Tight Flight Connections

Travelers are typically looking for the best routing to get to their destination. That usually means arriving in the least amount of time possible. Over the years, most airlines have been building flight schedules that are passenger friendly. Connection times have been condensed to keep people on the move and spending less time in airports. Airline flight schedules are built to streamline the passenger experience and keep their planes in the air. Planes don't make money when they are not flying.

When flights are on time everything usually works out great and passengers enjoy a seamless travel experience. Throw in a delay, even a short one, and a good flying experience can quickly turn into a long and stressful day. In my opinion, connection times have become too tight.

Passengers should be aware of connection times when booking flights and seeking out flights that offer enough layover time to allow for at least a small margin of delay.

Flying nonstop is obviously the fastest way for you to get where you are going, but that option is not always available. When you know that you will be making a connection in an airport it is important to allow enough time to get between gates and onto your next scheduled flight.

Here are a few things to consider when you are booking your next flight:

- Look For Nonstop Options

Nonstop flights can be more expensive, but the extra cost is often times worth the price. You will save time and be sure that you will not miss a connection in between cities.

- Minimum 1 Hour

Condensed connection schedules are allowing for bookings with as little as 30 minutes between flights. 30 minutes is not enough connection time! Remember, airlines close the departure gate door 10 minutes before departure time, so that 30 minutes quickly becomes 20. You will also need to factor in the time it takes to get off of the plane. Unless you are seated in the front, it could take you another 10 minutes to get off of the first flight. Your connection time has now been cut by almost 70%.

*Unless you like sprinting between gates, look for a connection that is at least 1 hour. I prefer to have a flights with 2 hours in between. A 2 hour window gives you enough time even if your first flight has a delay. *

A short first flight delay on a connection inside of 1 hour can cause you to miss your next flight. If you end up missing a flight you could be waiting several hours or even overnight for the next available flight to your destination.

- Fly Early

Look for flights earlier in the day. Airline on time records are better in the morning than in the afternoons and evenings. Even if you are dealing with a delay in the morning, you will usually have more flight options available to you if you miss a flight. Delays in the evening often end up with passengers stranded in airports since the rest of the flights for the day have already departed.

***Early travel is especially important for summer travel as many cities with large airports are impacted by afternoon thunderstorms that can often times cause significant flight delays. ***

- Travel Light

It is always a good idea to pack light. You'll be more mobile when you don't have to lug a bunch of stuff through an airport. If you need to run between gates, you'll be happy to not have a tone of personal items slowing you down.

- Be Comfortable

You always want to feel comfortable in airports and on airplanes. Wear clothes that aren't too restricting, and put on a good pair of walking shoes. Some walks between gates can be really long. You will want to avoid sore feet on that walk!

- Have a Plan

If you end up in a situation where missing your next flight is probable, you can take action ahead of time. Speak with an airline agent at the airport, over the phone, or on social media to set up other options. Airlines can reserve you a spot on the next available flight as a backup if you end up missing your original. This will save you time looking for help at the connect point where many people are probably doing the same thing.

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- Go to the Gate!

You've arrived at the connecting airport and there is no way that you will make it to your next flight before departure time. GO TO THE GATE ANYWAYS! Your next flight may be delayed, and in some cases the flight may be holding for connections. It is important o at least stop by to see if it has already departed. You really have nothing to lose.

**Airlines don't always update flight delay information in real time. Even if a flight shows on-time, it could still be delayed. **

Over my years in the industry, I have seen too many passengers miss flights because of condensed connection times. Compressed connection schedules are another industry standard that will not be going away for travelers. When booking a flight you should be aware of connection times, and always look for something that will not have you sprinting between gates. A longer connection that gets you on the next flight is always better than missing a flight with a short connection!

Have you ever had to sprint through an airport to get to your next flight? How much time do you like to schedule between your flight? I'd love to hear your comments about connections, or airline travel in general!

All images are from my personal collection and were taken by me.

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