nibblette

Traveling to Costa Rica on Continental via Houston. The time between flights is 56 minutes, with a 90% on time record. I can't remeber what IAH is like but I thought it wasn't too big.
Should I risk checking in luggage or just do carry-on? I will only have a 22" bag. I just find it easier to check-in over carrying on (don't have to worry about finding space for luggage or bumping into people with luggage). If you all think it's too short for the check-in luggage to make it, I'll just live with the incovenience of carrying on. Thanks!

rkkwan

If you can make the connection, chances are that the bags will make it. If the bags won't make it, chances are that you can't make it yourself.

Which means, I really wouldn't worry about your bags.

Also, note that there's a new walkway open between Terminal D and E at IAH, which isn't reflected on the terminal map on continental.com yet. It may save you a lot of walk, especially on your return trip where you should be arriving at Terminal D.

rkkwan

BTW, CO's operation at IAH is now <b>humongous</b> spreading over all 5 terminals. The walk from one end of a North Concourse at C to the end of E (e.g. from gate C18 to E20) is probably over a mile long, and will take 20+ minutes to just cover that. [Which is another reason why checked luggage is better than carry-on.]

And if you're arriving on a regional jet, then you'll be using Terminal A or B, and require a bus/train transfer (no security) to C/D/E.

nibblette

Thanks so much, rkkwan. I feel better about checking my luggage.

Follow-up question, I have 2 hours between flights at IAH on the way home. I know I have to go through customs &amp; immigration. Will that be enough time for me to retrieve my luggage, go thru customs/immigration, and then security again? I'm leaning towards taking my luggage on board with me to cut down on the waiting time then.

rkkwan

2 hours should be plenty, especially if you're US citizen/permanent-resident. It may also depend on the time of your arrival, but our family never have to wait too long to clear customs at IAH.

But yes, having just carry-on means you don't have to wait for the bags, and will put you in front of all the others on your plane who have to wait for them.

Again, with 2 hours, you shouldn't have a problem either way.

You'll be arriving at Terminal D on your way back. If your new flight leaves Terminal E, use the new walkway. If your flight home is on a regional jet and departs Terminal B, you can walk back to C and take the new Terminal Link, or you can use the old underground people-mover straight to B. Either way, you'll have to reclear security.

SamH

Hi Niblette. I would be comfortable with the time you have. I use CLE often so im on Continental alot. They seem to run a lot of connections with narrow windows, but I have had very few close calls and no missed flights in a long time with them. Maybe I'm just lucky, but I would check my bag and relax.
sam