IAD vs EWR < 1 hour mileage run connection
Dec 3, 2018, 12:04 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: DEN / SEA
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 132
IAD vs EWR < 1 hour mileage run connection
I'm trying to do a mileage run to keep Gold status next year. I only have this weekend for travel (booked with family visits all other weekends) and settled that doing a transcon trip in first class should give me the amount of miles I need (~8100 PQM) in the shortest amount of time. (~12 hours). I'd like to spend time with my wife on the weekend as much as possible so I'd like to avoid a bunch of coach hops to hit 8000 miles.
So my flight itinerary looks like this
(Option 1)
SEA > IAD; 11:10 pm redeye
1:30 hour layover
IAD > ORD > SEA 12:57 pm
(Option 2)
SEA > EWR; 11:00 pm redeye
40 min layover
EWR > ORD > SEA 12:57 pm
(Option 3) <<< Went with this
SEA > EWR; 11:00 pm redeye
30 min layover
EWR > SEA; 10:42 am (752 lie-flat)
The ORD > SEA segment in the return leg is identical. The price for round trip is also identical.
The only real difference is that EWR > ORD leg I get to sit in lay-flat 772 but it is only for two hours so nothing big.
Not that I'm going to stay in the terminals for long...but which one do you prefer? I have never been to EWR, and it has been a while since I was at IAD.
So my flight itinerary looks like this
(Option 1)
SEA > IAD; 11:10 pm redeye
1:30 hour layover
IAD > ORD > SEA 12:57 pm
(Option 2)
SEA > EWR; 11:00 pm redeye
40 min layover
EWR > ORD > SEA 12:57 pm
(Option 3) <<< Went with this
SEA > EWR; 11:00 pm redeye
30 min layover
EWR > SEA; 10:42 am (752 lie-flat)
The ORD > SEA segment in the return leg is identical. The price for round trip is also identical.
The only real difference is that EWR > ORD leg I get to sit in lay-flat 772 but it is only for two hours so nothing big.
Not that I'm going to stay in the terminals for long...but which one do you prefer? I have never been to EWR, and it has been a while since I was at IAD.
Last edited by maverickar15; Dec 4, 2018 at 2:55 pm
Dec 3, 2018, 12:30 pm
#3
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: UA MM
Posts: 4,122
Dec 3, 2018, 1:18 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: DEN / SEA
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 132
Dec 3, 2018, 1:42 pm
#7
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, AA, DL
Posts: 7,418
Ordinarily I would agree, but there's a threat of a snowstorm this weekend (Dec. 8-9) in the Washington area. Appears not likely to be an issue, and IAD handles modest weather okay, but something to keep in mind.
Also, if you have longer time during the turn you can hop over to Terminal B and enjoy the LH or TK lounges on *G privileges.
Also, if you have longer time during the turn you can hop over to Terminal B and enjoy the LH or TK lounges on *G privileges.
Dec 3, 2018, 1:54 pm
#8
Join Date: Oct 2009
Programs: All of them, UA-Plat, 1MM*G
Posts: 881
IAD is by far the better choice than EWR. Longer turnaround time, fewer ATC and ground congestion delays. Further, even if you have less time in ORD for your connection from IAD, this is clearly a connection where UA will need to put you on the next plane to SEA -- unlike your turnaround at EWR where it will just seem to UA that you are late arriving for the origination of your return flight.
Dec 3, 2018, 2:21 pm
#9
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: CHI
Programs: UA 1K, MR Titanium, IHG Gold, National Exec
Posts: 3,841
I would choose any UA hub with 1:40 turn over any other UA hub with a 0:40 turn. Even if the turnaround times were equal though, I concur with the other responses that IAD is the better choice here.
Dec 3, 2018, 2:32 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,884
I absolutely refuse to book any connection through EWR that is under 2 hours. That’s on a good day. In the winter, the potential for storms should increase any risk. UA will let you do it, of course, but even on a good day, a slight puff if wind can send EWR into ATC delays.
Aside from that, and I know there are probably people who will disagree with me here, but as bad as the IAD terminals are, honestly, I would rather connect through there than EWR C (not to mention, A). EWR has stuffed concourses with sushi bars, etc. where people should be able to walk - it’s a real PITA to try to get down a given hallway, unless its really off peak times. Plus the OTG concessions are just horrible and way overpriced. Just my opinion.
Aside from that, and I know there are probably people who will disagree with me here, but as bad as the IAD terminals are, honestly, I would rather connect through there than EWR C (not to mention, A). EWR has stuffed concourses with sushi bars, etc. where people should be able to walk - it’s a real PITA to try to get down a given hallway, unless its really off peak times. Plus the OTG concessions are just horrible and way overpriced. Just my opinion.
Dec 3, 2018, 2:53 pm
#11
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: PEK
Programs: A3*G, UA Gold EY Silver
Posts: 8,956
Dec 3, 2018, 3:28 pm
#12
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Programs: UA PM, DL PM, Bonvoy Titanium, HH Gold
Posts: 1,293
Just to add on to the majority, I would not think twice and grab the longer connection time in IAD. Even if the weather is perfect, EWR is more prone to delays and your two terminals could, quite possibly, be a long hike apart. 40 minutes, though certainly doable, is pushing it to make that connection. IAD is easier from two mainlines as you will stay in the same (albeit very long) hallway from C-D.
Plus, worst case scenario for a very long delay, you can go to either the Lufthansa or Turkish Airline Lounge and wait it out.
Plus, worst case scenario for a very long delay, you can go to either the Lufthansa or Turkish Airline Lounge and wait it out.
Dec 3, 2018, 4:59 pm
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AS 75K, DL Silver, UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Platinum + LT Gold
Posts: 10,501
I was on the 752 to/from SEA with lie flat, so you may get that on the EWR option.
What's the connection time at ORD? There are many flights to ORD from EWR daily.
What's the connection time at ORD? There are many flights to ORD from EWR daily.