Other European Frequent Flyer Programs - 35 min. connection in BUD on MA

I am not sure if this belongs here, but I am earning miles on my BAEC account with this trip, so I thought I could place it here (if not: please forgive me!)

I recently booked a trip to the Middle East with Malév (great fares, BRU-BUD-TLV, AMM-BUD-AMS for €250ai!)

On my way back, however, I have a very tight connection in Budapest. My flight from Amman arrives at 06:30 and my connecting flight to Amsterdam leaves at 07:05. This gives me 35 minutes between flights. I was quite hesitant to book this, but I spoke to a Malév representative and she ensured me this was an "official connection", so I should practically be able to make it. I decided to book it.

But now I am actually wondering if I will be able to make it (we are a 8-person group, which will probably slow down the process of getting from gate to gate). Will I have to clear immigration (for entering a Schengen country) and customs first? Or will I go straight to the next plane? Flights both arrive/depart from terminal 2B, so no terminal change!!

Would there be any chance that I could make this connection? Any tips on connecting in BUD would be greatly appreciated!

Actually according to OAG it is 40 mins. I really wouldn't bank on catching your BUD-AMS flight!

But now I am actually wondering if I will be able to make it (we are a 8-person group, which will probably slow down the process of getting from gate to gate). Will I have to clear immigration (for entering a Schengen country) and customs first? Or will I go straight to the next plane? Flights both arrive/depart from terminal 2B, so no terminal change!!

Would there be any chance that I could make this connection? Any tips on connecting in BUD would be greatly appreciated!

You'll have to pass through immigration between Schengen and non-Schengen, but there's not too much walking to do in BUD. You would normally have no problem with this connection if on time or a few minutes late.

Actually according to OAG it is 40 mins.Am not sure what OAG quotes, as the list of exceptions to the MTC rule is several hundred lines long.

Yes, yours is a legal connection for MA-MA II TRM 2B - 2B. Malev will protect you if you miss your flight.

Whether you will make your connection is another story, as I've missed 4 hour connections and comfortably made 25 minutes ones.

Not a problem at all.

I have been quite often on a LCA-BUD-LGW connection, which arrives at 0615 and departs at 0650. Never a problem.

Once we landed late, arrived on a remote coaching stand at 0643, and I still made it. There was an escort to meet me, take me through security, and get me on the plane. MA is very good with connecting passengers.

I'm confused, how can departure and arrival both be Terminal 2B? I thought schengen flights all went from 2A?
Based on my last couple of visits, to pass from between 2A and 2B means going through passport check and walking across the sky court. With 8 people I think this would be very difficult to make.
How can schengen flights depart from Terminal 2B because there would be no passport check?

Worst that happens is you misconnect and get rebooked onto the next flight, since it's all one ticket.

As this isn't really a BA query we'll move over to other European programmes where MA queries live.

Swanhunter
Moderator, BAEC

Thanks for your answers!

I was confused too because of the same terminal thing with Schengen/non-Schengen countries. But it is what my itinerary says. (Although the flight from Brussels, which is also within the Schengen zone, arrives at the other terminal).

Good to hear that tight connections can be made. I'll keep you updated one I've had my trip. If we'd miss the flight, at least we have a chance to visit Budapest (which has to be a beautiful city), since the next flight to Amsterdam is no earlier than 17:30.

With such a long time between flights you could try to get rebooked on KLM at 1:10PM. Not quite sure if they are obliged to do so - but worth a try.

Or, there is a 8:25AM BA flight to LHR (known as MA4865)...perhaps they are more willing to rebook there since its a codeshare. This would introduce an extra transfer at LHR for the LHR-AMS segment though.

As mentioned above MA are very good with connections. They often have people waiting to escort, or at security call people forward, etc. I would not worry at all.

I've connected through BUD to Bucharest a number of times. Quite often delays whittle away at the shortish connection time, but I've always made it: sometimes with the help of an escort (stop grinning - you know what I mean!)

No problems with several <40 minute connections from non-Schengen to Schengen previously. I wouldn't be too worried.