Originally Posted by PhoenixCMC

If making the connection is your most important consideration, go to the gate in time to make the earlier flight to PHX . . . the chances of them charging you the $50 is very small, particularly if you (a) let them know -- without being obnoxious about it -- you are *-Gold and (b) explain about the 25-min connection in PHX. In other words, throw yourself at the mercy of the court. The important thing is doing it at the gate, not at the ticket counter or the customer service desk.