Short Connection Time?

[tlcdoula]

Some of the flights I have been looking at have very short connection times, 25 mins or so. Now what happens if you miss the connection or better yet if your luggage doesn't make it?

Are you able to get the luggage delivered to the resort?


tlc

 

[dis_guy]

It depends on a few things.

Which airport, is it the same airline, same terminal, how mobile can you be and have you been there before?

Last March we made a connection like that in Denver coming from Orlando and connecting to a flight to Edmonton. We had to go the entire length of the vvveeerrryyy long terminal from our arrival gate to where the regional jets come in. Our luggage made it too.

If we had to switch terminals or airlines, we'd never have made it. As it was they were waiting for us and closed the door as soon as we walked onboard.

As well if you carry a lot of stuff onboard it can slow you down too, as will small kids, etc.

 

[coastgirl]

Connections like that make me nervous too.

Are those connections before or after you clear customs? AC once changed our schedule so that it broke their own rules for tight connections...I was the one who noticed, and made them change it. I think we still missed our connection/baggage claim in TO. If the connection is that tight, talk to the airline and ask if it should be changed, and/or ask them what their back up is...e.g., is there another flight to the same destination that they'll put you on quickly? If you're coming from VIctoria, say, and connecting in Vancouver (I've had those short times there), you want to make sure there's another flight from YVR heading in the same direction soon...and I wouldn't want to cover that trek in less than 45 minutes on a good day.

Yes, they should deliver to your resort, and though we've often lost baggage, it's never stayed lost for more than a day (or so). But of course make sure you've got essentials in your carry on...rx's, glasses/contact cases, a change of clothes...

 

[fundy_dreamer]

Hopefully it doesn't happen but just a bit of lost luggage advice: Make sure that you put ID on the bag so that the airline can pick it out of a pile. I lost mine flying from Van - Edm and AC was very good but my luggage looked like thousands of others (black, rectangular). My little AC luggage tag had dropped off and it took a number of calls to identify the right bag so they could deliver it. Also make sure you have the contact info where you will be and the dates you are there.

That way if the bags miss your exact flight, chances are you'll get them within a few hours (hopefully).

 

[tlcdoula]

The lay over is in Denver, I have never been to that airport... is it huge?

here is the info on the flight..

Depart – Sat Aug 29 2009
Frontier
Flight 216 Departs: 6:15a
Seattle/ Tacoma Intl (SEA) Arrives: 9:50a
Denver Inter*national (DEN)
Coach | Airbus A319 (Narrow-body Jet) | 2h 35m
Layover in Denver, CO (DEN) for 0h 25m
Frontier
Flight 674 Departs: 10:15a
Denver Inter*national (DEN) Arrives: 3:52p
Orlando (MCO)
Coach | Airbus A319 (Narrow-body Jet) | 3h 37m

 

[dis_guy]

I see you have an early departure which is good as the plane will probably have overnighted at the airport so it won't be late.

I've only flown United through DEN but I imagine the Frontier terminal is similar.

They are very long narrow affairs with Gate 1 at one end and Gate 99 or whatever it is on the other end. What I'd do is ask the FA as you leave the plane which way your gate is and it should just be a left or right turn and a quick walk to your next gate. Use the moving sidewalks if it's a long ways but it should be as simple as that.

I make sure I use the washroom on the plane before landing or use it on the next flight after takeoff. You won't have time in the terminal.

This link may help:

http://www.flydenver.com/maps/inside/concourseA.asp

Looks like Frontier is spread out so you may have to hurry a bit. I don't consider an A319 a narrow body with 6 across seating.

 

[tlcdoula]

Thanks... I would just hate to miss that connection and be sitting there waiting knowing that I could be on my way to see Mickey LOL

Lots of planning still to be had.... Im going cross eyed looking at flights every day trying to find the best deal/time etc..

 

[tlcdoula]

I called Frontier last night and she assured me that the connection time is fine, that is a common connection, in the same area etc.

But.. a friend brought to my attention that Frontier is under credit protection, what would happen if they went under before our flights?

I am really liking the time time it arrives in Orlando..... and it is the shortest cheapest flight... ohhh the joys of planning lol


tlc