Connecting flights - how long between?

**Elaine311** · 03-02-2004, 17:47

Hello all

Not posted for a while - too busy doing OU exam, adopting a puppy, stopping smoking - all good stuff! However, I'm now back to planning our holiday with a vengeance

We're off to Florida in July and I'm attempting to book our flights from Aberdeen to Gatwick (and back again! Florida flights were booked months ago). Our flight time gives arrival back at Gatwick at 6.55am. How long should I leave between that and flight back to Aberdeen? I just wondered what would happen if the Orlando flight was delayed or the like. Obviously I don't want to leave a huge length of time between the two flights as none of us fancy sitting around an airport all day, so what's the happy medium?

Any advice gratefully received!

Elaine

**blott** · 03-02-2004, 18:10

Hi Elaine

I've got just the thread for you http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums...?TOPIC_ID=7731

It's worth bearing in mind that if flights are delayed for any reason to do with the airline (breakdowns, etc) then they usually look after you well during any delays. If flights are delayed by bad weather, etc then it's usually down to you to look after yourselves.

Normally, it's probably wise to leave at least a couple of hours in between flights. On your outward flight, your luggage will probably be booked through so that you don't have to collect it until you arrive in USA and you may have some time to spare.

Remember that when you land at Gatwick you've got Passport Control, reclaiming your luggage and Customs to get through before your next flight on your return journey. If you were flying via a USA airport hub direct to Aberdeen, then your luggage would be booked through the entire trip and you wouldn't see if again until you landed at Aberdeen.

**orlandobabe** · 03-02-2004, 18:12

I would think about an hour and a half to do it comfortably-hopefully have time for a drink.

We did Gatwick -Newcastle once and had 6 hours to wait.

It's such a huge place -getting from international terminal to internal one could take a while.

Much prefer going direct-although I know it's not an option for you Aberdonians.

**Elaine311** · 03-02-2004, 19:41

Thanks - I'll have a look at the flight times for Gatwick-Aberdeen and see if I can find one that leaves us with a couple of hours to spare. Never having done the "book it all yourself" thing before, I was a bit worried that we'd end up stranded if our flight from Orlando to Gatwick were delayed and we missed our Aberdeen flight (and with a tired - and depressed because holiday is over - 6 year old in tow, that would be a complete and utter nightmare). I always look on the bright side, as you can tell

.

Elaine

**Elaine311** · 03-02-2004, 19:53

STUPID QUESTION WARNING....... [:I]

I've just checked my Florida flight bookings and we leave on the 19th at 17:50, so does that mean we're back in the UK on the 20th (at 6.55am)? Okay, I know it's probably a really dumb question but I'm confused!! And I can just imagine the horror of my family if I book return flights for the wrong day [:0]

**allyjack** · 03-02-2004, 20:01

I recently booked flight from Dublin to Manchester totally separate from US ones. They will book your luggage straight through if you ask. Luckily for us they did as we came back a totally different way to our bags as we missed flights from Las Vegas due to 90 minute queues for security. By 9 am there were 109 people onm standby for flights to Chicago because they had all missed flights.
We were looked after really well as international travellers ( BMI and United)
Usuallly we leave about 2 hours to be on the safeside through Gatwick
Good luck
Alison

**ianandsue** · 03-02-2004, 20:30

I always get confused with that one to Elaine, but yes it does mean you will be back on that date.
sue

**bellaepovera** · 03-02-2004, 21:14

Yes, going back you arrive next day as they are night flights plus the 5 hours ahead. I would say the most 2 hours is good timing for a connecting flight.

**Andy & Arlene** · 03-02-2004, 22:25

Who are you travelling with from Gatwick? I take it, it is not BA, as you could have booked BA straight thru from Aberdeen to Orlando via Gatwick?

There's a flight leaves Gatwick about 8.30 and gets in to Aberdeen the back of 10.
BA are the only carrier from Gatwick to Aberdeen and they do have a tie in with the likes of AA.