Minimum layover at Newark EWR
 

My daughter will be flying from Orlando, FL to Paris CDG with a layover in Newark, NJ. Continental has changed her flights twice now. Originally had a layover of 90 minutes, then a change with a ridiculous 15 minute layover, now a change with a 55 minute layover. She will be leaving Newark from the same terminal so we've been told. The flight from Orlando to Newark has a 40% on time record, not very good in my opinion. I'm concerned about this short layover. We have the option of changing to a 2 1/2 hour layover. Is this preferable to the 55 minutes? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

There are flights essentially every hour throughout the day from Orlando to EWR, and 3 flights from EWR to Paris CDG.

I would book more than a 55min layover myself - look up all the MCO-EWR and EWR-CDG options and pick the combo that works best for you.

With a 55 minute window of opportunity and with a 40% history, I would change to the two hour plus time gap.

I would rather be safe than sorry.

If she finds that she does have the long layover, she could treat herself to one of the day passes at a club.

Terminal C in Newark is a big terminal. The gates may be in opposite ends of the terminal. The other complication with a 55 mins connection is that the luggage might not make it.

I would rather have the 2 hrs layover.

I wouldn't even consider that short a layover with a 40% on time record. I don't know why Continental does those things. A Continental agent told me he wouldn't suggest our 55 min layover with a 50% on time arrival into Newark AND at the worst time of day, (5 PM). We wouldn't do it anyway. SO we will have a 6 1/2 hr. layover in Newark....both going and coming (into Geneva, home from Zurich). (from Houston much less time in Newark because of more flights, but now ours is from Austin and only two flights a day ,,,one being VERY early AM)
We're thinking of buying a one day admittance to the Continental Club lounge....anyone every done that.??? I agree that it's fun to have "some" layover for exercise and break up the trip.
I guess there are two kinds of people...those who prefer to go non stop for l0-11 hours, and those who like a bit of a layover. No right or wrong.
We have no choice this time.

I've changed her reservation to have a 2 hr 22 minute layover. Hopefully this is sufficient time in case the flight from Orlando is delayed a bit. I hope Continental doesn't change this reservation again! This is frustrating!

Don't chance it. Even if she runs and makes the plane it's very likely her luggage won't.

Normal983,
you made the right choice. She shouldn't have any problems with the 2 1/2 hour layover. If she did though, and assuming she isn't now booked on the last flight to CDG, CO is good about rebooking on a later outbound flight.

NY Travler,
I have always found at EWR if I make my plane my bag does too.

I like to have at least a 2 hour layover, so I don't worry if my first flight will leave on time, then feel like I have to knock people over to get off the plane and then sprint to my next gate.

I'd rather have a few minutes to stop at the bathroom, pick up a snack for the next flight, walk leisurely to my next gate, etc.

mari5 - Day pass at CO's PC cost $45/person. Each person has to pay for his/her own.

Cheaper ways to go in there include getting a Northwest WorldClub 60-day membership, which is $85, but you can bring immediate family members or up to 2 guests.

You can only purchase this membership at a NW Worldclubs location listed here:

http://www.nwa.com/services/bustrav/...empmember.html

It includes Newark, which is at Terminal B, but you can't get into Terminal B with your CO boarding pass. So, if you're passing through any of these NW Worldclubs location before your CO flight, you can consider purchasing it.

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Another way to get in to CO's PC is the American Express Platinum charge card. The one with the $450 annual fee.

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Or you can join Priority Pass and get it for $27/person. Priority Pass is $99/year, or a complimentary membership is included in the no-annual-fee Saks 5th Ave World Mastercard.