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. ONLINE .50 1.00 1.00 1.00 OFFLINE .50 1.00 1.00 1.00 ** OR * ARE ALL UA-UA DD SUP FLT 1 - 9999 - FLT 1 - 9999 CDS ** - ** COUNTRY CA - COUNTRY CA UA-UA DD SUP CDS ** - ** COUNTRY CA - COUNTRY CA UA-UA DD SUP CDS ** - ** UA-UA DD SUP FLT 1 - 9999 - FLT 1 - 9999 CDS N/A - ** COUNTRY CA - COUNTRY CA UA-UA DD SUP CDS N/A - ** COUNTRY CA - COUNTRY CA UA-UA DD SUP FLT 4620 - 4627 - ALL EQP BUS - ALL CDS N/A - ** UA-UA DD SUP FLT 6380 - 6399 - ALL EQP BUS - ALL CDS N/A - ** UA-UA DD SUP FLT 1 - 9999 - FLT 1 - 9999 CDS ** - N/A COUNTRY CA - COUNTRY CA UA-UA DD SUP CDS ** - N/A COUNTRY CA - COUNTRY CA UA-UA DD SUP ALL - FLT 4620 - 4627 EQP ALL - BUS CDS ** - N/A UA-UA DD SUP ALL - FLT 6380 - 6399 EQP ALL - BUS CDS ** - N/A UA-UA DD SUP FLT 1 - 9999 - FLT 1 - 9999 COUNTRY CA - COUNTRY CA UA-UA DD SUP COUNTRY CA - COUNTRY CA UA-UA DD SUP FLT 4620 - 4627 - FLT 4620 - 4627 EQP BUS - BUS UA-UA DD SUP FLT 6380 - 6399 - FLT 4620 - 4627 EQP BUS - BUS UA-UA DD SUP FLT 4620 - 4627 - FLT 6380 - 6399 EQP BUS - 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 - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS W6 - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS XP - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS Y4 - AA **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - AR **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - BC **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - BT **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - D8 **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - DY **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - EK **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - EW **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - F9 **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - H2 **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - KC **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - PC **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - PD **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - QS **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - RO **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - SY **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - TR **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - UX **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - VA **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - VB **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - W6 **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - XP **-** DI GLSUP CDS AA - Y4 UA-UA ID SUP FLT 1 - 9999 - FLT 1 - 9999 CDS ** - ** COUNTRY CA - COUNTRY CA UA-UA ID SUP FLT 1 - 9999 - FLT 1 - 9999 CDS N/A - ** COUNTRY CA - COUNTRY CA UA-UA ID SUP FLT 1 - 9999 - FLT 1 - 9999 CDS ** - N/A COUNTRY CA - COUNTRY CA UA-UA ID SUP ALL - FLT 4620 - 4627 EQP ALL - BUS CDS ** - N/A UA-UA ID SUP ALL - FLT 6380 - 6399 EQP ALL - BUS CDS ** - N/A UA-UA ID 1.35 FLT 1134 - 1134 - ALL CUN - ALL 04NOV23 - 08JAN24 UA-UA ID 1.35 FLT 1134 - 1134 - ALL CUN - ALL 07MAR24 - 09MAR24 UA-UA ID SUP FLT 1 - 9999 - FLT 1 - 9999 COUNTRY CA - COUNTRY CA UA-UA ID 1.10 **-UA ID SUP ALL - FLT 6380 - 6399 EQP ALL - BUS **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - 2D **-** ID GLSUP CDS AA - 2Z **-** ID GLSUP CDS 2D - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS 2Z - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS AD - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS AR - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS BC - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS BT - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS D8 - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS DY - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS EK - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS EW - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS F9 - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS H2 - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS HX - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS KC - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS MX - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS NK - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS PC - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS PD - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS QS - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS RO - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS SY - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS TR - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS TS - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS UX - AA **-** ID GLSUP CDS VA - 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, 9:22 pm
#167
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 9
Hi guys!
Wow, I was definitely was not expecting so many replies. Anyway, here's an update. I called UA and they did end up offering to let me change my flight. They initially offered to get me on the 5PM Denver flight with a 50 minute layover, but I would end up arriving in Madison pretty late at night. Instead, I'm now flying SF -> O'hare -> Madison with a 2 hour layover in Chicago and I end up arriving around 6-ish in Madison.
I decided that rushing a 30 minute layover would probably not be in my best interest. And with my layover in Chicago, I could also catch the bus into Madison if my flight should get cancelled for whatever reason.
Thanks again so much! I really appreciate all of your comments. This seems like a wonderful community!
Wow, I was definitely was not expecting so many replies. Anyway, here's an update. I called UA and they did end up offering to let me change my flight. They initially offered to get me on the 5PM Denver flight with a 50 minute layover, but I would end up arriving in Madison pretty late at night. Instead, I'm now flying SF -> O'hare -> Madison with a 2 hour layover in Chicago and I end up arriving around 6-ish in Madison.
I decided that rushing a 30 minute layover would probably not be in my best interest. And with my layover in Chicago, I could also catch the bus into Madison if my flight should get cancelled for whatever reason.
Thanks again so much! I really appreciate all of your comments. This seems like a wonderful community!
Dec 11, 2015, 9:24 pm
#168
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,891
30M layover in Denver?
Some comments:
- anyone advising OP to call UA is wasting OPs time, and/or doesn't understand how ticketing works with travel agents. While UA may change schedules, it is the TA that is responsible for notifying their passengers about the schedule changes and doing any rebooking if necessary. OP has to call Chepoair if they want to change the flights. Pretty much any UA agent will look at the ticket, see it was issued by a TA, and inform the OP to call the TA directly, except for any irrops on the day of travel - those are handled by the carrier, in this case, UA.
- Unless there has been a major change in scheduled departure or arrival (1.5 to 2 hours or more) or the connection violates MTC, the TA doesn't have to, and likely won't, change the OPs ticket without the regular change fees (+ fare difference, plus whatever extra fee the TA charges for changes). I'm not sure what MCT at DEN is, though I'm sure someone with an EF subscription could post that detail
- OP - if you miss the connection for any reason, you will be booked on the next available flight. If there aren't good UA options, ask about other carries. What another poster was referring to - if you miss the connection due to something out of UAs control, like weather, UA won't provide extras like a hotel room or food vouchers - they only provide those if it is UAs fault. They are always responsible for getting you to your destination on next available if you misconnect. Tip: if you experience a delay prior to boarding your first flight, proactively rebook from there where there may be better options/more routings (I.e., a single connection through ORD instead of DEN).
- whoever said never book anything under a 2 hour connection is ridiculous, over cautious and is probably wasting a lot of time. I book 1 hour connections or sometimes shorter often over the last several years, and while I have occasionally either misconnected or was delayed at departure city so I was going to, I have almost always been taken care of well. On those occasional times I have misconnected, it has been only very occasionally where I haven't been re-accommodated where I was scheduled to arrive within an hour or two of my original arrival. I can count those situations where I haven't on one hand over the last probably 5 - 10 years or so. Maybe that makes me just lucky, or maybe I'm better at handling than some other folks. I'm sure my status doesn't hurt. And there are certain situations where I do purposely book connections a bit longer than normal - when connecting to a once a day international flight, for example. For domestic, I try to book closer to an hour and a half these days, but that's only because I'm traveling with an infant most of the time, where the extra time comes in handy.
My advice if you are worried is to be prepared in case of a delay - have an idea of alternate schedules from both SFO and DEN so if there is an issue, you can ask an agent for specific flights as they don't always do more than a basic search for the easiest connections . Do this for both UA and OAL. Be proactive about it if you do have a delay. And most importantly - be calm when talking to an agent, even if you are frustrated at the situation. It's not their fault, and an agent is going to be much more willing to help, and in particular, be willing to entertain any specific requests, if you are asking for things rather then yelling at them. And try not to worry too much.
- anyone advising OP to call UA is wasting OPs time, and/or doesn't understand how ticketing works with travel agents. While UA may change schedules, it is the TA that is responsible for notifying their passengers about the schedule changes and doing any rebooking if necessary. OP has to call Chepoair if they want to change the flights. Pretty much any UA agent will look at the ticket, see it was issued by a TA, and inform the OP to call the TA directly, except for any irrops on the day of travel - those are handled by the carrier, in this case, UA.
- Unless there has been a major change in scheduled departure or arrival (1.5 to 2 hours or more) or the connection violates MTC, the TA doesn't have to, and likely won't, change the OPs ticket without the regular change fees (+ fare difference, plus whatever extra fee the TA charges for changes). I'm not sure what MCT at DEN is, though I'm sure someone with an EF subscription could post that detail
- OP - if you miss the connection for any reason, you will be booked on the next available flight. If there aren't good UA options, ask about other carries. What another poster was referring to - if you miss the connection due to something out of UAs control, like weather, UA won't provide extras like a hotel room or food vouchers - they only provide those if it is UAs fault. They are always responsible for getting you to your destination on next available if you misconnect. Tip: if you experience a delay prior to boarding your first flight, proactively rebook from there where there may be better options/more routings (I.e., a single connection through ORD instead of DEN).
- whoever said never book anything under a 2 hour connection is ridiculous, over cautious and is probably wasting a lot of time. I book 1 hour connections or sometimes shorter often over the last several years, and while I have occasionally either misconnected or was delayed at departure city so I was going to, I have almost always been taken care of well. On those occasional times I have misconnected, it has been only very occasionally where I haven't been re-accommodated where I was scheduled to arrive within an hour or two of my original arrival. I can count those situations where I haven't on one hand over the last probably 5 - 10 years or so. Maybe that makes me just lucky, or maybe I'm better at handling than some other folks. I'm sure my status doesn't hurt. And there are certain situations where I do purposely book connections a bit longer than normal - when connecting to a once a day international flight, for example. For domestic, I try to book closer to an hour and a half these days, but that's only because I'm traveling with an infant most of the time, where the extra time comes in handy.
My advice if you are worried is to be prepared in case of a delay - have an idea of alternate schedules from both SFO and DEN so if there is an issue, you can ask an agent for specific flights as they don't always do more than a basic search for the easiest connections . Do this for both UA and OAL. Be proactive about it if you do have a delay. And most importantly - be calm when talking to an agent, even if you are frustrated at the situation. It's not their fault, and an agent is going to be much more willing to help, and in particular, be willing to entertain any specific requests, if you are asking for things rather then yelling at them. And try not to worry too much.
Dec 11, 2015, 9:50 pm
#169
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: EAU
Programs: UA 1K, CO Plat, NW Plat, Marriott Premiere Plat, SPG Plat, Priority Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 4,712
If you're a seasoned air travel warrior, used to all the vagaries of air travel, and not stressed about another rush off a plane and down the concourse to make the next flight, or missing one more connection of the 100 connections you have to make this year, by all means, keep the 30 minutes.
If you have some time that day and would prefer a leisurely travel experience, change your flights to a longer connection. If everything goes well, spend $10-$20 at the bar and meet someone new on the stool next to you. If it doesn't, you'll likely still make your connection.
It sounds like you made the right choice for you, and glad FT was able to help you out.
Some comments:
- anyone advising OP to call UA is wasting OPs time, and/or doesn't understand how ticketing works with travel agents. While UA may change schedules, it is the TA that is responsible for notifying their passengers about the schedule changes and doing any rebooking if necessary. OP has to call Chepoair if they want to change the flights. Pretty much any UA agent will look at the ticket, see it was issued by a TA, and inform the OP to call the TA directly, except for any irrops on the day of travel - those are handled by the carrier, in this case, UA.
- anyone advising OP to call UA is wasting OPs time, and/or doesn't understand how ticketing works with travel agents. While UA may change schedules, it is the TA that is responsible for notifying their passengers about the schedule changes and doing any rebooking if necessary. OP has to call Chepoair if they want to change the flights. Pretty much any UA agent will look at the ticket, see it was issued by a TA, and inform the OP to call the TA directly, except for any irrops on the day of travel - those are handled by the carrier, in this case, UA.
I usually book my travel through UA directly, but sometimes there are fare constructions I can only get to book through 3rd parties. Once those flights have been booked through the 3rd party, however, I have never had UA not help me deal with a ticket (on their stock, at least).
- Unless there has been a major change in scheduled departure or arrival (1.5 to 2 hours or more) or the connection violates MTC, the TA doesn't have to, and likely won't, change the OPs ticket without the regular change fees (+ fare difference, plus whatever extra fee the TA charges for changes). I'm not sure what MCT at DEN is, though I'm sure someone with an EF subscription could post that detail
- OP - if you miss the connection for any reason, you will be booked on the next available flight. If there aren't good UA options, ask about other carries. What another poster was referring to - if you miss the connection due to something out of UAs control, like weather, UA won't provide extras like a hotel room or food vouchers - they only provide those if it is UAs fault. They are always responsible for getting you to your destination on next available if you misconnect. Tip: if you experience a delay prior to boarding your first flight, proactively rebook from there where there may be better options/more routings (I.e., a single connection through ORD instead of DEN).
- whoever said never book anything under a 2 hour connection is ridiculous, over cautious and is probably wasting a lot of time. I book 1 hour connections or sometimes shorter often over the last several years, and while I have occasionally either misconnected or was delayed at departure city so I was going to, I have almost always been taken care of well. On those occasional times I have misconnected, it has been only very occasionally where I haven't been re-accommodated where I was scheduled to arrive within an hour or two of my original arrival. I can count those situations where I haven't on one hand over the last probably 5 - 10 years or so. Maybe that makes me just lucky, or maybe I'm better at handling than some other folks. I'm sure my status doesn't hurt. And there are certain situations where I do purposely book connections a bit longer than normal - when connecting to a once a day international flight, for example. For domestic, I try to book closer to an hour and a half these days, but that's only because I'm traveling with an infant most of the time, where the extra time comes in handy.
The people saying don't book under 2 hours were making fun of UA's recent history of horrible on-time arrival performance. I think that's mostly a thing of the past... leadership has changed and employee morale has changed and I get the feeling everyone is driving to get everyone where they need to be on-time in a way that hasn't been occurring until just recently.
As a last note, yes, United pads their arrival times. By a lot. So it's very common to arrive 20-30 minutes early.
The problem is, it's also very common when this happens to not have a gate or gate crew available to accept the aircraft that early, so the 20-30 minutes you didn't spend on the tarmac at takeoff becomes 10-20 minutes you do spend on the tarmac at arrival awaiting for a gate or gate crew, so your time out the door ends up pretty much the same.
Last last side note: If you check a bag on a MCT, you may make the connection but you're increasing the odds your bag doesn't, and if you don't but carry-on something that won't fit under the seat in front of you, board early or expect to check your bag through (mainline) or pick your bag up when deboarding (10-20 minute penalty, Express).
Last edited by goalie; Dec 11, 2015 at 11:42 pm Reason: please quote all parts of a member's quote with their member name to properly attribute the quote
Dec 11, 2015, 11:30 pm
#171
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 9
Some comments:
- anyone advising OP to call UA is wasting OPs time, and/or doesn't understand how ticketing works with travel agents. While UA may change schedules, it is the TA that is responsible for notifying their passengers about the schedule changes and doing any rebooking if necessary. OP has to call Chepoair if they want to change the flights. Pretty much any UA agent will look at the ticket, see it was issued by a TA, and inform the OP to call the TA directly, except for any irrops on the day of travel - those are handled by the carrier, in this case, UA.
- anyone advising OP to call UA is wasting OPs time, and/or doesn't understand how ticketing works with travel agents. While UA may change schedules, it is the TA that is responsible for notifying their passengers about the schedule changes and doing any rebooking if necessary. OP has to call Chepoair if they want to change the flights. Pretty much any UA agent will look at the ticket, see it was issued by a TA, and inform the OP to call the TA directly, except for any irrops on the day of travel - those are handled by the carrier, in this case, UA.
Although CheapoAir is the one that helps you book your tickets, you still end up on UA's system. CheapoAir will send you a confirmation code from UA and UA will be able to look you up on their system. I honestly don't think UA had any clue that I booked my ticket through a third party.
Thanks for all the other advice you gave though! I've flown my fair share of flights, but I have never, ever missed a connecting flight so I wasn't sure what would happen in that situation.
I definitely wouldn't ever want to blow my top at an agent. I imagine they must have their more than their fare share of bad days compared to the rest of the populace.
Thanks again!
Dec 11, 2015, 11:39 pm
#172
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
Hello there, just thought I'd point out something in case anyone happens to run into the same situation. I called CheapoAir and they told me I would have to pay a $200 to change my ticket, but UA did it free of charge. I think calling the airlines directly is worth a shot since you can't lose anything.
Although CheapoAir is the one that helps you book your tickets, you still end up on UA's system. CheapoAir will send you a confirmation code from UA and UA will be able to look you up on their system. I honestly don't think UA had any clue that I booked my ticket through a third party.
Thanks for all the other advice you gave though! I've flown my fair share of flights, but I have never, ever missed a connecting flight so I wasn't sure what would happen in that situation.
I definitely wouldn't ever want to blow my top at an agent. I imagine they must have their more than their fare share of bad days compared to the rest of the populace.
Thanks again!
Although CheapoAir is the one that helps you book your tickets, you still end up on UA's system. CheapoAir will send you a confirmation code from UA and UA will be able to look you up on their system. I honestly don't think UA had any clue that I booked my ticket through a third party.
Thanks for all the other advice you gave though! I've flown my fair share of flights, but I have never, ever missed a connecting flight so I wasn't sure what would happen in that situation.
I definitely wouldn't ever want to blow my top at an agent. I imagine they must have their more than their fare share of bad days compared to the rest of the populace.
Thanks again!
Safe and happy travels.
Jan 15, 2016, 5:04 am
#173
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: DXB / KUO
Programs: AY, SQ, EK
Posts: 858
ONT-DEN-YWG with a 55min connection in February
Have very limited experience of connecting in DEN - have only got stuck there once but that's a while ago now.
Would appreciate UA flyers' thoughts on the following connection (this would be on a weekday in Feb):
UA6324 Ontario ONT - Denver DEN 0548am arr. 0915am
UA5584 Denver DEN - Winnipeg YWG 1010am arr. 1330
What do you think? ^
Would appreciate UA flyers' thoughts on the following connection (this would be on a weekday in Feb):
UA6324 Ontario ONT - Denver DEN 0548am arr. 0915am
UA5584 Denver DEN - Winnipeg YWG 1010am arr. 1330
What do you think? ^
Jan 15, 2016, 5:09 am
#174
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: YVR
Programs: UA-1K (3MM); AA-Gold (1MM); Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,145
You will enough time for your connecting flight.
Most UX flights arrive in one contained area at DEN. Even if you arrived at another part of the airport, you will have enough time to make your connection.
Safe travels.
Cheers
Most UX flights arrive in one contained area at DEN. Even if you arrived at another part of the airport, you will have enough time to make your connection.
Safe travels.
Cheers
Jan 15, 2016, 6:42 am
#176
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Montrose, CO
Programs: United 1K MM, Marriott LTPP
Posts: 548
I go through this scenario weekly in DEN, yesterday was a 47 min connection. It takes 15 minutes to walk from the furthest UX gate to the other end of the terminal. That assumes you walk briskly and use the people movers.
The biggest issue I have is with late arriving UX flights and having to wait for my carry on to be brought off the plane. If I have a connection I have to make then I either pack a softer bag that can fit on the UX or/and check my bag so it can be delivered to me later. I missed a connection in the last because it took 20 minutes to return the carry ons to us.
I also suggest you check the arrival of your flight the night before. If it comes in super late you stand a chance at a delayed departure due to crew rest.
The biggest issue I have is with late arriving UX flights and having to wait for my carry on to be brought off the plane. If I have a connection I have to make then I either pack a softer bag that can fit on the UX or/and check my bag so it can be delivered to me later. I missed a connection in the last because it took 20 minutes to return the carry ons to us.
I also suggest you check the arrival of your flight the night before. If it comes in super late you stand a chance at a delayed departure due to crew rest.
Jan 15, 2016, 8:02 am
#177
Moderator Hilton Honors, Travel News, West, The Suggestion Box, Smoking Lounge & DiningBuzz
Join Date: Jun 2000
Programs: Honors Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle, National Exec Elite
Posts: 36,027
As others have noted, if everything goes fine you'll be fine. But it will be a rushed connection and nothing can go wrong.
My own personal ease-at-DEN rule is 90 minutes. Others have more stress tolerance than I do
My own personal ease-at-DEN rule is 90 minutes. Others have more stress tolerance than I do
Jan 17, 2016, 8:43 pm
#178
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: DXB / KUO
Programs: AY, SQ, EK
Posts: 858
Thank you all for your feedback re ONT-DEN-YWG - the ticket has been issued.
Will try and monitor the inbound flight to ONT.
I'm not familiar with how often snow becomes an issue at DEN - that's the primary concern here.
The Winnipeg Jets are at home (game starts at 7pm), so would prefer not to get delayed - the back-up plan is to try and get to YUL / YOW instead (and skip YWG altogether).
Will try and monitor the inbound flight to ONT.
I'm not familiar with how often snow becomes an issue at DEN - that's the primary concern here.
The Winnipeg Jets are at home (game starts at 7pm), so would prefer not to get delayed - the back-up plan is to try and get to YUL / YOW instead (and skip YWG altogether).
Feb 16, 2016, 2:52 pm
#179
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 99
37 minute connection time at DEN
Hi, I'm not familiar with United or DEN airport so would really welcome your advice...
My brother is flying out from the UK to St. George, Utah in May. The entire journey is on United.
Originally he chose a flight connecting in EWR and the DEN with a 4 hour connection in EWR to clear immigration and then about 90 mins in DEN.
United have e-mailed him notifying him of a change of arrangements.
Now he will be flying via IAD, with a 2 hour connection there. Fortunately he is hand baggage only. However, my main concern is with his connection in DEN where it's only 37 minutes!
I am very worried about this as we will be on holiday at Zion National Park and driving to pick him up, and I really need him to be on this plane!
I've noticed that United have an alternative option available on-line which leaves MAN (in the UK) 90 minutes earlier than his current flight, connects via EWR, gives him 3 hours in Newark and an hour at DEN.
So, I have two questions...
1) Is this 37 minute connection at DEN remotely achievable? It's being sold, so I guess United are comfortable with it. I am not!
2) Is there any point in calling United and asking them if they'll swap him to the other flight via EWR? His original booking had sensible connections times and he's only left in this situation due to a change made by United.
I'd appreciate your comments and advice. Thanks.
My brother is flying out from the UK to St. George, Utah in May. The entire journey is on United.
Originally he chose a flight connecting in EWR and the DEN with a 4 hour connection in EWR to clear immigration and then about 90 mins in DEN.
United have e-mailed him notifying him of a change of arrangements.
Now he will be flying via IAD, with a 2 hour connection there. Fortunately he is hand baggage only. However, my main concern is with his connection in DEN where it's only 37 minutes!
I am very worried about this as we will be on holiday at Zion National Park and driving to pick him up, and I really need him to be on this plane!
I've noticed that United have an alternative option available on-line which leaves MAN (in the UK) 90 minutes earlier than his current flight, connects via EWR, gives him 3 hours in Newark and an hour at DEN.
So, I have two questions...
1) Is this 37 minute connection at DEN remotely achievable? It's being sold, so I guess United are comfortable with it. I am not!
2) Is there any point in calling United and asking them if they'll swap him to the other flight via EWR? His original booking had sensible connections times and he's only left in this situation due to a change made by United.
I'd appreciate your comments and advice. Thanks.
Feb 16, 2016, 2:56 pm
#180
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K; Marriott Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,355
Flights to St. George are UX (commuter) planes. It is a long walk from the mainline gates to the commuter aircraft gates, which are at the far end of a very lengthy concourse, then down a level, and then another long walk. 37 minutes isn't enough time to make this if there is the slightest delay from IAD.