is this connection time doable in MDW (Chi-Midway)?
Sep 21, 2013, 3:43 pm
#1
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is this connection time doable in MDW (Chi-Midway)?
This is probably a stupid question, but here goes. I'm considering a SW flight from ABQ to BOS. There's one layover in Chicago Midway, where we change planes. First leg ends in MDW at 12:35; connecting flight leaves at 1:15. Is there a risk that I won't make the connecting flight, and if so, what happens?
Sep 21, 2013, 3:57 pm
#2
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the perfectly literal answer is yes, there is a risk of missing the connection
I've never flown a WN connection over MDW, but from a totally pragmatic standpoint I would say the probability of making this connection under normal operating conditions is in the 90-95% range
I've never flown a WN connection over MDW, but from a totally pragmatic standpoint I would say the probability of making this connection under normal operating conditions is in the 90-95% range
Sep 21, 2013, 5:00 pm
#3
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is this connection time doable in MDW (Chi-Midway)?
As above poster said, there is always a risk. Given your early am departure time from ABQ, there should not be many delays. I would not worry about it. Check to see if there is a later flight out of MDW that you could fall back if you somehow miss the connection to BOS.
Sep 21, 2013, 5:31 pm
#4
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jubujoy, welcome to FlyerTalk! As this is an online (WN to WN) connection, I'll move to the dedicated airline forum for more discussion. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, TravelBuzz.
Sep 21, 2013, 6:02 pm
#5
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This is probably a stupid question, but here goes. I'm considering a SW flight from ABQ to BOS. There's one layover in Chicago Midway, where we change planes. First leg ends in MDW at 12:35; connecting flight leaves at 1:15. Is there a risk that I won't make the connecting flight, and if so, what happens?
Sep 21, 2013, 11:58 pm
#6
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OP: I'd have no problem booking that connection. MDW isn't like ORD. It's about a 15 minute walk between the two farthest points there if you walk slow. I've done several 45 minute connections at MDW over the years with no issues even during the winter.
Isn't there always a risk of missing a connection? 
Sep 22, 2013, 5:44 am
#8
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I live 400 miles south in Kentucky and we get a rare November snow from time to time.
The good news is that the ground will still be warm and cleanup is quick.
As for weird weather, a November monsoon affecting flights is more likely than snow.
Bottom line, still safe dates compared to December to March.
Sep 22, 2013, 1:38 pm
#9
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When I look at booking a flight in the time of Xmas-early March I will try to avoid Chicago if I have the options. early November you dont have this risk.
As for the connection time---you will be fine.
Sure with any flight on any airline you could miss a connection.
Also remember airlines have buffered their schedule so that if everything goes well then you will likely arrive 15 minutes before your original time.
Southwest isnt United....MDW is a hub but its not as big as United. With United in Chicago if you are flying a commuter airline and then transfering to a larger plane a connection time of 45 minutes may not be enough if your planes are on opposite end of United's layout.
from the time you get off the plane it would take you max 15 minutes to get to your next gate.
I would have to look....but its possible you may be waiting for an incoming plane for this flight. With this leaving around 8:55 its enough time for an early AM flight to come in from neighboring state airports.
Sep 23, 2013, 6:02 am
#11
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A4B to B26 is .63 miles. There are moving walkways that make that distance effectively shorter. I can easily walk .63 miles in 15 minutes, but others may not be able to.
Sep 23, 2013, 6:17 am
#12
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I'm impressed that you have that down to a precision of +/-52.8 feet. Does that include the length of the Jetway and the length of the cabin? If not, those could add another .05-.07 miles to the walk.
Sep 23, 2013, 7:32 am
#13
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However, I measured this off of Google Earth and I think it is probably very close to what I stated.
Sep 23, 2013, 7:36 am
#14
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^, That would need to include 2 jet-ways and the necessary lengths of each cabin. Also, any lateral movement to go around people would need to be taken into account. Just imagine all of the variables for restroom and food stops.
