50mins Transit with Elderly Possible?
 

Anyone has got first hand experience transiting in Copenhagen CPH in 50 mins with 2 elderly parents?

SQ bring forward our flight by 25 mins, leaving us with 50 mins transit. I’m aware Minimum Connecting Time is 45 at CPH. Connecting from SK to SQ flight and need to clear passport control.

IF both legs are on the same ticket: Get wheelchair support at the airport. It's free, to be arranged upfront, the "code" is WCHR, for people who can ascend /descend stairs. It'll give direct feed priority at security and passport control, as well, that it is "known" where you are and not visiting a bar, or whatever.

Not on the same ticket or significant consequences, when misconnecting: I would not do this and get an earlier flight for the feeder leg.

It's a bit tight given the circumstances you describe, but in principle doable without running. All depends on punctuality of your feeder flight. The wheelchair idea is good and warranted in your case as both your parents seem to have legitimate mobility issues.

I'm sorry to say I think you're asking for trouble with this itinerary. CPH is a very good airport and you'll have some protection if it's all on the same ticket, but the best case scenario here is going to be very stressful.

This is obviously not completely your fault, given SQ's schedule change, but you'd have to consider whether you'd be happy to be delayed at least overnight in the event you misconnect. With flights as full as they are, there's also no guarantee you'd get on the next service, so there seems to be plenty that could go wrong here.

If journey arriving in CPH is from within the EU/Schengen zone that would remove one "pain point" (i.e. no need to clear security), and thus immigration would be the only bottleneck. (I assume it is as OP only mentioned the need to clear immigration). But as walks can be lengthy at CPH, the wheelchair support makes a whole lot of sense.

Thanks All...

Although they are elderly and can still walk fine - just slower. Is it 'nice' to get a wheelchair for this purpose?.. :)
I'm hoping CPH has some sort of ground representative/escort?

And Yes both flights are booked in 1 PNR via OTA as it is 30% cheaper in J.
OTA has not been very helpful (as expected), will try to HUCA and see how it goes with earlier flight alternatives.

Lol dude.. Have seen you on two Facebook groups and now FT as well

The last time I transited thru CPH was back in May last year when SQ got those funny flights to FCO which need to transit thru CPH. It took me about 20 minutes to get thru everything gate to gate. But keep in mind that this was pretty much the BEST case scenario with passenger volume much lower back then (nearly no line in immigration and security). Given how things are now I am really not sure 50 minutes is nearly enough.

don’t stalk me. I ain’t cute 😂

Thanks for your advice!
Of course I would prefer to have a 1h30m transit and will ask SQ if they can put me to earlier feeder flight.

Apart from an earlier feeder flight (which may be a PITA, given an OTA booking), there are good reasons to get WCHR support:
- The wheelchair pushers tend to be nice and eager to help people.
- In IROPS situations, you get priority treatment for rebooking, overnight, care, etc (mandatory according to EC261/2004 regulations for people with disabilities). Which may also imply your replacement booking may become less wild/cumbersome and more direct. When you look capable to judge, you will be asked whether the proposed solution will fit with your disabilities.
- Even when your folks are still walking capable, it goes slower, implying, you gain 5-10 min for door2door for the walking part, with a wheelchair. Given the airport size, I don't expect a buggy at CPH.
- At security/immigration, you get dropped right at the counters, implying, you can easily gain 5-10 min, compared to queuing like ordinary people.
- Wheelchair pushers know their way around the airport, implying, direct routes and avoiding busy bottlenecks, when possible, know where the elevators are and be able to use these.
- Because you have (2) wheelchair pushers, they "know" where you are in the building, which makes it easier for the gate staff to hold-on the wait just a little longer.

WCHR needs to be requested direct from the airline (not the OTA), they do have dedicated sections on their website, how to submit the WCHR request. Some airlines (CX) do have the opportunity to book WCHR just online in the manage booking portal. Sometimes an explanation is requested, in which case a phrase like "can not walk long distances and not stand up for a long time" will be the secret answer. In Europe, the WCHR services itself are provided by the airport.

WCHR does also have its drawbacks: No seating at emergency exits seats.

Thanks for your tips!

Haven't been back on FT for some time :)