May 24, 2013, 3:38 am
Last edit by: LoganFlyer
According to EF, these are the MCTs for MSP:
For DL-DL connections:
D-D: 30 minutes
D-I: 35 minutes
I-D: 1 hour 15 minutes (30 minutes if coming from a Canadian airport with preclearance, 1 hour if coming from a Canadian airport without preclearance)
I-I: 1 hour 15 minutes (35 minutes if coming from a Canadian airport with preclearance, 1 hour if coming from a Canadian airport without preclearance)
Generic online and offline connection times:
D-D: 40 minutes
D-I: 40 minutes
I-D: 1 hour
I-I: 1 hour
Between DL and another carrier: 3 hours 30 minutes
For DL-DL connections:
D-D: 30 minutes
D-I: 35 minutes
I-D: 1 hour 15 minutes (30 minutes if coming from a Canadian airport with preclearance, 1 hour if coming from a Canadian airport without preclearance)
I-I: 1 hour 15 minutes (35 minutes if coming from a Canadian airport with preclearance, 1 hour if coming from a Canadian airport without preclearance)
Generic online and offline connection times:
D-D: 40 minutes
D-I: 40 minutes
I-D: 1 hour
I-I: 1 hour
Between DL and another carrier: 3 hours 30 minutes
Minimum Connection Transfer Time at Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP): The Definitive Thread
Mar 23, 2021, 5:22 pm
#931
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I was needling the previous poster who was apparently suggesting MSP-ATL-HNL as IROPS/misconnect recovery ... yes, NYC-ATL-HNL is far more viable in terms of options
Mar 23, 2021, 6:46 pm
#932
Join Date: Feb 2021
Posts: 41
OP is looking to book Delta One (per the thread starter) which would entitle OP to SkyClub access.
In IROPS, knowledge is your friend. If you experience IROPS in JFK that would cause you to misconnect on the MSP-HNL leg and you would be looking at domestic F options, at least know to ask for JFK-LAX-HNL, as JFK-LAX would at least get you a lie-flat on that segment. LAX-HNL would likely still be on an aircraft with a regular domestic F seat.
Even though it sounds like you will opt for the longer layover (and since you'll have SkyClub access, you'll have a nice way to spend the time during the layover), I will note, that while there is good advice above that the schedule is likely to change, it's still a gamble on whether that change would be big enough to allow you to rebook with a fare difference waiver. For example, if you book the 1 hour connection in MSP, and DL shifts the schedules and now you have a 30-40 minute layover in MSP, this is still a legal connection and also a change that, per the rules, is not a big enough change to warrant a rebooking. You may get an agent who will bend the rules, especially if you express that you are concerned about the tight connection, but any rebooking in this scenario would be a waiver/favor and is not guaranteed. (This last bit of data may seem extraneous, but perhaps it will further help reinforce your preference to book the longer layover).
In IROPS, knowledge is your friend. If you experience IROPS in JFK that would cause you to misconnect on the MSP-HNL leg and you would be looking at domestic F options, at least know to ask for JFK-LAX-HNL, as JFK-LAX would at least get you a lie-flat on that segment. LAX-HNL would likely still be on an aircraft with a regular domestic F seat.
Even though it sounds like you will opt for the longer layover (and since you'll have SkyClub access, you'll have a nice way to spend the time during the layover), I will note, that while there is good advice above that the schedule is likely to change, it's still a gamble on whether that change would be big enough to allow you to rebook with a fare difference waiver. For example, if you book the 1 hour connection in MSP, and DL shifts the schedules and now you have a 30-40 minute layover in MSP, this is still a legal connection and also a change that, per the rules, is not a big enough change to warrant a rebooking. You may get an agent who will bend the rules, especially if you express that you are concerned about the tight connection, but any rebooking in this scenario would be a waiver/favor and is not guaranteed. (This last bit of data may seem extraneous, but perhaps it will further help reinforce your preference to book the longer layover).
I'm leaning towards the longer connection for piece of mind (and SkyClub access), but it sounds like there may be enough schedule changes over the next few months making that moot. Even with that in mind, I was hoping to get something on the books by the end of the month to lock in the extended COVID change fee flexibility before that expires.
Mar 23, 2021, 8:18 pm
#933
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: ANC
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 1,859
I always recommend a longer connection when it is reasonable. So personally, I would opt for the 3 hour connection. That being said, if the 1 hour was the only option, I would be OK with it too. However longer is always better and creates less stress. With a 1 hour connection, there is little to no room for error.
A few weeks ago I had a 2.5 hour connection get reduced to 50 minutes due to a delayed inbound flight. While there were plenty of later flights, all of them were already "Covid Full" so I was worried about there not being any seats available should I mis-connect. Fortunately I made it, and by August things should be back to 100% seat capacity, but it still something to consider.
A few weeks ago I had a 2.5 hour connection get reduced to 50 minutes due to a delayed inbound flight. While there were plenty of later flights, all of them were already "Covid Full" so I was worried about there not being any seats available should I mis-connect. Fortunately I made it, and by August things should be back to 100% seat capacity, but it still something to consider.
Mar 24, 2021, 12:03 am
#934
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,988
More importantly - expect the airlines to add tons of capacity back by August. Especially for leisure flights. The biggest glut in the travel industry now - especially planes and rental cars - is that demand is outpacing supply.
Airlines can correct this easily because they already have the aircraft purchased, just parked.
So MSP-ATL-HNL could be viable by then. Forget the current schedule.
More importantly, you seem to have missed the conclusion of my prior post. It was that it is easy to identify potential delays so disruptive as to cause a misconnect prior to departure of the first flight. It takes a few seconds of knowledge and work, but far less time than the time wasted from an unnecessary connection. This allows for a complete rebooking, if necessary, prior to boarding the first segment.
I am flying to get to my destination. Not waste time in airports or clubs - airports were never a destination to me, and airline clubs have lost much of any appeal they ever over these last 12 months.
Mar 24, 2021, 9:40 am
#935
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Back in Reds Country (DAY/CVG). Previously: SEA & SAT.
Programs: DL PM 1MM, AA PLAT, UA Silver, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 10,360
What is needling?
More importantly - expect the airlines to add tons of capacity back by August. Especially for leisure flights. The biggest glut in the travel industry now - especially planes and rental cars - is that demand is outpacing supply.
Airlines can correct this easily because they already have the aircraft purchased, just parked.
So MSP-ATL-HNL could be viable by then. Forget the current schedule.
More importantly - expect the airlines to add tons of capacity back by August. Especially for leisure flights. The biggest glut in the travel industry now - especially planes and rental cars - is that demand is outpacing supply.
Airlines can correct this easily because they already have the aircraft purchased, just parked.
So MSP-ATL-HNL could be viable by then. Forget the current schedule.
Mar 24, 2021, 1:10 pm
#936
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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Posts: 100,417
I could see MSP-HNL being rebooked in IROPs to MSP-ATL-HNL if travel will be delayed by a day and there aren't any seats (in the desired cabin) that can be confirmed on the MSP-HNL nonstop the following day.
Mar 24, 2021, 2:27 pm
#937
Join Date: Feb 2021
Posts: 41
OP is looking to book Delta One (per the thread starter) which would entitle OP to SkyClub access.
In IROPS, knowledge is your friend. If you experience IROPS in JFK that would cause you to misconnect on the MSP-HNL leg and you would be looking at domestic F options, at least know to ask for JFK-LAX-HNL, as JFK-LAX would at least get you a lie-flat on that segment. LAX-HNL would likely still be on an aircraft with a regular domestic F seat.
Even though it sounds like you will opt for the longer layover (and since you'll have SkyClub access, you'll have a nice way to spend the time during the layover), I will note, that while there is good advice above that the schedule is likely to change, it's still a gamble on whether that change would be big enough to allow you to rebook with a fare difference waiver. For example, if you book the 1 hour connection in MSP, and DL shifts the schedules and now you have a 30-40 minute layover in MSP, this is still a legal connection and also a change that, per the rules, is not a big enough change to warrant a rebooking. You may get an agent who will bend the rules, especially if you express that you are concerned about the tight connection, but any rebooking in this scenario would be a waiver/favor and is not guaranteed. (This last bit of data may seem extraneous, but perhaps it will further help reinforce your preference to book the longer layover).
In IROPS, knowledge is your friend. If you experience IROPS in JFK that would cause you to misconnect on the MSP-HNL leg and you would be looking at domestic F options, at least know to ask for JFK-LAX-HNL, as JFK-LAX would at least get you a lie-flat on that segment. LAX-HNL would likely still be on an aircraft with a regular domestic F seat.
Even though it sounds like you will opt for the longer layover (and since you'll have SkyClub access, you'll have a nice way to spend the time during the layover), I will note, that while there is good advice above that the schedule is likely to change, it's still a gamble on whether that change would be big enough to allow you to rebook with a fare difference waiver. For example, if you book the 1 hour connection in MSP, and DL shifts the schedules and now you have a 30-40 minute layover in MSP, this is still a legal connection and also a change that, per the rules, is not a big enough change to warrant a rebooking. You may get an agent who will bend the rules, especially if you express that you are concerned about the tight connection, but any rebooking in this scenario would be a waiver/favor and is not guaranteed. (This last bit of data may seem extraneous, but perhaps it will further help reinforce your preference to book the longer layover).
Mar 24, 2021, 2:38 pm
#938
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,988
I am now seeing there is an option (EWR-MSP-HNL) that provides a 30-minute layover. I definitely do not want to fly out of Newark, but could it be worth a gamble to hope for a schedule change between now and August, allowing me to rebook to something much more preferred (like LGA-ATL-MSP)?
All about your risk tolerance. If you really prefer LGA and the longer ATL-HNL, I would go for it. No change fees after all anymore, even if there isn’t a schedule change (but booking this far out there almost certainly will be).
Also, is EWR-MSP a mainline flight or a connection carrier? Keep in mind that even a change of carrier (which happens a lot on these types of flights) from one connection carrier to another, or from mainline to a connection carrier, is also valid for a free change.
Mar 24, 2021, 2:54 pm
#939
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Back in Reds Country (DAY/CVG). Previously: SEA & SAT.
Programs: DL PM 1MM, AA PLAT, UA Silver, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 10,360
I am now seeing there is an option (EWR-MSP-HNL) that provides a 30-minute layover. I definitely do not want to fly out of Newark, but could it be worth a gamble to hope for a schedule change between now and August, allowing me to rebook to something much more preferred (like LGA-ATL-MSP)?
Mar 24, 2021, 3:00 pm
#940
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
I am now seeing there is an option (EWR-MSP-HNL) that provides a 30-minute layover. I definitely do not want to fly out of Newark, but could it be worth a gamble to hope for a schedule change between now and August, allowing me to rebook to something much more preferred (like LGA-ATL-MSP)?
Mar 24, 2021, 3:13 pm
#942
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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Posts: 100,417
For a wedding, I'd plan to arrive a day early in case things go wrong. It's like a cruise, but a bit worse in that if you miss the ceremony, you can't just catch up in the next port.
Mar 24, 2021, 3:20 pm
#943
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,988
Having said that - I suspect booking the 30 min connection and calling a few days before departure (if there is no schedule change) and telling them it’s for sister’s wedding will mean they will change the routing for free to ensure you make it comfortably.
Mar 24, 2021, 3:21 pm
#944
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
Also is flying DL a hard requirement? If it's not, there are better and cheaper options than DL at the moment. The HA JFK - HNL direct is cheaper than DL. So is the AA option via CLT/ORD/DFW (on the 772 and 787 respectively). It also looks like UA via IAD/ORD is cheaper too (at least for a one-way). All of those options are lie-flats and AA/UA have better J service than DL does right now so if there's not a hard DL requirement, I would consider those options which all have more palatable connections.
EWR - CLT - HNL on AA on August 18th has a 1 hour 18 minute connection which for CLT would be plenty.
Last edited by Duke787; Mar 24, 2021 at 3:28 pm
Mar 24, 2021, 3:24 pm
#945
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Join Date: Nov 2009
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I completely agree with this for an event that cannot be missed.
Having said that - I suspect booking the 30 min connection and calling a few days before departure (if there is no schedule change) and telling them it’s for sister’s wedding will mean they will change the routing for free to ensure you make it comfortably.
Having said that - I suspect booking the 30 min connection and calling a few days before departure (if there is no schedule change) and telling them it’s for sister’s wedding will mean they will change the routing for free to ensure you make it comfortably.