caribtraveler

Hi,
How big is the airport?
I want to book a flight from Newark to the Bahamas. There's one stop with a change of plane in Ft. Lauderdale. We have 1/2 hour to do so on the way to Freeport and 40 minutes on the way back.
I'm worried we won't have enough time for the change. Is the airport big and might we have to run from one end all the way to the other..? or is it a small airport?
Anyone done this on a short time change over? Is it feasible?
Thanks.
p.s.: I posted the question on the u.s. board as well...sorry if you're reading it twice!

Statia

The few times I've been there, I have found that it's not that big....at least in comparison to MIA. However, I'd ask the advise of a TA or airline agent to know whether or not you have enough time to connect.

Dee2

Doesn't give you much time if your first flight is delayed even a short time. Can't you find flights with more time inbetween? Would be a shame to start a holiday with problems.

caribtraveler

it's a 3-night trip...no direct flight from newark. we want a really short layover so we're not traveling for too long. but i think 30-40 minutes is probably cutting it a bit close. i think we'll do a bit longer layover (the options are there). i'll also call the airline and see if the 2nd plane usually waits for the 1st one since the airline itself offers the connection. thanks for your replies.

SandyFeet

I think continental has a non-stop from Newark (ewr) flight 1900. It departs 9:35am and arrives in Nassau as 12:35.

If you can get to LaGuardia there are 2 non stops Delta departs at 8am arrives 11:08 and US Airways 9:35 and arrives 12:47.

I would call a TA - they will know the flights for the time of year you are flying. The non-stops sell out fast because of the reasons stated above. I have flown to the Bahamas both ways and the non-stop is so much easier, not even a question. It may cost a bit more but if you call a TA they will have a better idea of prices, it is so worth it.

By all means do not connect in Miami - it is horrible. The smaller terminals are very confusing and they do not announce the boarding of the planes very well. If we did not strike up a conversation with people on the same flight as us we never would have known to get on the plane. Its a mad house.

Robert

Whew! That's really pushing it. The half hour time between when you touch down and when the next plane departs may not be enough. It depends if you're flying Bahamasair or one of the chartered twin-props: Air Sunshine (which I wouldn't fly on) or the other three in Terminal C. Gulf Stream and American Eagle are often late in departing, so that would benefit you. Our Gulf Stream, last month, was due to take off at 11:30am but didn't take off until 1:30pm...welcome to Bahamian time. But, don't count on such a long delay. I wouldn't attempt it. Robert

lrmcstitch

The airport is not that big and as far as distances go 1/2 hour is just barely feasible if, your arrival flight is not delayed at all, if there is not a long line to check in, if your luggage is going straight through and you don't have to mess with it and if the security checkpoints are moving quickly.
I would very strongly reccomend allowing at least an hour or two for your connecting flight even if it means sitting around the airport for a couple of hours. Even better, a non stop flight, even if it costs a little more would be the easiest and least hassles.
All it would take is one over zealous security person at a check point and you'll miss your connection.

SandyFeet

Your luggage needs a minimum of 30 minutes (and that's pushing it) for baggage handlers to remove from 1 plane and load to another. Even thought they do not have to be claimed they still have to be unloaded, sorted and loaded. If you are late your bags may not make it - big hassle for a 3 day trip. If you are going to take a connecting flight I would recommend carry ons only. We have done it for a weeks vacation - you can have 2 carry ons per person. If you have the right luggage, it can very easily be done and no worries.

madameX

Your time frame is pushing it. I worry less about you making the flight than your luggage getting on board.

caribtraveler

Thank you for your replies.
We're actually going to Freeport..no direct flights from Newark.
Because it's a quick trip, we won't check in any luggage.
Anyway, we decided we'll do a longer lay over.