Will luggage make the connection?

[disneyfanzz]

On our way to Florida, we are stopping at Houston/George Bush TX and have 40 minutes to make our connection flight. We are nervous about making the connection and even more nervous that are luggage won't make it to Florida. Has anyone else had an experience like this and how did it turn out?

 

[safetymom]

I have made connections many times and my luggage has always made the flight. Even very close connecting times. I wouldn't worry about it. If you take medications though don't pack them all in your suitcase.

 

[summerrluvv]

I went on a business trip from JFK to Santa Barbara with a connection at LAX. Half the luggage didn't make the plane to Santa Barbara and our luggage was finally delivered at about 2am. I wouldn't pack things you would need for your first day just in case it doesn't make it.

 

[disneyfanzz]

So will the airline deliver the luggage to your hotel if it is late? My husband thinks we are going to have to take a taxi back to the airport if it is late.

 

[summerrluvv]

Originally posted by disneyfanzz
So will the airline deliver the luggage to your hotel if it is late? My husband thinks we are going to have to take a taxi back to the airport if it is late.

Yes they will, but keep in mind they are very slow about doing it. Chances are it won't miss the connection, but just be prepared in case it does.

 

[always dreamin']

I've made connections where my luggage has actually beat me to the destination. The connection as very short in time and I got to the gate once the doors were closing. They gave my seat away. Anyway...once I got to my destination my luggage was sitting there all alone. It made the connection, but I didn't. Not sure how it did that?

I've also had my luggage lost on our return flight home from our last Disney trip. The airline was very good at making deliveries once each piece was found. So...I'm sure you won't have a problem having your luggage delivered to you if it didn't make it (but I don't think you'll have a problem). I ditto what the other posts have mentioned...don't carry meds or anything else you need for the first day in your suitcase....carry them on with you.

Good luck...I hope you're faster at your connection than I apparently was!

 

[NCRedding]

On our trip to Vancouver/ Alaskan cruise in July, AA managed to have our luggage not make the connection at DFW (1 hour 15 minute layover), and 4 gates apart. They had it delivered to our hotel the next day, around 8 am. On the way back, because of AA's problems, we missed our connection, and were put up at a hotel overnight. AA would not allow us to get our luggage, so we began and finished our trip without our luggage. Here's what I learned:

1. Direct flights are the best.

2. Don't fly AA. Their customer service was horrible throughout the entire fiasco.

3. The part that really matters to you: Pack a carry-on with allowable toiletries (my minimum: toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, deodorant); a nightgown, and a change of clothes for the next day (minimum: underwear, and a shirt). We ended up spending $65 at the gift shop at the hotel for toiletries and t-shirts.

 

[disneyfanzz]

All really good information. Thanks everyone. We're traveling with our 4 children. Three of them are 2 year old triplets, so we will be pushing it to make our connection.

 

[safetymom]

My luggage on a direct flight didn't make it twice. They delivered the suitcases to the hotel I was staying at within hours. Just have some things in your carry on in case your suitcases show up late. Relax and enjoy. It's small stuff.

 

[Cora]

This happened to us once. We were staying at the Hard Rock at Universal. If your bags are delayed make sure you tell the bell staff at the hotel. This was they will be on the lookout for it and will bring them right up. Our luggage arrived at 2am and it was brought up without any confusion or delay.
Cora

 

[kilee]

This is a very interesting thread. We have a direct flight. I was talked out of loading myself down w/ carry-ons by just about all my frequent flyer family and friends. They say the chances of them losing my luggage on a direct flight are slim. Now, I'm thinking I may need to repack and pack a carryon w/ a change of clothes. Ugh . I didn't pack my meds--- they are going in DS's backpack. But I didn't leave out anything other than our glasses/contact stuff. Any thoughts?? Past expierence??

 

[Cora]

I always bring any meds, contacts, glasses, etc. on the plane. I don't pack a cahnge of clothes. I figure anything that would require a prescription should not be in the checked baggage.
My .02

 

[safetymom]

I carry meds in my carry on and some in my suitcase. If for some reason someone takes my carry on case I still have meds in my suitcase. I guess I am forever a girl scout and always fly prepared.

 

[prncess674]

It would help to know your exact routing. I am assuming you are flying Continental since you are connecting through (IAH) Houston. Are both of your connections on mainline jets (737, 757, etc) or are either flights on ERJ planes (express jets). The reason is the Express Jet flights fly out of terminal B and the mainlines fly out of the main terminals. Making a 40 minute connection in IAH can be tight if you need to go between Terminal B and another terminal because it involves taking the overhead Terminal link monorail. If both flights are mainline jet service you should have no problem making your connection. CO is very good in IAH with transferring luggage. I travel on CO almost weekly for work and check luggage most times. Only once did my luggage not make it and they gladly sent my luggage to the hotel. Make sure you print out all the flights to your destination so if you do miss your flight you are fully aware of all your options if they need to rebook your family.

 

[CarolA]

Luggage actually goes a more direct route then passengers which is why luggage can make it when you don't sometimes.

Personally I try to discourage the "Carry on" unless you REALLY can pack light. I mean in a 22" carry on that is NOT overstuffed.

For example, my 22" has an expandable suit compartment and pockets in both the front and back. For it to easily fit in overhead compartments it cannot be expanded and the pockets cannot be stuffed full. Also YOU or your traveling partners must be able to lift the luggage over your head and into the compartment. The Flight Attendants do not do this as part of their job and lots of frequent travelers have quit doing it. I won't help, it's not that I am mean, I am just tired of straining my back with your stuff.

Also, if you have a tight connection you have to run thru the airport with the luggage and then guess what! If the plane is full and you are amoung the last boarders they will gate check your luggage. I don't have proof, but my gut feeling is that gate checked luggage runs a high chance of being lost.

I travel 75% of the year and I can count on one hand the number of times in the past 5 years my luggage has been delayed and it has never been lost.

If you are overnighted by a delay you may not get your luggage back (I never have and I have volunteered for overnight delays a few times!)

 

[disneyfanzz]

prncess674,

We are definately flying mainline jets - a 737 and a 757 and it is continental. I have looked at a map of the termianals in IAH and I saw that we could be flying in or out of c,d, or e. Do you think we should be able to make our connection? We will be pulling our almost three year old triplets along with us. I'm really starting to get nervous because it is the last flight into Orlando. We would have to wait until the next day to get another flight and we would lose or money that we paid for our first nights hotel in Orlando.

 

[safetymom]

Most times when you see the time of arrival it is padded in case of delays. Chances are you will actually have much more than 40 mins to make the connection.

Also if there are others continuing on to Florida from your plane or other they may hold the plane to accomodate everyone.

If the connection was truly close they wouldn't allow you to book the flight.

Relax I am sure it will be OK. You could also have the gate agent radio or phone ahead to your new gate to let them know you are coming. I would also ask the FA to see if they could arrange for motorized transportation to your new gate.

I am sure that you will make your flight.

 

[prncess674]

Originally posted by disneyfanzz
prncess674,

We are definately flying mainline jets - a 737 and a 757 and it is continental. I have looked at a map of the termianals in IAH and I saw that we could be flying in or out of c,d, or e. Do you think we should be able to make our connection? We will be pulling our almost three year old triplets along with us. I'm really starting to get nervous because it is the last flight into Orlando. We would have to wait until the next day to get another flight and we would lose or money that we paid for our first nights hotel in Orlando.

C, D, & E are all walkable. Have a plan on how you plan on getting around with your stuff. I would recommend checking as much as possible and keep your carry on luggage to a minimum. IAH is very efficient with luggage. If you plan on using a stroller know how to fold and unfold it. Walking all the way across the airport from one end to the other should not take more than 10-15 minutes for adults. I would not try carrying the kids, put them in a stroller. worst case scenario request a golf cart transfer.

 

[puffkin]

On Saturday we will be doing our first connecting flight, from PHL to ATL to SNA (Orange County California). We usually each take a duffle carryon. However this time, we are taking a 22" suitcase. I am packing all our toiletries/prescriptions, camera gear, one change of clothes for each of us. If our luggage gets lost or delayed, we will be good to go. I would much rather be a little too prepared then to have to worry about prescriptions and stuff if my luggage got lost. Good luck with your connection!

 

[NancyIL]

Remember that checked luggage should not be locked, so pack anything of value in your carryon.