connection time in DEN and IAH if staying on CO?
Sep 19, 2011, 11:53 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 132
connection time in DEN and IAH if staying on CO?
We've never had layovers before, so forgive the basic question! If we're flying on CO and have to change planes in DEN or IAH, are there minimum connection times we should allow for those airports? If it matters, we'll have 2 kids, carryons and gate-checked strollers/car seats. 
Sep 19, 2011, 12:03 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL Diamond, UA 1K MM, SPG Plat For Life, Marriott Plat, Nexus/GlobalEntry
Posts: 9,198
Where are you flying to/from? It can make a difference..if you're flying on an Express carrier (Continental Express) you'll probably have to change terminals via train at IAH and you'll want to leave 90 mins between flights. Otherwise, an hour is plenty. At DEN you are guaranteed not to have to change terminals but it is a hike from one end of the B concourse to the other if your gates happen to be far apart. An hour is fine at DEN...I'd say 45 mins but I'm adding a little extra for the gate checked stroller.
Edited: I re-read your post.. if you're on CO all the way the CO gates at DEN are all right next to each other. If you go to/from DEN all on CO metal your gates will be very close together and 45 mins is enough time.
Edited: I re-read your post.. if you're on CO all the way the CO gates at DEN are all right next to each other. If you go to/from DEN all on CO metal your gates will be very close together and 45 mins is enough time.
Last edited by SEA1K4EVR; Sep 19, 2011 at 12:10 pm
Sep 19, 2011, 12:13 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 132
Where are you flying to/from? It can make a difference..if you're flying on an Express carrier (Continental Express) you'll probably have to change terminals via train at IAH and you'll want to leave 90 mins between flights. Otherwise, an hour is plenty. At DEN you are guaranteed not to have to change terminals but it is a hike from one end of the B concourse to the other if your gates happen to be far apart. An hour is fine at DEN...I'd say 45 mins but I'm adding a little extra for the gate checked stroller.
Edited: I re-read your post.. if you're on CO all the way the CO gates at DEN are all right next to each other. If you go to/from DEN all on CO metal your gates will be very close together and 45 mins is enough time.
Edited: I re-read your post.. if you're on CO all the way the CO gates at DEN are all right next to each other. If you go to/from DEN all on CO metal your gates will be very close together and 45 mins is enough time.
Sep 19, 2011, 12:20 pm
#4
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
Don't worry about the luggage. They have shorter and faster route than you do. With kids and carry-on, I would do the 1:17. With a stroller, means you have little kids and you need the time to deal with the vagaries of kid travel.
Sep 19, 2011, 1:12 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL Diamond, UA 1K MM, SPG Plat For Life, Marriott Plat, Nexus/GlobalEntry
Posts: 9,198
That should be all main line so IAH is a fine option (don't book a CO Express flight PHX-IAH..there are plenty of 737's). Your bags will be fine with either of those connection times...but I agree that with kids go with the 1:17. If the other choice was 3 hours I'd say go with :58, but it's only 20 minutes more and it's good insurance.
Sep 19, 2011, 2:20 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Anchorage, AK
Programs: CO - Onepass Gold Elite--> UA - MileagePlus Gold Premier--> Silver --> AS - MileagePlan MVPGOLD!
Posts: 735
That should be all main line so IAH is a fine option (don't book a CO Express flight PHX-IAH..there are plenty of 737's). Your bags will be fine with either of those connection times...but I agree that with kids go with the 1:17. If the other choice was 3 hours I'd say go with :58, but it's only 20 minutes more and it's good insurance.
Sep 20, 2011, 8:40 am
#7
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Denver,CO (Duh)
Programs: UA, AA, CO
Posts: 1,172
DIA is the far better choice for connecting imo 
Much nicer airport. Definitely better views outside.
But of course, I'm slightly biased since I live here.
It's never taken me over 30 minutes to get from curb to gate.
Much nicer airport. Definitely better views outside.
But of course, I'm slightly biased since I live here.
It's never taken me over 30 minutes to get from curb to gate.
Sep 20, 2011, 12:44 pm
#8
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: IAH
Programs: UA nada, Hyatt Disc, Hilton Gold
Posts: 846
I'm based out of IAH, but passing through DEN earlier this summer I discovered that connecting there was a breeze. That would be my recommendation. Nicer facility, easy to navigate.
Sep 20, 2011, 4:08 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 132
Well, I was originally considering both of those airports, one for the way there and the other on the way back because they fit with our times and were CO. BUT, I got the most UH-mazing CO customer service rep on the phone that managed to get my DH switched to my non-CO nonstop flight there (upgraded to first with no change fee) as well as switch us both to the MCO-IAH-PHX on CO back (1hr 17 min layover), but with no increase in miles even though only Easypass has been available, AND let me book my son's ticket over the phone with her with no phone booking fee. ^^^
Needless to say, I WILL be writing a glowing email about her to someone as soon as I figure out who I should write to!
Anyway, since I can check bags free on CO and we're just going home, I think I'll just unload what I can to minimize my carryons since we'll have sleepy children. I won't really care if our luggage is delayed.
Needless to say, I WILL be writing a glowing email about her to someone as soon as I figure out who I should write to!
Anyway, since I can check bags free on CO and we're just going home, I think I'll just unload what I can to minimize my carryons since we'll have sleepy children. I won't really care if our luggage is delayed.