MCT at ORD on AA Dom->Dom

[dajop]

Looking at booking a connection through ORD to LAX. The connection time is 40mins, and can buy this connection on the AA website. It is also listed on the oneworld timetable as an option and on CWT''s (travel agents) online booking engine as an option. However travel agent has advised me this doesn't meet MCT at ORD, and I will be liable for any change penalties should I miss the connecction

I could just go with the later flight (giving me a 1:50 connection time) but my preference is try to make the earlier flight as it is a 763, the later one being a 738. I know if it was Australia, if QF are selling it on their website they'll look after you, especially as a WP. Putting aside the probability of making the connection, would AA look after you if there was a missed connection, or is it cause dependent (ie if weather or ATC related they'll just give you a one fingered salute)?

I could just spend the time in Flagship Lounge, but really not that fussed about a few free drinks.

 

[Grooba]

I've made ~40/50 minute connections on AA tickets no problems. If the ticket is booked in a single PNR then even if the inbound was late AA should put you on the next available flight.

 

[dajop]

I've made ~40/50 minute connections on AA tickets no problems. If the ticket is booked in a single PNR then even if the inbound was late AA should put you on the next available flight.

That's what I thought, but TA was adamant. I guess the concern is if I miss flight 1, and they can't get me onto flight 2, I'm stuffed with the international connection to SQ at LAX (LAX connection is 3:50 for flight 1, 2:35 for flight 2). But then again always good to try and get to international gateway as soon as possible, not hang round at an intermediate airport. Both AA flights on same ticket/PNR, SQ not on same ticket, but on conjunction ticket/same PNR.

 

[Grooba]

That's what I thought, but TA was adamant. I guess the concern is if I miss flight 1, and they can't get me onto flight 2, I'm stuffed with the international connection to SQ at LAX (LAX connection is 3:50 for flight 1, 2:35 for flight 2). But then again always good to try and get to international gateway as soon as possible, not hang round at an intermediate airport. Both AA flights on same ticket/PNR, SQ not on same ticket, but on conjunction ticket/same PNR.

If you're really worried about it then perhaps the longer connection option is more appropriate.

If it were me I'd take the longer connection to give yourself a better chance to make the SQ flight.

 

[dajop]

If you're really worried about it then perhaps the longer connection option is more appropriate.

Not that worried, as if I miss the SQ flight (like I did in EWR earlier this year due to weather/ATC/late inbound), I am sure I can cope. Being in whY I just prefer the 763 to 737's, I find their seats too narrow.

 

[serfty]

The TA would be incorrect - if you can book online it then it meets MCT. Perhaps your TA is just trying to warn you off.

Note that if you miss your connection due to weather delays the Airline can wipe their hands of responsibility; if mechanical, they have to look after you. In either case, approriate travel insurance should cover you.

 

[drewbles]

I have an ORD AA to AA connection in a few weeks. Arriving at 0955, departing at 1035. Was booked via my Travel Agent without any issues. I've also done YYZ-ORD-SFO before, with an extremely tight connection. Unfortunately this also meant a very very long run through the terminal (why on earth doesn't ORD have travelators?) and pretty much had the doors shut almost behind us as we boarded the connection.

I'm comfortable with a 40 minute connection, but YMMV of course.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

serfty is correct. if the agent can book it as a connection then it meets AA's MCT. The GDS would come up with an MCT error if it wasn't legal.

 

[notzac]

The one caveat is that I wouldn't be booking a 40 minute connection at ORD in the winter ... that airport is (in)famous for delays due WX.

 

[dajop]

The one caveat is that I wouldn't be booking a 40 minute connection at ORD in the winter ... that airport is (in)famous for delays due WX.

On the edge, but mid October should be OK. If it was any later I'd be going through DFW. With the WP changes, reassessing whether I need to worry about flying AA at all, in fact thinking of forgetting it altogether and looking at CO via IAH instead.

 

[jpk]

I went thru ORD 2 days ago. While the concourses are quite long, you can get from any gate to another in 10 mins by walking briskly (15mins if an Eagle flight).

I'd book the short connection and try it. If you're late inbound they will almost certainly get you on the next one ok if they can see your international sector. Whereas if you go for the long connection you're putting all your eggs in 1 basket - if that 2nd flight is majorly delayed or canx then you're gonna struggle for the SQ flight. Of course both might be delayed, but at least you have better odds this way..

As Serfty said, american carriers won't look after you in a weather delay (a distressed traveller hotel rate is all you'll get), so make sure you have appropriate insurance.