This Saturday I am flying YLW-YVR-SFO on one ticket (booked through UA) and SFO-TPA on a separate ticket, also booked through UA. I called previously and had the PNRs linked. The layover in SFO is only 55 minutes. With the runway construction it looks like delays are stacking up daily and I am worried I won't be able to make my redeye flight. I don't have any expectations that UA will be able to hold the plane or provide any IRROPS help. I am considering booking a hotel in SFO as insurance in case I don't make the flight. Short of changing the itinerary proactively and routing through another city (which I am looking at right now) any other ideas?
Delays work both ways -- it's entirely possible that your SFO-TPA flight will be delayed, allowing you to make the flight with ease.
I don't see any particular reason to book a hotel room in advance, though. So you get to SFO and you miss your flight -- it's unlikely that every hotel in the Bay Area is sold out.
