To book a flight with a 45 minute connection?

[coffeeforone]

Looking at long haul flight options from London and one of them has a 45 minute connection in Warsaw. What do you think are the chances we will make this connection? Would the airline wait for us?

We are travelling with a toddler and a baby, so not sure if it's worth the risk of being stranded overnight. The next overnight flight is 24 hours later. The flight is much cheaper than some of the other options but not sure if it's worth the stress?

No I wouldn’t. With kids I think you need at least 90mind!

Even if you get there your luggage won't.. I know its a pain but stay overnight... Or pick another option... Warsaw is meant to be lovely

I take about 30 flights per year and always allow a minimum of 2 hours

Lol you wouldn't get many places in Europe if you inisited on a 2h conection.

Check flight radar for the average on time stats for your flight. I used to take a flight where I had a 30 min connection and the average lateness of that flight was 30 mins. I racked up a LOT of flight delay compensation as my total delay ended up being 3h due to connections :-)

I would take 45 mins if it is a through ticket with one carrier AND there was a back up flight later.

An airport like Zurich you're probably good. Frankfurt or Schipol no.

I'm a frequent flyer. As you plan a long haul flight, you would have to go through security control before boarding your connecting flight. Even without a child and fast track lane, 45 minutes would be challenging ( unless you have at least business class tickets). In your situation you should allow at least 90 minutes for transit.

Thanks all! It is the same airline on a single ticket. Final destination is Delhi. We will have checked baggage so that was my other worry!
But you have reassured me it is definitely not worth the risk no matter the cost saving.

There are direct options which are pretty expensive but I think definitely worth it reading some of these possible scenarios!

We had a 75 minute connection in Stockholm; we made the onward flight, but our luggage didn’t. To be fair, the staff at Heathrow were exceptional, and we weren’t badly inconvenienced, but it was the return journey, so less of a problem. I wouldn’t chance anything less than 90 minutes for an outward journey.

I’ve done the KLM dash across schipol. We made it with just enough time to nip the loo. Could you contact the airline as as if they would arrange for one of those golf buggy things before you booked?

I wouldn't, even with an airport I am familiar with.

coffeeforone

I wouldn’t want to scare you off changing flights. We have taken my now 4yr old on two long haul flights to Tokyo, and have changed both times and it’s actually been beneficial to her to get off the plane and stretch her legs. We changed at Zurich which actually has a tiny tiny play area for kids! But you do need 1hr30mins at least, especially if you have pushchairs and aren’t flying Buisness or premium.

Warsaw is beautiful, I would consider an overnight stay there to break up the journey!

No way. Too high a chance you'll miss your connection or your luggage does. Or you might end up stranded in Warsaw, unable to leave the airport for hours while the airline is trying to retrieve your luggage. This would be rubbish if you're traveling alone, let alone with 2 small kids.

just book an airbnb in warsaw, it will still be cheaper than the direct flight. Warsaw is great, loads to do.

I find that stressful just thinking about it.

@BlueSkiesLies - true! I live in mainland China and we frequently sit on the runway for 45 mins to 1 hour waiting for clearance to take off, due to limited civilian airspace and strict military control. Will have to adjust my travel times when I return to the UK!

We flew to America via Dublin with Aer Lingus - 50 minute connection with 7 adults, 4 kids, 3 weeks' luggage and a pram. And US immigration at Dublin too.

If it's a single ticket with the same airline I'd say you will be fine - as pp said it's up to the airline to get you to your destination.

The other thing is you will have checked in your buggy if taking one so you’d have to rely on the airport having one, not sure smaller ones do. I feel stressed at the thought of a toddler tantrum as you try to push them along

I think it’s too short

I had an hour connection back from NZ in Doha and barely made it, the security queues where ridiculous, there was no order, people were scrambling to be first because they were all connecting on to different flights (some earlier than mine). They should've queued us up in flight time order or had some kind of system at least. On the other hand I had the same connection on the way there and breezed through with loads of time for a wash and a change of clothes. It would depend on the flight time and how big the airport is I think, but travelling with small children I definitely wouldn't chance it.

I’ve done 50 or 55 minutes Australia to Japan via Hong Kong. There were lots of other options if I didn’t make the flight though.

Earlier this year I had two flights with 2 hours 15 minutes between them at Gatwick. First flight was delayed and landed at the furthest point of the airport (Over the big bridge) and flight 2 was at the other Gatwick terminal. I did’t make the second flight

In short, don't do it. It isn't long enough to guarantee transferring - let alone with kids.

Only twice I've ever done it and twice missed connection. Luckily plenty of flights to jump on and didn't have to wait to long.

This was through US though so more like catching next bus.

Pre kids though

Are you booking the whole trip with a stop-over or are you booking seperate flights? If it's a through journey booked together the airline will be responsible for getting you there, if they're two seperate bookings you could have problems.
Depending on the airport efficiency, and if you have hold luggage, your bags might not arrive, happened to us with a 55 minute sprint through Minneapolis.

Just read the whole thing, as you're on a single ticket then the airline must get you there, if you miss the connection they should provide accommodation if needed though you may have to argue it. If you make the flight but your luggage doesn't they will deliver it to you at your destination address so carry a clean pair in your hand luggage!
I don't think that Warsaw is a massive airport and as you'll already be in international transit you shouldn't need to go through security again.

If it's the same airline. Yes. It will be a standard connection and they will wait. If you are super late you will be on next flight. If different airlines, forget it.

Travel agent here. Do not do this. Give yourself plenty of time to connect. The plane won't wait for you.

I've ran through airports for tight connections before and made the flight. But my baggage didn't and I certainly didn't travel children to carry