Originally Posted by
BOStonTravels
Thanks in advance for the wisdom on this forum. I am concerned after buying a ticket on ua.com without paying too much time to the connection until a few days ago. Flight is DCA-EWR-LAX next week. (UA3434 connecting to UA1165). The connection time is only 30 minutes. I followed the DCA-EWR flight UA3434 and for the past week it is late almost everyday and I would never make the connection if the flight were even slightly late. I am surprised UA sold this itinerary wth such a tight connection.
I am also concerned that the EWR-LAX flights often seem sold out in business and even if one were available I'd have to overnight in EWR as flight UA1165 is the last flight of the day to LAX). The ticket I purchased is in business class (not flexible fare otherwise I'd just change) and I am *G (non UA) if that means anything.
Any experiences with having UA switch flights ahead of time with such a short connection (e.g. an earlier DCA-EWR flight)? Also, if I missed the connection would they try and put me on whatever is available including connecting flights with the recliner seats vs the premium nonstop transcon product or would I be able to hold out and ask for the premium product?
Many thanks!
The Minimum Connection Time at EWR for a UA-UA transfer without a change of terminal is 30 minutes. That doesn't mean you're likely to make your flight -- you're not, unless everything goes perfectly -- just that UA will rebook you if you misconnect.
If you do miss your flight, you can ask for the nonstop instead of a connecting flight; without asking, which one you'd get depends more on the agent than anything else. As you say, though, there's no guarantee that there will be a seat available on EWR-LAX the next day.
UA isn't under any particular obligation to rebook you, although if you ask nicely you may find a willing agent. On the day of departure, you can do a same-day confirmed change for $75 (anecdotally, that fee
may be waived for *G, but it's not an official benefit) -- but that requires inventory to change into. Alternatively, you can stand by for an earlier DCA-EWR flight. You're likely to end up in coach if you do so, but at least you'll get to EWR in time for your flight.