with your gate number and directions. All of the NW flights are in the McNamara Terminal in Detroit, and you should be able to get to any gate within your allotted time. I seriously doubt NW would shorten your connection time much more than it already is.

 

[safetymom]

Usually there is extra time built into the arrival times. But is the time you are basing your half hour to reach the next flight when the next plane leaves? If so you are really cutting it close because they usually close the door to the plane about 10 mins before departure.

There is a really neat tunnel at Detroit but it is a big airport. It all depends where your next flight is located.

If you have any problems you need to take it up with Expedia. That is who you bought the ticket through. Once your trip starts you can deal with the airline.

 

[seashoreCM]

Half an hour is not enough time. I myself usually choose flights with 90 minutes connection time.

Take it up with the travel agency right now. If they cannot come up with flights with adequate connection times, ask for a cancellation and refund.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[shatzjsl]

I had a problem with flight times being changed. I called the airline (AA) and told them that the time change wouldn't work and they changed me to another flight at no charge. Might try to call your airline and see what they can do.