A question about a Philadelphia airport connection
 

OK everybody - please get out your crystal balls!!

Is a 35 minute layover enough time ( on Sat, Dec 17, 4:50PM to 5:25 PM) to change planes from Chautauqua Airlines (US Air) to Air Wisconsin (US Air)?

This is for my college age son who has never flown alone before. (Although he's flown a lot with others.)

And what are these airlines anyway??

Thanks!

That's cutting it close, especially if he has to change terminals since each terminal has its own security. Then, that's to say his arrival flight will be on time. ((b))

Upon closer inspection, it appears that they arrive and depart from Terminal F. How's that sound? THANKS!!!

My two cents...

Philly in December...you are risking snow, rainy weather, etc.. The airport is already infamous for late flights.

If it's the first time he has flown, could be problems. Is there no other later flight?

IF you have to do it, arm him with some info: Number of the airline he is traveling on (could help with rebooking), a list of other flights at later times (regardless of airlines) that could be possible options to get rebooked on if he misses his.

Good Luck!!!
:s

He could possibly make the connection if the arriving flight is on time. A lot of airlines require you to check in at the gate 15 minutes prior to flight departure of your lose your seat. I would check with the airlines. My other concern would be the checked baggage. I would definitely carry on. ((b))

If he's on time, this connection is no problem (I connect through Terminal F once a week). Knock on wood, but Terminal F usually operates better than the others at Philly. So, I would risk it, but definitely have the back-up plan in place.

Sounds like he is coming home for Christmas break -- probably won't be able to carry on. Make sure he has cash on hand so that he does miss the connection, he's got mad money -- Terminal F can get very boring.

I wouldn't do it in Philly in Dec.

Getting from one gate to another @ terminal F isn't a big deal, but banking on an on-time flight is. With weather and heavy air traffic that time of year, it's really risky.

BTW...agree that this is risky, however, considering that you are traveling the same airline, they are responsible for putting you on the next flight out. Soooo, if the flight is on time (SHOCKER!), GREAT! -- If not, you've got your back-up.

Or, why not put your son on the safety flight, allowing for potential delays, and then if he can jump on an earlier flight, way to go (although at this time of year, might be booked).

Thanks for everybody's help.

The problem is that he has a final that day and can not get out earlier than that 3:15 flight.

My other option is to switch him to a 5:20 flight that has a 1 hour and 45 min layover. Safer, but I know he is going to be anxious to leave as it is the last day of finals and he'll probably feel like the last kid to go home!!!

My husband's theory is just sit it out - the airlines are changing flights so often it will probably change anyway. (His Northwest Thanksgiving flight has been altered by them no fewer than 5 times...)

Philly in December SELDOM has any airport problems. Unusual for us to get shut down for weather at all, especially in December. Terminal F is efficient and the gates are close together, he should have no problem whatsoever.

sneelfleaba -- please tell me you're being sarcastic...SELDOM does Philly have problems in December? Don't lead wliwl on here...

Seneca Girl--Do you live in Philadelphia or travel frequently by air for business? I do, and I honestly can't remember ever having my air travel interrupted for weather reasons in December, especially mid-December. In fact, visit any weather website to find that December is a low precip month in these parts. All of our big snows typically happen in January and February.

I was at an Army-Navy Game the first week in December of 2003, and it was cold and snowy in Phila.

The stadium was filled with snow & ice, so we whimped out and watched the game in a downtown sports bar. ((b))

I understand snow is a possibility anywhere in the NE in December.

I'm figuring that since he is coming from Columbus OH to Philadelphia then on to Rochester NY, if weather is an issue it will be for everywhere on that trip.

So, if planes are LATE leaving Philadelphia, that won't be a problem. If they are late leaving Columbus but on time at Phil that could be a problem. (Everything is a mess in Rochester in the winter - we're used to that! :) )

My husband and I made our connection last year. Remember the other flight starts boaring in 35min. You can always ask the security to give you a ride to your terminal. Plus Philly flights are alwyas delayed.

I've lived in Philly for 5 years (just moved to Upstate NY a few months ago), and have traveled extensively (once a week) over the past 5 years. I used to fly to Rochester a few times a month, so I also have experience with that. Just because Philly lists low precip in Dec, all airports can easily get affected by where the plane is coming from (or going to), especially around the holidays!