Virgin won't change our connecting flight

[tonymc]

Last August, we were returning JAX-ATL-MAN and when we booked had a 1h15 mins connections which I reckoned was tight, but just about doable.

However, Delta then amended the departure of the JAX-ATL flight to 25 mins later, so only 50 mins connection time, which I wasn't happy about, especially as if we missed the Manchester flight it would have meant either a much longer journey home (probably via Paris with Air France) or the next day.

After a couple of calls being bounced between Expedia (who we booked through) and VA, VA told me that they consider 1 hour to be the minimum "protected" connection time at ATL, and then gave me a reference to go back to Expedia with to change to the earlier flight.

This flight did give us a 2+ hour connection, but as we were flying back U/C with VA, we had use of the Delta Lounge, so it wasn't that much of an issue! Murphy's law decreed that the flight we were originally booked on actually arrived some 30 mins early so in the event wouldn't have been a problem. However, if we had been on it... !

So for the OP, it may be worth contacting VA (or the company they booked with) and ask them about the minimum protected connection times. Also worth noting that whilst the airline would have an obligation to get them home if the first flight was delayed, it is on the next available flight, which may not necessarily be the best routing.

[RickT]

Whos travelling ?

If just adults i would not be worried..

If with toddlers and young children it could be stressful

[sotagals]

I posted a question about this a while ago.

https://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/sho...d.php?t=985049

A work colleague had booked with VA and only noticed afterwards that he was going via Atlanta both ways with a 48 minute connection on the way back.

He made it with 25 minutes to spare.

All you do is get off the plane in the Delta domestic terminal , head down the escalator to the train and get off at the international terminal so yes it is perfectly do-able.

The only problem is if your flight from Orlando is delayed for any reason - then you will be biting your fingernails.

Looking at flightstats these feeder flights on Delta to ATL have good on time records.

Of course if they were late regularly Virgin would have hundreds of irate passengers a week being funnelled onto alternative flights and we would have heard about it.

The 48 minute connection to Manchester always comes up as the cheapest flight on VA's website so they must be selling a lot of them.

OP you could have another go at getting them to change it but if not it is likely to be fine.

[novocastrian]

Originally Posted by Fiona35

Flight was originally booked with a 2hr overlay at Atlanta before our next flight but Virgin changed the time of the Heathrow flight. Now we only have 50 mins connection time and they won't allow us to change to an earlier flight as they say it's a legal connection and if we miss the flight we will just be put in the next available flight!
I have such confidence in them - not and can envisage neither delta or Virgin helping if we miss the flight home! Sorry I just wanted to have a rant!

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this is the important part

next available isnt the same as next flight

we missed out connection at newark last year next available flight was the next day...

[Cabbie]

Personally I would be on the phone to VS and ask for an earlier flight out of MCO.

When travelling from the UK if you miss your connection at Atlanta then there are several flights to be placed on to MCO. However, the reverse route is more problematic as there are only a limited number of daily flights between ATL and LHR. So as pointed out above the next "available" flight could be the following day.

-Steve

[Merligan]

If it makes you feel any better, we had a 45 minute connection in Atlanta in 2014. We made it despite my DH having a broken collar bone and two broken ribs so as you can imagine, he didn't go anywhere very fast. (Were being flown home following a motorbike accident)

Even had time for him to nip to the loo before boarding as we knew plane toilets were going to be challenging with 1 arm firmly strapped to his torso.

Xx

[Matty777]

Just seen this almost same thing on BBC's Rip Off Britain Holidays.

Their flight left late from MCO due to weather, instead of over an hourat ATL they had just 10 mins and of course missed their flight.
The MCO - ATL flight being a code share with Delta wiped out all their cosumer rights like we are used to as Brits in Europe.
The next available, (as stated above, NOT the next flight) was two days! (via NY) so they had to spend two nights in a motel.
They were not entitled to any free accomodation, meals or compensation.

As soon as your flight includes a codeshare with a non-EU Airline, be very aware that you will have to pay expenses for missed connections. (They will however supply the flight)

Not trying to put the frighteners on you, just so that you are aware.

[Damn Dirty Ape]

Originally Posted by Matty777

Just seen this almost same thing on BBC's Rip Off Britain Holidays.

Their flight left late from MCO due to weather, instead of over an hourat ATL they had just 10 mins and of course missed their flight.
The MCO - ATL flight being a code share with Delta wiped out all their cosumer rights like we are used to as Brits in Europe.
The next available, (as stated above, NOT the next flight) was two days! (via NY) so they had to spend two nights in a motel.
They were not entitled to any free accomodation, meals or compensation.

As soon as your flight includes a codeshare with a non-EU Airline, be very aware that you will have to pay expenses for missed connections. (They will however supply the flight)

Not trying to put the frighteners on you, just so that you are aware.

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Won't travel insurance cover those costs?

[Matty777]

Originally Posted by Damn Dirty Ape

Won't travel insurance cover those costs?

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Not necessarily. Some may, some may not. Needs to be checked in T&Cs

comparethemarket/tra...r-connections/