Originally Posted by
jhayes_1780
IAD-DTW is an exclusive RJ route, that would make them more delay prone then mainline from ORD-DTW (that also has some RJ service, so watch the flight numbers).
"RJ" - couldn't find that in the glossary... does that mean 'regional jet'? Also, I couldn't find what "mainline" means (searched to see if I could figure it out, but no luck). Something to do with having several flights a day, maybe? Noah referrred to that, too. Could you please explain or point me in the direction for where I could read what it is? Thanks.
Originally Posted by
jhayes_1780
Also, if it would be "disasterous" to arrive late on the 18th (the travel day) then bring them in on the 17th.
Wish I could! The earliest they can leave Vienna is the 18th.
Originally Posted by
jhayes_1780
If you are worried about connections, delays etc.... you could avoid ORD/IAD altogether by booking on LH (VIE-FRA-DTW).
I've done that route in the past, but I'd like to fly them Business this time (but can't afford it). So I'm booking on a flight that is currently wide open in the Business section, hoping that they can buy a paid (discounted) BC upgrade at the gate (or is it on the plane?). LH doesn't sell discounted upgrades, so it needs to be an OS or UAL flight (or someone else *A who does that).
Originally Posted by
noah
Either airport could be subject to summer thunderstorms, but I'd still probably pick ORD in this case.
Thanks for the advice! One other plus about ORD - if the flight were delayed/cancelled and they get stuck in ORD, I could drive there to get them, whereas I can't drive to IAD.
As long as 1h 50m doesn't seem too tight of a connection to go through Customs and recheck the bag (I'm guessing they have to do that, and that the bag isn't checked through to DTW?), I think I'm leaning towards ORD.
Thanks for helping me to sort this out!