Southwest - short layover

[Best Aunt]

I'm looking at Southwest - I would have to change planes at MDW with a 40 minute layer. Isn't that cutting it close for an airline which does not have reserved seats? I'm concerned that by the time I get off the first plane and get to the correct gate, they may have done quite a bit of boarding for my next flight. Even having an A pass wouldn't help if Cs are already seated on board by the time I get to the gate. Am I thinking this through correctly?

 

[April7901]

It's tight. It's a reasonably small, well-laid out airport for its size and volume, but yeah - you're absolutely right about the seating.

So, if seat selection is important, 40 minutes won't cut it.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Forty minutes is plenty of time. Keep in mind that your second flight will likely have PAX already on board if it originated elsewhere, so you already will have your seat selection limited.

If seat selection is important, don't fly WN!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I have done it many times. I just make sure I sit at the front of the plane so that i am one of the first ones off so that waiting to get off my plane does not eat into my connection time.


Something I have notices on my last 3 SWA flights, we always arrived 20 early. not sure why that is.

 

[ccgirl]

I'm looking at Southwest - I would have to change planes at MDW with a 40 minute layer. Isn't that cutting it close for an airline which does not have reserved seats? I'm concerned that by the time I get off the first plane and get to the correct gate, they may have done quite a bit of boarding for my next flight. Even having an A pass wouldn't help if Cs are already seated on board by the time I get to the gate. Am I thinking this through correctly?

IMHO, I wouldn't do it. I would be too concerned if my original flight was delayed at all. SWA usually starts boarding 20 minutes prior to flight time. I know others who said they have made it. But, I always do direct/non-stop anyway to WDW. For business, I have done many layovers/plane changes. I try to pick ones with at least 1 hour between the landing of the first flight and the taking off of the second flight.

 

[April7901]

Something I have notices on my last 3 SWA flights, we always arrived 20 early. not sure why that is.

SWA is building in "cushion" time to ensure their "on time" rates stay high. My last flight had a 1:30 flight time for a flight that I've made hundreds of times and is literally a 45 minute, wheels-up to wheels-on the ground flight. I had a good chuckle about it - the flight attendants acted like "Oh, lucky us - we're early!" and I snickered.

 

[Greysword]

However, the aircraft can't be too early, or they will not have a gate at which to park. Plus, it likely cuts into service times, so while they do build in a buffer, it is for many logical reasons, especially weather or mechanical issues prior to departure.

 

[Best Aunt]

Thanks for the input.

Seat selection is important to me. I've mentioned on other Boards that I'm claustrophobic and get airsick, so I'm not a happy camper in a middle seat.

I've never flown Southwest before, mainly because the nearest airport it serves is 2 1/2 hours away. But I want to go to a conference in the Pacific Northwest, and my flight options are limited. I'm trying to balance things like potentially being in a middle seat on Southwest versus a red-eye flight followed by 6-hour layover on JetBlue.

I've completely ruled out the 37-passenger turbo prop planes at the local airport.

I do appreciate the reminder that people may already be on the Southwest flight (and not getting off).

 

[ccgirl]

Thanks for the input.

Seat selection is important to me. I've mentioned on other Boards that I'm claustrophobic and get airsick, so I'm not a happy camper in a middle seat.

I've never flown Southwest before, mainly because the nearest airport it serves is 2 1/2 hours away. But I want to go to a conference in the Pacific Northwest, and my flight options are limited. I'm trying to balance things like potentially being in a middle seat on Southwest versus a red-eye flight followed by 6-hour layover on JetBlue.

I've completely ruled out the 37-passenger turbo prop planes at the local airport.

I do appreciate the reminder that people may already be on the Southwest flight (and not getting off).

Honestly, if seat selection is that important to you, I would probably go Jet Blue and have a wonderful, leisurely lunch/dinner. But, that's up to you. I have had layovers that long and I usually get a lot of work done at the airport. It's all what is most important to you though.