Direct flights or connections

[jenni]

Hi,
I notice that flights involving connections are cheaper and there is more choice. Are there any connecting airports to avoid and how long do you need between connecting flights to be comfortable or would the connection be held if the incoming flight was delayed. Any recommendations for airlines and/or routes would be gratefully received.
Thanks.

[markfried]

from experiences of a week and two weeks ago, avoid O Hare, as the whole things just stops in the winter for selected periods of time.

I was coming in from Orlando to go to Memphis (don't ask) and the plaen from Orlando decided it would leave 25 minutes late which ended up being 45. We got to O'Hare late and I was worried about my connection to Memphis. Got to the gate well in time (4.55p for a 5.15p departure) and they were still showing a plane to Harrisburg on the gate. Got told at 5.05p that the plane was cancelled and that we were being put on an 8.15p plane. Said plane took off eventually at 10pm. I wouldn't have minded so much if it was transatlantic but the plane to Memphis was only 87 minutes or something!

Others people I was flying with said they avoid O'Hare more than any otehr unless they absolutely have to fly through or to it in the winter.

I should have gone via Atlanta.

[blott]

If you're connecting via the USA, then you probably need around 2 hours to clear Immigration and Customs and get through security again for a connecting flight, depending on which airport it is.

If you miss a connecting flight through no fault of your own, then the airline usually get you onto the next flight and look after you with meal vouchers, etc.

Each airline has its own 'gateway' in USA so it depends on which airline as to which connecting airport you use.

[markfried]

further to what I said above, I suppose I am on the conencting flight side because I am more often than not doing something funny and direct flights aren't always possible on each leg. I go to Memphis a lot and it is impossible to fly anywhere in the UK to/from Memphis. I may scope out Northwest as they have a flight from Orlando to Memphis and Orlando/Memphis to Detroit/Minneapolis which would allow for lon - gateway - orlando - memphis - gateway - lon instead of the london - chicago - orlando - chicago - memphis - chicago - london detailed above.

[fiona]

We came in via St Louis once and had a delay on the way out at LGW which meant we missed the connection - as you do! Or more to the point we got there in time but the staff at LGW had decided we would not so had booked our luggage on the next one - departing 4 hours after the one we should have been on. We found the time change and the delay just enough to ruin the first few days of our holiday. However we had no problems going back, but personally would stick to the East coast although we have had a disaster with Atlanta as well! During the winter months there is always the danger of snow so you have to take that into account. We flew in and out of New York in December with no problems despite intensive security. Apart from Delta losing ALL our luggage on the way down but only 1 on the way back!

[caroline]

We usually fly via Dulles at Washington - Never had any problems and always get great connections.

[Carla]

I use Delta and go via Atlanta, United via Washington or USAirways via Charlotte. No problems with any of them.

[kevinprewett]

quote:Originally posted by jenni

Hi,
I notice that flights involving connections are cheaper and there is more choice. Are there any connecting airports to avoid and how long do you need between connecting flights to be comfortable or would the connection be held if the incoming flight was delayed. Any recommendations for airlines and/or routes would be gratefully received.
Thanks.

Hi,
Fly via connections more often than direct. Never had a delay at any hub or gateway & also caught my connecting flight. Used AA via miami. Delta via Atlanta & Cincinatti, Air India direct from Heathrow - Chicago connecting to AA to Orlando & Ft.Myers.( Air India ridiculously cheap scheduled fares in july/august to Chicago or New york York. (We stay overnight in the Ramamda close to O'Hare in chicago & get the 0730 AA flight to Orlando the following morning) or you can fly down the same day with AA to Orl. at around 1800hrs.
Any other info. you might need just contact.
[msnwink]

[Harmony]

Done both but have now decided to stick with direct flights London to Tampa. We hate the travelling and no longer want to waste another 3 or 4 hours by taking a connection. [V] The hassle getting on one plane is bad enough without doing it again. It does cost more but is a better start to the holiday and worth it.

Jeff

[orlandobabe]

I agree Jeff. At one time the charters were so much cheaper-but not any more it would appear.

Straight through every time for me -wherever possible. I see it as 'doing my porridge' and after I've served my sentence of 9 hours-then I'm free.

Yeeha!