Jul 2, 2013, 5:59 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Due to the length of concourse B, a connection under an hour when the arriving or departing flight is a UA mainline aircraft, is not advised. If you arrive on the far west end and depart on the far east end, then allowing for the time it takes deboard the plane, and the 20 minute cut off when UA starts to cancel seat assignments, you are unlikely to make your connection. Of course sitting in the front of the arriving plane helps as does having no green tagged bags.
However, if both aircraft are United Express, then a 45 minute connection is acceptable because all United Express flights arrive and depart on the east end of concourse B. Due to construction some United Express flights are utilizing concourse A which requires a transfer via train.
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CONTENT ADDED NOV 25, 2015
Everything You Wanted to Know Flying UA at Denver Intl (DEN)
Security (TSA Pre):
• North Security 4am-7:45pm
• South Security 4am-7:45pm, but checkpoint is 24/7, PreCheck pax receive expedited screening through standard lanes when full PreCheck is closed via laminated card.
• A Bridge does NOT have PreCheck but hours are 4:30am-5:45pm
Security (Non-TSA Pre):
• Terminal North TSA checkpoint - 4am-7:45pm
• Terminal South TSA checkpoint – 24/7
• A Bridge TSA checkpoint - 4:30am-5:45pm
Places to Eat on Concourse B (FT Favorites)
• Coffee: Caribou Coffee (Mezzanine level in center of concourse), Starbucks (B83 in the RJ Gates)
• Fast Food: Modmarket (Main level in center of concourse by McDonalds, NE corner), Steve's Snappin' Dogs (B24), ShakeShack on Mezzanine Center Core
• Breakfast: Pour La France (Main level in center of concourse, NW corner), Snooze an A.M. Eatery and Voodoo Donuts, on Mezzanine Center Core.
• Lunch/Dinner: Elways (Main level in center of concourse, SW corner), Etai's Bakery Café (B22), Que Bueno! Mexican Grille (B52), Aviators (Mezzanine level in center of concourse)
• Drinks: New Belgium Hub (B80 in the RJ Gates), CRÚ Food and Wine Bar (B51)
Gate Configurations:
A14-A16, A18-A20, A23-A24, A26, A28-A30, B7-B29 & B31, 33, 35, 37, 39, and 41 - B60-B79 Narrow body gates
A17, A21, A25, A27, A31, B30, B32, B34, B36, B38, and B42: Wide body gates
B49-B95: RJ gates with the larger RJs consolidated in the B49-B59 range
"Suggested" Connection Times (Domestic to Domestic/International)
• 1hr to 1hr 30min (assuming a walk from B15 down to B90)
• Standard D/D MCT (UA-UA) is 30 minutes and 50 minutes for another carrier
"Suggested" Connection Times (International to Domestic, non-Pre Clear)
• 1hr 30 min to 2hrs (depending on use of GE/no-GE and security lines)
• Standard I/D MCT is 70 minutes and longer
United Club Locations (Two Clubs)
• B32 (West Club): 4:30am to 9:30pm daily
• B44 (East Club): CLOSED for Remodeling
• B59 (East Pop-Up Club): 7:00am to 9:30pm daily
• B60 (Club Fly): 7:00am to 9:00pm daily - grab and go plus freshly made coffee beverages
Terminal map: April 2019
Note from December 25, 2022:
STRONGLY encourage you to use the United app for the most current maps of the DEN gates. New gates in A-West, B-West and B-East are not accurately depicted in the graphic below. Will monitor for updated maps and publish as soon as possible.
MCT Sept 2023 (Expert Flyer)
Minimum Connect Times
However, if both aircraft are United Express, then a 45 minute connection is acceptable because all United Express flights arrive and depart on the east end of concourse B. Due to construction some United Express flights are utilizing concourse A which requires a transfer via train.
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CONTENT ADDED NOV 25, 2015
Everything You Wanted to Know Flying UA at Denver Intl (DEN)
Security (TSA Pre):
• North Security 4am-7:45pm
• South Security 4am-7:45pm, but checkpoint is 24/7, PreCheck pax receive expedited screening through standard lanes when full PreCheck is closed via laminated card.
• A Bridge does NOT have PreCheck but hours are 4:30am-5:45pm
Security (Non-TSA Pre):
• Terminal North TSA checkpoint - 4am-7:45pm
• Terminal South TSA checkpoint – 24/7
• A Bridge TSA checkpoint - 4:30am-5:45pm
Places to Eat on Concourse B (FT Favorites)
• Coffee: Caribou Coffee (Mezzanine level in center of concourse), Starbucks (B83 in the RJ Gates)
• Fast Food: Modmarket (Main level in center of concourse by McDonalds, NE corner), Steve's Snappin' Dogs (B24), ShakeShack on Mezzanine Center Core
• Breakfast: Pour La France (Main level in center of concourse, NW corner), Snooze an A.M. Eatery and Voodoo Donuts, on Mezzanine Center Core.
• Lunch/Dinner: Elways (Main level in center of concourse, SW corner), Etai's Bakery Café (B22), Que Bueno! Mexican Grille (B52), Aviators (Mezzanine level in center of concourse)
• Drinks: New Belgium Hub (B80 in the RJ Gates), CRÚ Food and Wine Bar (B51)
Gate Configurations:
A14-A16, A18-A20, A23-A24, A26, A28-A30, B7-B29 & B31, 33, 35, 37, 39, and 41 - B60-B79 Narrow body gates
A17, A21, A25, A27, A31, B30, B32, B34, B36, B38, and B42: Wide body gates
B49-B95: RJ gates with the larger RJs consolidated in the B49-B59 range
"Suggested" Connection Times (Domestic to Domestic/International)
• 1hr to 1hr 30min (assuming a walk from B15 down to B90)
• Standard D/D MCT (UA-UA) is 30 minutes and 50 minutes for another carrier
"Suggested" Connection Times (International to Domestic, non-Pre Clear)
• 1hr 30 min to 2hrs (depending on use of GE/no-GE and security lines)
• Standard I/D MCT is 70 minutes and longer
United Club Locations (Two Clubs)
• B32 (West Club): 4:30am to 9:30pm daily
• B44 (East Club): CLOSED for Remodeling
• B59 (East Pop-Up Club): 7:00am to 9:30pm daily
• B60 (Club Fly): 7:00am to 9:00pm daily - grab and go plus freshly made coffee beverages
Terminal map: April 2019
Note from December 25, 2022:
STRONGLY encourage you to use the United app for the most current maps of the DEN gates. New gates in A-West, B-West and B-East are not accurately depicted in the graphic below. Will monitor for updated maps and publish as soon as possible.
MCT Sept 2023 (Expert Flyer)
Minimum Connect Times
Code:
STANDARD.D/D...D/I...I/D...I/I. 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BUS UA-UA DD SUP FLT 6380 - 6399 - FLT 6380 - 6399 EQP BUS - BUS UA-UA DD .50 EQP BUS - ALL 04JAN23 - INF UA-UA DD .40 01FEB23 - INF **-UA DD SUP ALL - FLT 4620 - 4627 EQP ALL - BUS **-UA DD SUP ALL - FLT 6380 - 6399 EQP ALL - BUS UA-** DD SUP FLT 4620 - 4627 - ALL EQP BUS - ALL UA-** DD SUP FLT 6380 - 6399 - ALL EQP BUS - ALL **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - 2D **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - 2Z **-** DD GLSUP CDS 2D - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS 2Z - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS AD - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS AR - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS BC - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS BT - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS D8 - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS DY - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS EK - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS EW - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS F9 - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS H2 - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS HX - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS KC - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS MX - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS NK - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS PC - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS PD - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS QS - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS RO - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS SY - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS TR - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS TS - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS UX - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS VA - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS VB - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS W6 - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS XP - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS Y4 - AA **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - AR **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - BC **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - BT **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - D8 **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - DY **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - EK **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - EW **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - F9 **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - H2 **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - KC **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - PC **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - PD **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - QS **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - RO **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - SY **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - TR **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - UX **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - VA **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - VB **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - W6 **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - XP **-** DD GLSUP CDS AA - Y4 UA-UA DI SUP FLT 1 - 9999 - FLT 1 - 9999 CDS ** - ** COUNTRY CA - COUNTRY CA UA-UA DI SUP FLT 1 - 9999 - FLT 1 - 9999 CDS N/A - ** COUNTRY CA - COUNTRY CA UA-UA DI SUP FLT 4620 - 4627 - ALL EQP BUS - ALL CDS N/A - ** UA-UA DI SUP FLT 6380 - 6399 - ALL EQP BUS - ALL CDS N/A - ** UA-UA DI SUP FLT 1 - 9999 - FLT 1 - 9999 CDS ** - N/A COUNTRY CA - COUNTRY CA UA-UA DI SUP FLT 1 - 9999 - FLT 1 - 9999 COUNTRY CA - COUNTRY CA UA-UA DI 1.10 EQP BUS - ALL UA-UA DI .40 UA-** DI SUP FLT 6380 - 6399 - ALL EQP BUS - ALL **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - 2D **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - 2Z **-** DI GLSUP CDS 2D - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS 2Z - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS AD - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS AR - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS BC - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS BT - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS D8 - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS DY - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS EK - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS EW - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS F9 - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS H2 - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS HX - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS KC - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS MX - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS NK - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS PC - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS PD - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS QS - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS RO - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS SY - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS TR - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS TS - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS UX - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS VA - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS VB - 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AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS VB - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS W6 - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS XP - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS Y4 - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - AR **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - BC **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - BT **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - D8 **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - DY **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - EK **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - EW **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - F9 **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - H2 **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - KC **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - PC **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - PD **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - QS **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - RO **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - SY **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - TR **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - UX **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - VA **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - VB **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - W6 **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - XP **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - Y4 UA-UA II SUP FLT 1 - 9999 - FLT 1 - 9999 CDS ** - ** COUNTRY CA - COUNTRY CA UA-UA II SUP FLT 1 - 9999 - FLT 1 - 9999 CDS N/A - ** COUNTRY CA - COUNTRY CA UA-UA II SUP FLT 1 - 9999 - FLT 1 - 9999 CDS ** - N/A COUNTRY CA - COUNTRY CA UA-UA II SUP FLT 1 - 9999 - FLT 1 - 9999 COUNTRY CA - COUNTRY CA UA-UA II 1.00 UA-** II GLSUP COUNTRY SV - COUNTRY NI **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - 2D **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - 2Z **-** II GLSUP CDS 2D - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS 2Z - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS AD - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS AR - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS BC - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS BT - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS D8 - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS DY - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS EK - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS EW - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS F9 - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS H2 - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS HX - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS KC - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS MX - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS NK - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS PC - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS PD - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS QS - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS RO - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS SY - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS TR - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS TS - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS UX - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS VA - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS VB - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS W6 - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS XP - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS Y4 - AA **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - AR **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - BC **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - BT **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - D8 **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - DY **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - EK **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - EW **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - F9 **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - H2 **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - KC **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - PC **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - PD **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - QS **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - RO **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - SY **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - TR **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - UX **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - VA **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - VB **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - W6 **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - XP **-** II GLSUP CDS AA - Y4
Consolidated DEN connection time/logistics-Domestic & International
Dec 11, 2015, 5:47 pm
#151
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: LAS HNL
Programs: DL DM, 5.7 MM, UA 3.1 MM, MARRIOTT PLATINUM, AVIS FIRST, Amex Black Card
Posts: 4,479
Unfortunately, I booked this through CheapoAir. I called them and they said it would cost another $200 if I wanted them to change my flights. They then tried reassuring me by saying that the United flights are all in one terminal.
I really don't mind being put on a later flight. I'll only be having one small carry-on, so luggage isn't much of an issue. I just really don't want to have to fork out money if I miss my flight.
I really don't mind being put on a later flight. I'll only be having one small carry-on, so luggage isn't much of an issue. I just really don't want to have to fork out money if I miss my flight.
Welcome to FT!
Dec 11, 2015, 5:48 pm
#152
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,412
Unfortunately, I booked this through CheapoAir. I called them and they said it would cost another $200 if I wanted them to change my flights. They then tried reassuring me by saying that the United flights are all in one terminal.
I really don't mind being put on a later flight. I'll only be having one small carry-on, so luggage isn't much of an issue. I just really don't want to have to fork out money if I miss my flight.
I really don't mind being put on a later flight. I'll only be having one small carry-on, so luggage isn't much of an issue. I just really don't want to have to fork out money if I miss my flight.
If you're flying on/around Christmas, I would proactively confirm seats on a routing with a longer connect time. A 30 minute connection is really tight (what is D/D MCT at DEN? 30 exactly?). If you miss your connection, UA will get you home for no extra charge.. eventually. If it's the holidays, you could be stuck overnight if all the flights are full.
Dec 11, 2015, 5:50 pm
#153
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DAY
Programs: UA 1K 1MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Amex MR; Chase UR; Hertz PC; Global Entry
Posts: 10,159
Your schedule might show 30 minutes, but also be aware that United has been padding their flight times quite a bit. You might end up arriving 20 minutes early anyway.
Dec 11, 2015, 5:52 pm
#154
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: if it's Thursday, this must be Belgium
Programs: UA 1K MM
Posts: 6,484
"All in one terminal" is a load of uninformed crap that CheapoAir is reading off of their arrival/departure information by someone sitting in an office somewhere. The regional gates can be pretty far.
That said, don't worry too much, there is not a lot you can control here. UA will reaccommodate you to a later flight if the flight misconnects (and will provide you a hotel room if it's their fault, and you are delayed overnight, but not if it's due to weather).
There are only 2 flights per day to Madison. Which one are you on? The noon flight or 8pm one?
That said, don't worry too much, there is not a lot you can control here. UA will reaccommodate you to a later flight if the flight misconnects (and will provide you a hotel room if it's their fault, and you are delayed overnight, but not if it's due to weather).
There are only 2 flights per day to Madison. Which one are you on? The noon flight or 8pm one?
Dec 11, 2015, 5:57 pm
#155
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 9
"All in one terminal" is a load of uninformed crap that CheapoAir is reading off of their arrival/departure information by someone sitting in an office somewhere. The regional gates can be pretty far.
That said, UA will reaccommodate you to a later flight if the flight misconnects (and will provide you a hotel room if it's their fault, not if it's due to weather).
There are only 2 flights per day to Madison. Which one are you on? The noon flight or 8pm one?
That said, UA will reaccommodate you to a later flight if the flight misconnects (and will provide you a hotel room if it's their fault, not if it's due to weather).
There are only 2 flights per day to Madison. Which one are you on? The noon flight or 8pm one?
Wait, so if my flight doesn't make it because of bad weather then United won't put me on the next available flight?
Dec 11, 2015, 5:57 pm
#156
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 9
Does United really pad their flight times? Is there any information on this? Haha, I'm feeling kind of anxious now after reading everyone's comments.
Dec 11, 2015, 5:58 pm
#157
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: EUG
Programs: UA Gold; IHG Spire Elite
Posts: 443
I agree with everyone who has said to call United to try to get them to put you on a different routing. You should do some research and have the flight you want in mind when you call (it should be a United flight, but you could change your connection point or departure time). They make schedule changes all the time and, with a 30 minutes connection, you should have no difficulties getting a better routing (even without such a short connection... I got a different routing for my mom this year with just a 10 minute schedule change). I don't really know if having booked through cheapoair will impact this or not, but I can't imagine that it would.
If you don't change routings, 30 minutes is very tight for DEN. I have done it before, when I had no other options, but I was mentally prepared to miss the flight. If everything's on time, you'll make it, but if your inbound flight is even 10 minutes late, then you'll be in trouble. United will put you on the next available flight, no charge, but the key word there is available... if it's at a busy time of year (Christmas...), then it could be a long time before there's availability.
If you don't change routings, 30 minutes is very tight for DEN. I have done it before, when I had no other options, but I was mentally prepared to miss the flight. If everything's on time, you'll make it, but if your inbound flight is even 10 minutes late, then you'll be in trouble. United will put you on the next available flight, no charge, but the key word there is available... if it's at a busy time of year (Christmas...), then it could be a long time before there's availability.
Dec 11, 2015, 6:02 pm
#158
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 9
As mentioned up-thread, if United made a change to your schedule that shortened your connect time to 30 minutes, you can call United directly and they will be able to change your flight for free. This is assuming that the whole trip is one ticket (which it almost certainly is).
If you're flying on/around Christmas, I would proactively confirm seats on a routing with a longer connect time. A 30 minute connection is really tight (what is D/D MCT at DEN? 30 exactly?). If you miss your connection, UA will get you home for no extra charge.. eventually. If it's the holidays, you could be stuck overnight if all the flights are full.
If you're flying on/around Christmas, I would proactively confirm seats on a routing with a longer connect time. A 30 minute connection is really tight (what is D/D MCT at DEN? 30 exactly?). If you miss your connection, UA will get you home for no extra charge.. eventually. If it's the holidays, you could be stuck overnight if all the flights are full.
What is D/D MCT? Sorry, I'm new to the forums. My flight is on the 12th of January, I leave SF at 8.12AM, arrive Denver at 12:00PM and my flight out is at 12:30PM.
Dec 11, 2015, 6:19 pm
#159
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: EUG
Programs: UA Gold; IHG Spire Elite
Posts: 443
I'm flying from Madison to SF on Christmas Eve, then my returning flight will be on the 12th of January. It's only my returning flight that has the 30 minute layover.
What is D/D MCT? Sorry, I'm new to the forums. My flight is on the 12th of January, I leave SF at 8.12AM, arrive Denver at 12:00PM and my flight out is at 12:30PM.
What is D/D MCT? Sorry, I'm new to the forums. My flight is on the 12th of January, I leave SF at 8.12AM, arrive Denver at 12:00PM and my flight out is at 12:30PM.
Dec 11, 2015, 6:41 pm
#160
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,412
But to make a 30 minute connection, I would want doors open earlier than the arrival time. It can take 10 minutes to get from the back of a 738 out the door, then you have to make it across the terminal, and they will give away your seat at T-15. There's a decent chance you can pull this off, but if literally anything delays you at all, you're going to be in trouble. You have a better chance if you're in F or the front of E+.
Domestic-to-domestic minimum connect time. It's the shortest connection UA is willing to sell you. Shorter than that, and they're saying it's not worth them paying for your high chance of misconnect. So that should give you an idea of how close you are.
Dec 11, 2015, 6:45 pm
#161
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: AADULtArer
Posts: 5,683
Leave your flights as is, you will be fine. Check the gate assignment when you get off with the agent and head. Directly to the gate.
There is a lot of negativity here rather than good advice sometimes.
I connected four times this week under 45 minutes, so the 2 hour notion is just bollocks. UA can give your seat away at T-15 but they are aware you are connecting and will hold your seats. If it were your first leg, it's much more likely you would lose your seat.
Your ticket is a contract for UA to get you to MAD for the fare paid and nothing more. If it's weather, mechanical or crew delay , the travel cost is the same. If there is bad weather and you miss the 8 pm , you will have to pay for a hotel for an overnight stay.
There is a lot of negativity here rather than good advice sometimes.
I connected four times this week under 45 minutes, so the 2 hour notion is just bollocks. UA can give your seat away at T-15 but they are aware you are connecting and will hold your seats. If it were your first leg, it's much more likely you would lose your seat.
Your ticket is a contract for UA to get you to MAD for the fare paid and nothing more. If it's weather, mechanical or crew delay , the travel cost is the same. If there is bad weather and you miss the 8 pm , you will have to pay for a hotel for an overnight stay.
Last edited by LaserSailor; Dec 11, 2015 at 6:54 pm
Dec 11, 2015, 7:10 pm
#162
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 9
Yes, they do. All airlines do this - if a flight pushes back at the stated departure time and gets to taxi out efficiently, it will usually have gate arrival 15-30 minutes before the stated arrival time. The bottom line is that it usually doesn't go that way - something will slow down the departure a little bit and the "padding" is there to account for that. For example, I was on BOS-SFO last month and the captain came on and announced we would be on the ground an extra 20 minutes in BOS because we were in a big traffic jam waiting to take off. We still made it to SFO gate within 5 minutes of the arrival time. Stuff like that is really common - waiting to page a late pax (sometimes they're nice), slow catering, ground delays, anything can add a few minutes and make the flight "on time" again.
But to make a 30 minute connection, I would want doors open earlier than the arrival time. It can take 10 minutes to get from the back of a 738 out the door, then you have to make it across the terminal, and they will give away your seat at T-15. There's a decent chance you can pull this off, but if literally anything delays you at all, you're going to be in trouble. You have a better chance if you're in F or the front of E+.
Domestic-to-domestic minimum connect time. It's the shortest connection UA is willing to sell you. Shorter than that, and they're saying it's not worth them paying for your high chance of misconnect. So that should give you an idea of how close you are.
But to make a 30 minute connection, I would want doors open earlier than the arrival time. It can take 10 minutes to get from the back of a 738 out the door, then you have to make it across the terminal, and they will give away your seat at T-15. There's a decent chance you can pull this off, but if literally anything delays you at all, you're going to be in trouble. You have a better chance if you're in F or the front of E+.
Domestic-to-domestic minimum connect time. It's the shortest connection UA is willing to sell you. Shorter than that, and they're saying it's not worth them paying for your high chance of misconnect. So that should give you an idea of how close you are.
Regardless, I'll be making a call to United soon.
Dec 11, 2015, 7:25 pm
#163
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Colorado
Programs: Lifetime UA 1K, Lifetime Hilton Diamond, Lifetime Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 1,261
I've done lots of 30 minute connections in Denver and have never missed a flight although it is often close.
I only do this from mainline to mainline. If you are arriving on a UX flight with gate checked baggage then you will probably not make it. It often takes 10 minutes to get your bags after you deplane.
I only do this from mainline to mainline. If you are arriving on a UX flight with gate checked baggage then you will probably not make it. It often takes 10 minutes to get your bags after you deplane.
Dec 11, 2015, 7:31 pm
#164
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Colorado
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,158
30 mins is tight but very do-able depending on the arriving/departing gates. DEN-SFO is mainline so those gates will most likely be near the middle of the terminal. Not sure about MSN but if it's UA Express you'll go in and out of the high gates so likely distance is maybe a 5-10 min walk
Lots of existing info here http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-airlines-mileageplus/1358685-consolidated-connection-time-logistics-domestic-international-den.html
Lots of existing info here http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-airlines-mileageplus/1358685-consolidated-connection-time-logistics-domestic-international-den.html
Dec 11, 2015, 7:33 pm
#165
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
30M layover in Denver?
Also keep in mind united heavily pads their schedule. If everything is on time, you'll be to the gate 20+ minutes early.