I need to avoid missing a connecting flight...?

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flash_flotsam

Generally speaking, airlines won't allow you to purchase a single ticket with a connection less than their published minimum connection time, so they'd assume you'll make whatever your connection is. That being said, though, there are at least two things I do when I have tight connections in order to ensure I make my flight with no problems:

1) Sit closer to the front of the plane than the back. This doesn't necessarily mean first class, but you'll be better off in the first few rows of coach than you will be in the last few rows. When you get to the airport, ask about availability of seats in the front of coach (explaining your tight connection) -- they'll be glad to help you if they can.

2) Don't take a lot of carryons. The less you have to gather and carry, the easier it is.

That all having been said, though, you might be able to get more specific advice about your particular connection if you mention the airport in which you're connecting, the airline you're flying, and the amount of time you have.

Jillot

Travel with carry on baggage only. Try and find out the gate your next plane will depart from before you leave. Look at a map of the airport you are going to so you have an idea where you are going when you get there. Sit near the front of the plane (though this makes little difference if you have bags to collect. )

Sarah C

I've been on a flight like this before. I literally went form gate to gate. The best thing I did was research the layout of the airport so I knew exactly where to go. If the connecting flights are with the same airline, then the gates will probabaly be close to one another. You won't have to claim your luggage anymore, you won't have to go through security.

Just pray your first flight is not delayed. That's the only way you'll miss your connection. In which case, that's the airline's fault and they're duty-bound to take care of you.

MadMan

If this is an international flight, you will not make it.

SafÃ¿re

You know that Murphy was an optimist - don't you?!?
All you need is your originating flight to be delayed (for whatever reason) and you are NOT going to make your connection.
Especially when a lot of airlines close their gates 20-minutes before departure.
So if your originating flight is only five minutes late on departure; by the time the plane taxis to the terminal and they start disembarking passengers 4 - 5-minutes later, you will have already missed the gate closure and won't be able to board.

In other words - unless you alter either your connection or originating flight, you will be flying on a wing and a prayer to make the connection. So be prepared for the worst.

Next time - I strongly recommend you allow more time between flights. Spending 50-minutes waiting at the airport, is much better than being stranded overnight (because your connecting flight was the last one out) and you missed your connection.

Jane

Don't carry on anything, why waste time gathering your stuff when the airline will be sure to get it to your destination. Sit as far forward in the plane as you can so you can exit quickly. Don't dawdle, ask the flight attendant which gate your connection is at and how to get there before you land.

Mike V

Run.

Generally, airlines will say that the flight takes a LITTLE longer than it actually does, but you can't account for unforeseen delays such as air traffic, take-off and landing delays, etc. It's a good idea to book a flight with at least an hour in the connection city.

Not a whole lot you can do - but odds are, if you miss your connection, there's another plane going to the same destination soon enough.

Mike

get a seat closer to the front of the cabin.

tonalc2

Let the flight attendant know that you have a really tight connection; most of the time they will let you come to the front of the plane.

And I know this doesn't help your situation, but in the future, try to book a flight with a good amount of time in between connections. Very few flights arrive right on time.

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