SW-35min change planes

[SassyTink213]

found a flight from Philly for $84 that arrives at 400pm (perfect for us) in orlando, the only problem-we have to switch planes in Tennesee (can't remember where in TN off the top of my head) and we only have 35 minutes to do it. Do you think it is doable or should i pay more for a direct flight at a less desirable time for us. Do we have to transfer our luggage too? Need some friendly Dis advice and opinions-Thanks in advance!!

 

[ColinCodyMom]

I'm in the exact same situation. Flights that would work well for us from Detroit have a plane change with 45 minutes in between. This is a huge worry because if the plane is just a small amount of time late, we'll never make it. I don't have any idea why they make connecting flight times so close. I'm interested to read what others experiences have been!!

 

[brianm27]

What are your dates? The only airport Southwest serves in TN is Nashville and I don't find any connections from PHL through Nashville to Orlando.

 

[dudspizza]

I have no problem with short connections. I research alternative flights before I fly just in case I miss my connection.

Currently, I have a 65 minute connection at ORD and a 40 minute connection at DFW. I already have to airport terminal maps in my head and a plan of attack if something doesn't work out.....

Duds

 

[bookwormde]

Typically SW is grouped in one concourse so it is typcialy a 5 minmute walk. As long as you are staying on the same airline they will make sure you have adaquate time. I would check the same flights now and see what gates they are using and chekc out the terminal map for Nashville.

Also check to see if there is a later flight to MCO after yours in case there are major delays

bookwormde

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Your luggage will be transferred to your connecting flight by the airline. I would recommend using ME, that way if your luggage doesn't make the connecting flight, you can just have DME deliver it after it arrives in MCO and you can go on your way to enjoy the parks.

 

[SassyTink213]

Thanks for all your help! I knew the Diser's would help! we are flying out april 17th (a saturday). We are planning on using DME definately-makes it so much easier. We are trying to get down there before dinner-right around when my brother (a CM) gets off work so we can all go out together for dinner. SInce our plans are kind of last minute, there are not too many flights out that aren't sky high price-wise. Thanks again for all you help. You guys give excellent advice.

 

[eeyoregon]

I vote for paying more for the direct flight option.

On my last 2 flights on SW we had 45 minutes connect time on one flight and 50 minutes to change planes on the other. Well, we missed one by an hour and they held the plane for us for over an hour on the other one...we were not popular folks on that flight!!

Had our originating flights left on time, we would have made it just fine, but they didn't. So because of the short connecting windows, we missed our connection in Las Vegas = took us an extra 6 hours to get to our destination (should have been a 2.5 hr flight total) and our luggage went lord knows where and was reunited with us 30+ hours later.

Far too stressful for me!

 

[kaytieeldr]

I vote for paying more for the direct flight option.

Just to clarify - a direct flight is one that starts at one airport and stops at one or more other airports without requiring the correctly-ticketed passenger to change planes, and eventually proceeds to that passenger's destination.
A nonstop flight is one that takes off from the passenger's starting airport and doesn't stop anywhere until it gets to the destination airport (at least, not on a regular basis - extra-strong headwinds requiring refueling being an exception, said the voice of experience ).

 

[stargazertechie]

I would do the connecting flight- but I enjoy high stress situations. I flew from Indiana to Georgia to Philly to pick up my new car (long story) and I had a 25 minute connection between planes. I had the music from Home Alone 2 playing in my head as I sprinted through the concourse

 

[SassyTink213]

Part of me wants to chance the connection and use the money we'd save to maybe upgrade our room to one with a view- plus if all worked out we'd get there much earlier to enjoy WDW. The other part of me says to fly straight there and pay the extra cash and take the later time because i don't want to leave our luggage a chance of getting lost in the middle of nowhere, lol. Plus i dont want the added stress of possibly missing our connection.

still haven't decided what to do yet...I'm waiting until tonight to book hoping that prices and times magically change to ones better for us while i double check that AAA can't get us any better deals-here's hoping some pixie dust flies our way

Thanks again for the opinions and tips they're a great help! They are helping me make an informed decision. I knew the dis would help, you're all so smart!!thanks guys!

 

[abwilliams22]

the southwest gates at Nashville are very close. 5 Minute walk tops.

 

[Tara]

I've easily made a 37 minute connection at BWI even when I had to cross from the A to the B side. I would think in Nashville this would be a piece of cake. (Assuming no delays, yadda, yadda, yadda.) I wouldn't pay more for a less desirable flight time if this is the only reason for doing so.

 

[SassyTink213]

decided to take the risk and book the SW flight with connection in BNA. Hopefully all goes well. The price was just too good for the time that was most convenient for us. The other flights though direct, were too much more and much later or earlier than we wanted. Hopefully all goes well and no delays. At least i know their not far apart and i have back up plans in mind if things dont work... here's hoping all works out! Thanks so much for all your help it really helped me decide. You guys rock!!

 

[backyardponder]

I made a connection in BNA a few months ago and the gates were fairly close to each other. SW does use 2 concourses at BNA, but getting from one to the other was quite easy and a quick walk.

I looked at the SW schedule. The worst case is, if you miss your connection (which is unlikely), there's 2 more flights to MCO from BNA that day. Granted you'll get into MCO later than you want, but you are saving $$$.

For your flight from PHL to BNA, try to sit as far forward in the airplane as possible...even if that means splitting your group a bit. Getting off the plane in BNA sooner might help a bit.

 

[MrMarv]

Southwest's concourse in Nashville is indeed a breeze; a 35-minute connection window is fine.

 

[SassyTink213]

Thanks guys!! We'll definately try our best to sit up front to get off faster! It's nice to know that the concoures are really close too! I'm sure it will all work out fine and if not it's nice to know we can always pick up on the later flights. You guys really know your stuff!! Thanks for all your help, you made the decision much easier and have helped to put my mind at ease with our decision. Thanks so much for all your help!! YOu are all awesome!!