Will we miss our flight?

[kkmcan]

So we booked our flights a few months back and I've been worrying about our return flight home ever since. It's too late to change without a hefty price hike and it's the shortest one to get us home.

Southwest, MCO to Phx with a 35 minute layover/ plane change in ABQ. That sounds extremely close to me. I don't want to get stuck there if we miss our connecting flight.

What do you guys think?

 

[OKW Lover]

It is tight but certainly doable. However, I'd probably book a different flight if I was worried about a tight connection, even if it costs more.

 

[sam_gordon]

So we booked our flights a few months back and I've been worrying about our return flight home ever since. It's too late to change without a hefty price hike and it's the shortest one to get us home.

Southwest, MCO to Phx with a 35 minute layover/ plane change in ABQ. That sounds extremely close to me. I don't want to get stuck there if we miss our connecting flight.

What do you guys think?

First, I thought SW allowed changes at any time.
Second, have you looked to see whether SW has flights AFTER yours from ABQ to PHX? I would think if you miss the connecting, SW would be responsible for still getting you to PHX. If yours is the last flight of the night, I'd guess SW would be responsible for putting you up in a hotel and getting you on the next available flight the next day.

 

[Sandi]

First, I thought SW allowed changes at any time.
Second, have you looked to see whether SW has flights AFTER yours from ABQ to PHX? I would think if you miss the connecting, SW would be responsible for still getting you to PHX. If yours is the last flight of the night, I'd guess SW would be responsible for putting you up in a hotel and getting you on the next available flight the next day.

My guess is that the fare would go up to change the flight. Probably not complaining about change fees.

I would just keep the flights and quit worrying. No sense in borrowing trouble. Be prepared to move quickly to the connecting gate. SW will be keeping track of these things, too.

 

[dudspizza]

You will make it, but you have to hustle. I had a 30 minute connection in Denver. The second leg was delayed and all worked out. The flight at the gate next to our connection was on time (and same as original departure) and they were making the final boarding announcements.

Take a breath and take what comes to you. I was ready if I missed my connection in Denver. It was the last flight of the night and I was ready to get a hotel or do whatever was needed to enjoy my trip.

All you can do is take things as they come and don't stress about it..... it isn't worth it..... and those comments come from a very anal, obsessive traveler, so I know what the stresses can bring if you let them get to you....... travel is an adventure.... enjoy it!

Duds

 

[mikehn]

Under normal circumstances, I would say you can make the connection with 35 minutes in-between. Usually Southwest flights are all clustered in the same wing so you simply get off one flight and go a few gates over to the connecting flight.

However, I dont know if we are under normal circumstances anymore. With the FAA furloughs in effect, all bets are off. Even changing your flights at this point wont guarantee anything.

 

[kkmcan]

Thanks for the responses. Yes on the price hike if I change it. No change fee its just higher now than when I booked it. I paid $157 per person for or return flight and its more like $250 per person so that's way too much to change it. I guess I just need to let it go and see what happens....but I hate those kinds of things in the back of my mind.

I will go see if ABQ has anything else that day to Phx just to know in case we miss it.

 

[DebbieB]

First, I thought SW allowed changes at any time.
Second, have you looked to see whether SW has flights AFTER yours from ABQ to PHX? I would think if you miss the connecting, SW would be responsible for still getting you to PHX. If yours is the last flight of the night, I'd guess SW would be responsible for putting you up in a hotel and getting you on the next available flight the next day.

Depends on the reason. If it was out of their control (weather), they don't have to pay for a hotel.

 

[Lintasare]

I live in Albuquerque and fly out of the ABQ Sunport. 35 min is in fact plenty of time. The Sunport has two main terminals, A and B and both are in the same building. Southwest is in A terminal, so really you will get off at one gate and will most likely leave from an adjacent gate.

The Sunport is so small you could walk from the far end of A terminal to the far end of B terminal in...about 10 minutes. Really, it is a small airport.

Here is a link to terminal maps. http://www.cabq.gov/airport/sunport-information/terminal-maps

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

As long as your arrival flight is on time, you should be fine. Just be warned that the plane will very likely be boarding by the time you make it to the gate, so your seat choice might be limited. It's a short flight, so that shouldn't be a big concern.

 

[eeyoresmom]

What month and what time is your flight out of MCO? The reason I ask is that in the summer months afternoon flights out of MCO are often delayed D/T the daily, often torrential rain. I wouldn't worry about it however. Chances are you will make the connection. Maybe have a back up plan ( put airline phone numbers in your cell, etc. ), and have a great time.