Tight connection at LAX

[pn1]

This is a follow up to a question I asked some time ago.

Next month my partner and I are booked on UA99 from Melbourne to LAX due 0640.

Our connecting flight is UA824 LAX-BOS at 0825.

An allowable connection but one unlikely to be successful. I appreciate UA should be able to get us on a later flight connection if we miss the UA824.

I've just checked the hotel I've booked at Boston Airport. It's a flexible booking but turns into a "non-refundable" four days before the date. So, I'm seeking advice on what I should do? Leave things as they are and hope for the best? Or contact the property direct and see what they suggest?

My original booking involved a comfortable five-hour connection at LAX but the onward flight was later cancelled.

Possibly one option may be for UA to book us on UA824 the following day? Presumably, last-minute accommodation could be obtained in the LAX area?

I guess others have been in a similar situation previously and hopefully can offer some "advice of experience".

If miracles happen and the UA99/UA824 connection is successful then no need to worry? But probably more chance of the pink elephants flying in the window of where (in Melbourne) I'm writing this?

Thank you

Paul in Melbourne

 

[Himeno]

If you are looking for other alternative options, don't just look at the LAX-BOS non stops, also look at connections via UAs other hubs in ORD, DEN or IAH.

 

[blackcat20]

They can also put you on another airline if necessary.

 

[harvyk]

I've just checked the hotel I've booked at Boston Airport. It's a flexible booking but turns into a "non-refundable" four days before the date. So, I'm seeking advice on what I should do? Leave things as they are and hope for the best? Or contact the property direct and see what they suggest?

Don't stress too much about this, you would not be the first person who's stars (or flights) did not align and thus you ended up not making the first night.
If you do get stuck in LAX, just give the property a call and let them know what's going on. Worst case is you're still charged that first night, but still have the rest of your booking honoured.

It's only really a problem if you're a no-show and don't tell them that you're going to be a no-show on the first night.

As other's have said, if you do miss an otherwise legal connection, it's UA's responsibility to get you there. 90 minutes LAX is pushing the friendship, but not impossible. Just make sure you look at the terminal maps and work out exactly where you need to be and when. Also make sure you get all your boarding passes in MEL so they can't pull the "oh, but you haven't yet checked in" stunt.

 

[offshore171]

It’s all on one booking right?

If you misconnect, they will likely put you on the 915 or 1015 service to Ewark, which will connect you through to Boston.

You’ll still be arriving in BOS on the same day, so the hotel booking shouldn’t be an issue.

Are you checking bags or HLO?

 

[FL360]

I have not fly UA before, but I did fly with Delta and American with tight connection (1.5 hrs) at LAX and was able to make it each time.

I remembered right after you leave the aircraft, they will hand out "red tight connection" cards so you will be given priority at the immigration process, when you are at the immigration machine they also will single out tight connection pax so they can access the immigration desk with priority.

similarly at baggage areas and customs.

generally speaking, if the connecting flight times is offered to you by UA, it should work.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Also note that depending on the level of travel insurance you have selected, your additional costs may be recoverable.