Memphis Airport - 1/2 hour long enough to change planes -NWA?
 

Want to fly through Memphis on NWA to get to New Orleans. Never been to the Memphis airport. Am I crazy to book a flight with only 30 minutes to change planes? I have only changed planes with long layovers before, so I need your help to tell me if this is realistic or not. Thanks!

I think it's crazy to book that short of a layover at ANY airport. But, if there is a later flight from the same airport, at least you have that to fall back on if you miss your connection (unless, of course, the later flight is full . . .)

But try to do whatever it takes to have at least 60 minutes layover. Planes are frequently delayed, and even if it's only by 15 minutes you'll be hard-pressed to make your next flight (and so will your luggage).

Memphis has a pretty small airport really. All one level, with 3 "terminals" (not separate buildings, they'd usually be called concourses in most airports). The trouble is that each has a security checkpoint at the entrance.

Find out what gates you arrive and depart from during your connection in Memphis. If you have to go from A to B, I wouldn't book that connection, just because you don't know what the line at security will be like. The lines here are no faster moving than anywhere else.

If you connect through the same terminal, well... you might make it but with 30 minutes, any plane delays are going to hurt. I think I'd see what else they had available.

If you decide to route through Memphis, this might help:
http://www.memphis-mem.com/maps.html

Are you connecting from one NWA flight to another? If so, I'd surprised they'll allow you to make a connection like that. While the times vary, most airlines wouldn't view that as a "lega" connection.

I've been through Memphis several times on connecting flights. While not a massive airport, 30 minutes could be tough. Figure at least 5-10 minutes to get off the plane and into the terminal, more if you're near the back.

In terms of security checkpoints, is that new for in-transit passengers?

From Northwest's own website: the minimum connection time in Memphis from a domestic flight to another domestic flight is 25 minutes.

However, if you are like I am, I'd not like to worry that my original flight will leave late, or worry about any number of other things that will eat into my 30 minutes to make my connection

Thanks for all the advice! I am going to make different arrangements.