Is 38min long enough for a layover?

[wlwilliams9]

I'm thinking of booking an Air-tran flight home from MCO and there is a 38 min layover in Atlanta. Is that enough time for us if we have to switch planes?

 

[mom2aiden]

I would say no. Atlanta is a huge airport and many times when you change planes you have to go to a different terminal via their "train". Plus you have to factor in the time it takes to get off your first plane (especially if you're seated in the back) and gather any gate checked items (such as a stroller).

This also does not allow time for potty breaks, or food if you need it.

If your first plane is delayed for any reason, most likely you will miss your connection. Go for at least an hour to an hour and a half layover.

 

[goofy4tink]

As soon as I read 'Atlanta' I thought no, not nearly enough time to make a connection.

 

[ChristaDeVil]

I agree. I have had layovers in Atlanta a few times, and it would be next to impossible.

 

[DonnaL]

I agree with both posters above........some airports, yes, 38 minutes would be enough......but, not Atlanta.

 

[maxiesmom]

No. We were crazy and did 46 minute layovers thru Atlanta, and it was barely enough time. Going to Orlando we had maybe 7 minutes to spare, coming back thru they were boarding by the time we got to the gate. And we hussled!

Don't do it, 38 minutes just ain't enough time thru Atlanta.

 

[homedad]

you would be really pushing your luck, assuming that the plan takes off on time, than taxis to the gate on time and then your gate is somewhat near.....I wouldn't do it

 

[DisMN]

I agree with the others. On our latest trip we had 45 minutes between flights. Getting off the first plane was awful because we knew we had limited time. We asked the gate attendant if they'd call our departure gate and let them know we were on our way. We literally RAN to our gate and they shut the plane doors right behind us.

NEVER AGAIN!! LOL

 

[hannah_03]

Now I am worried about my flight!! We will have 35 minutes at Houston Hobby. I hope our FL plane leaves on time or else my DH will have to come and get us (7 hour drive). I booked the latest flight they had for that day. I will make sure to have a seat near the front just in case.

 

[DisMN]

Now I am worried about my flight!! We will have 35 minutes at Houston Hobby. I hope our FL plane leaves on time or else my DH will have to come and get us (7 hour drive). I booked the latest flight they had for that day. I will make sure to have a seat near the front just in case.

Excellent idea...I wish we had done that. Also when you get there have the exit gate attendant call the gate that you're heading to to let them know you ARE there and are on your way. That's the only reason our flight was still there, waiting for us because they knew we'd be there shortly. (I don't think we were actually holding anything back but I have to say we were headed towards the tarmac within 5 minutes of sitting down. EEK!)

 

[hannah_03]

Excellent idea...I wish we had done that. Also when you get there have the exit gate attendant call the gate that you're heading to to let them know you ARE there and are on your way. That's the only reason our flight was still there, waiting for us because they knew we'd be there shortly. (I don't think we were actually holding anything back but I have to say we were headed towards the tarmac within 5 minutes of sitting down. EEK!)

So what happens IF the plane to Houston leaves late and arrives late enough that I miss my connecting flight home because of it?

Would they be willing to put me on a plane to Dallas so it would be a lot closer for my husband to pick us up without is costing me more money?

And if I was re-routed, would my luggage still go the home location even if I'm not on the plane?

This is exactly why I like to fly non-stop

 

[disneynuts777]

Not a hope....even with perfect weather and everything being on schedule!!!
There is no way that any checked luggage would make that connection.

 

[hannah_03]

Not a hope....even with perfect weather and everything being on schedule!!!
There is no way that any checked luggage would make that connection.

Then why would they do them? What happens to your luggage? They don't put "layover" luggage in a separate place? Now I'm really scared.

 

[Hollyster2]

We have only a 26 minute layover in Salt Lake City Utah. Do you think we will be able to make our connecting flight in time?

 

[dis_guy]

We have only a 26 minute layover in Salt Lake City Utah. Do you think we will be able to make our connecting flight in time?

We did a 30 min connection in Denver last April. We came in from MCO to gate 2 or 3 and had to get to gate ninety-something right at the other end where the Regional Jets come in. We had grandma along and a wheelchair was waiting at the jetway as soon as we came in. It was still a sprint but we made it. We were flying United. It really depends on the airport.

 

[Hollyster2]

That is encouraging! Thanks

 

[disneynuts777]

Then why would they do them? What happens to your luggage? They don't put "layover" luggage in a separate place? Now I'm really scared.

They do it because in ideal circumstances it is possible. It all depends on the airport.What can really mess it up is a gate change. What once was a same terminal plane change can change in a matter of minutes.
I have sprinted through the Atlanta airport with two kids and carry on luggage in tow. It was not pretty. This was with a 45 minute window. We were the last people to board that plane. Our checked luggage ended up coming on the next scheduled flight. It is not something I would ever do again.
When travelling through Atlanta I want at a minimum of an hour. With so many flights being cancelled and amalgamated together there are often no seats left on a later flight if you miss your connection.

 

[rick75]

I've never flown through Atlanta so I'm not sure. We had a 38 minute layover in Houston-Bush. We landed at the far end of terminal 2 had to take a slow shuttle to terminal 3 and our gate was at the very far end of terminal 3. I ran ahead leaving my dw to push a double stroller. They told me she had 2 minutes to arrive before they would close the doors. She just made it.

 

[fairyfan]

I can't imagine making that connection in Atlanta. It's not like you can shove people out of the way on that very long escalator to the train. Then when you get to your terminal, you have to take the very long escalator up again before you can run to your gate.
Besides the stress, and if you make it, it's doubtful your luggage will make the connection with you. Be prepared to see it at a later time.
I had a 25 minute connection in Charlotte last year and although I made it right before they closed the door (no escalators or trains, but went from end of one terminal to middle of another, running), my luggage didn't make it in time.
Good luck if you try it. I really hope it works out for you!

 

[NJtoATL]

No way would you make that transfer. The terminals are large and you have to take a train from on to another. I live here and I would never recommend that to anyone.