Howdy! Continental cancelled a flight for me out of IAH and put me on an earlier flight that gives me 30 minutes connection time. Can this be done or should I ask for a later flight?

I am flying into IAH from Honolulu, and historically the flight is usually on time, but I know nothing of IAH (but it looks big on the map) and I hate the thought of missing a connection because Continental did not give me enough time. And I am certain my luggage won't make it.

Advice and insights are much appreciated!

It is a big airport. I have had to cross the airport for flights before.. The only thing that you can hope for is to have your departing flight in the same terminal as your arriving flight. I cannot believe they still have these short layovers. But 30 minutes is a legal layover unfortunately. It will be extremely tight. I would make sure to sit as close to the exit as possible and be ready to get off as soon as they take the seat belt sign off, ie Have your carry on in your hands. You will have little time in the airport

Post this on the airline forum. rkkwan is a continental regular and he will most likely give you good advice on this question. I believe he flies out of IAH as his home airport. Good luck.

Thanks girlonthego, I am still a newbie here and never thought to post there. I appreciate it!

Continental changes flights all the time. I, too, would be even more concerned if you are checking bags.

Go to their website and see if there's a better possibility (and check available seats).

Then, give them a call. I've never had a problem getting my preferred flight if there are seats available (even if the fare is higher or it requires more miles).

You can actually do this online, but there will be a change fee.

They are excellent about this on the phone. One time, after I explained to the rep which new flights we wanted, I got disconnected, but called back, and the second rep told me the changes had been made as requested. (And, there were two bookings, one with miles and the other a paid fare.)

Hey ponytale, It was good that you posted on both boards. The airline board does not get as much traffic, but I know if rkkwan sees your post, he is a big continental traveler and may have some advice. It looks like you have already gotten some good advice right here.
good luck!

Call Continental back and say the 30 minutes connection is unacceptable (which it certainly is, with or without luggage) and ask them to come up with a better itinerary (will be even better if you've already found the flights that make sense for you). They can't change your flights without giving you the option of either rejecting the itinerary altogether (and getting a refund) or giving you the choice of a new flight without charging you a change fee.

Cassandra, I have had the same problem with Continental and they will not change the flight as the 30 minute layover is technically "legal" no matter how unrealistic it is. I don't agree with it but they probably will refuse to change the flight without charging for the change. I hope I am proven wrong in this case but it may be a hard fight. Flight schedules are subject to change, which they will use to their advantage to not change anything.

I've never had a problem making changes over the phone. But, I think it's best to check the schedule yourself before phoning and select the most convenient alternative yourself.

They will tell you that half an hour is not a problem, but if your incoming flight is late...