brandonmd

I have redeemed Skymiles for a trip this summer from Detroit to Athens with a layover in JFK for 50 minutes. I was concerned with this after I booked on-line, so I contacted Delta. The representative told me a legal connection is 75 minutes. I then called back and another rep told me the 50 minutes is fine.

The earlier flight will leave us with a 4 hour layover.

Should I call Delta and tell them that I want the longer layover or keep the 50 minute ?
I looked at a map of the Delta terminal, and it looks large!

Any suggestions would be great.

DonTopaz

The 50 min connection time (DL, domestic to int'l) is legal. But that doesn't mean that you're guaranteed to make the connecting flight.

Just as a ballpark estimate, you would make the connection on 4 out of 5 days. On the 5th day, you'd miss the flight. Because it's an award ticket, it is extremely unlikely that DL would allow you to travel on another airline to ATH. So you'd have to take the following day's DL flight (assuming, of course, that seats are available).

If it were me, I'd opt for the earlier flight to JFK and minimize the angst factor. Other people would make the opposite choice, and neither one is right or wrong.

brandonmd

I found a flight through ATL with a 2 hr 20 min layover... is there a charge to cancel and rebook, or can I call Delta and have them switch..

I am really nervous about 50 minutes in a major aiport like JFK

Luisah

I'd be nervous too and do what rizzuto suggests. I'd rather have four hours to wander around, eat, read, etc. than miss the flight.

I think Delta would charge you to switch to Atlanta. I had to pay $50 when I switched to an earlier flight home when I landed early. But the only way to know for sure is to call Delta.

brandonmd

I will have to check with them. I hope they don't charge me to redeposit the miles and then repurchase a ticket.

doug_stallings

Your Delta flights will probably come into the same terminal, but since the flight from Detroit is probably a former NW Airlines flight, that gives me a little pause (you should have this information at your fingertips, so you'll know if it's the same terminal or not by looking at your itinerary); otherwise, the two Delta terminals at JFK are adjacent to each other and connected in a couple of different ways. It's very possible to make this connection if both flights are on time. My concern would be for your luggage, though it will also likely make the connection.

If the connection time is not legal, they should make the change for you without charge. And I think if you point out your concerns, that will probably be the case, especially if you agree to take the 4-hour layover. Be polite, but also be firm when you make the request and state very clearly your anxiety over the short connection time.

I'd like to know the resolution ... so please come back and let us know.

P_M

The choice would be easy for me, there's no way I would accept a 50 minute connection before an overseas flight. If you are delayed, even just slightly, then you and/or your luggage could miss the flight. I think if you explain your reasons they will make a change with no charge. Speak with a manager if necessary.

brandonmd

I spoke with 2 Delta reps and a supervisor. They would not change it for me since it is a "legal" connection. I will now have to cancel the tickets to redeposit the miles (for a fee), and rebook (for a fee)if I want to change.

I was firm about it... but will wind up changing and getting charged another $260... you can't just cancel one leg and rebook it...

doug_stallings

Before paying $260, I'd write a polite and brief email explaining the problem and the confusing information you were given at the outset of your reservation. If that doesn't resolve the situation, I'd reach out to a mediator before paying this money. Try Chris Elliott (www.elliott.org), though only if you cannot resolve the issue yourself. Keep a paper trail, including all emails, which are much better than phone calls in a situation like this.

wmarks

I am a little surprised that Delta was not more accommodating. You might try calling back to talk to another manager. We booked a flight on Delta to JFK and then on to Brussels next month. It was booked some time ago and at the time we had an hour and a half layover. Because Delta later changed the flight times, which resulted in a 50 minute layover, we received a notice saying we could change to a different flight of our choice at no charge. We have switched to an Atlanta connection with a two hour layover. I realize that your situation is a little different in that your original flight booking included a 50 minute layover, but I'm still surprised that Delta won't work with you.

brandonmd

Let me try another call to them. Perhaps I could get lucky and speak with a person willing to help...

Luisah

If the 50 minute connection is legal and you miss your international because the first flight is delayed or late wouldn't they put you on the next flight?

I'd hate having to pay $260 to change because of missing a connection that they say is "legal."

rkkwan

Luisah - The OP is flying to Athens, Greece. Next flight on Delta is 24 hours away.

Luisah

I missed that, sorry. In that case, I hope Delta will be more accommodating.