Recommended Time Between Flight Connections
#1
Recommended Time Between Flight Connections
Hi all,
I'm about to undertake my first flight that requires connections, and I am looking at flying from London Heathrow via Vienna to Melbourne. The thing is, I've been presented with different times for the return from Vienna to LHR.
I will be arriving in Vienna at 06:10 and the return leg from Vienna to LHR runs at:
Would I have enough time to make my connection with 55 minutes to spare, if I took the first one?
I'm erring towards the 10:40 flight but don't want to be waiting.
Cheers
I'm about to undertake my first flight that requires connections, and I am looking at flying from London Heathrow via Vienna to Melbourne. The thing is, I've been presented with different times for the return from Vienna to LHR.
I will be arriving in Vienna at 06:10 and the return leg from Vienna to LHR runs at:
- 07:05
- 10:40
- 13:30 etc
Would I have enough time to make my connection with 55 minutes to spare, if I took the first one?
I'm erring towards the 10:40 flight but don't want to be waiting.
Cheers
#2
Re: Recommended Time Between Flight Connections
Oh, and I'm looking to book the flights ASAP to get a good deal. If you can help, please advise!!!!
Have one on me:
Have one on me:
Originally Posted by morganj
Hi all,
I'm about to undertake my first flight that requires connections, and I am looking at flying from London Heathrow via Vienna to Melbourne. The thing is, I've been presented with different times for the return from Vienna to LHR.
I will be arriving in Vienna at 06:10 and the return leg from Vienna to LHR runs at:
Would I have enough time to make my connection with 55 minutes to spare, if I took the first one?
I'm erring towards the 10:40 flight but don't want to be waiting.
Cheers
I'm about to undertake my first flight that requires connections, and I am looking at flying from London Heathrow via Vienna to Melbourne. The thing is, I've been presented with different times for the return from Vienna to LHR.
I will be arriving in Vienna at 06:10 and the return leg from Vienna to LHR runs at:
- 07:05
- 10:40
- 13:30 etc
Would I have enough time to make my connection with 55 minutes to spare, if I took the first one?
I'm erring towards the 10:40 flight but don't want to be waiting.
Cheers
#3
Re: Recommended Time Between Flight Connections
Originally Posted by morganj
Hi all,
I'm about to undertake my first flight that requires connections, and I am looking at flying from London Heathrow via Vienna to Melbourne. The thing is, I've been presented with different times for the return from Vienna to LHR.
I will be arriving in Vienna at 06:10 and the return leg from Vienna to LHR runs at:
Would I have enough time to make my connection with 55 minutes to spare, if I took the first one?
I'm erring towards the 10:40 flight but don't want to be waiting.
Cheers
I'm about to undertake my first flight that requires connections, and I am looking at flying from London Heathrow via Vienna to Melbourne. The thing is, I've been presented with different times for the return from Vienna to LHR.
I will be arriving in Vienna at 06:10 and the return leg from Vienna to LHR runs at:
- 07:05
- 10:40
- 13:30 etc
Would I have enough time to make my connection with 55 minutes to spare, if I took the first one?
I'm erring towards the 10:40 flight but don't want to be waiting.
Cheers
55 min is definitly not enough, since the boarding is always 30 min before departure and your plane to Vienna could be late.
What you also need to consider is your luggage which wont make it to the other flight on time I reckon.
I recomment @ least 2 hours between flights, specially in big hubs like LHR (they lost my luggage there already a few times)
Hope it helps!
fabie
#4
Re: Recommended Time Between Flight Connections
Originally Posted by swissfabs
Hi Morgan
55 min is definitly not enough, since the boarding is always 30 min before departure and your plane to Vienna could be late.
What you also need to consider is your luggage which wont make it to the other flight on time I reckon.
I recomment @ least 2 hours between flights, specially in big hubs like LHR (they lost my luggage there already a few times)
Hope it helps!
fabie
55 min is definitly not enough, since the boarding is always 30 min before departure and your plane to Vienna could be late.
What you also need to consider is your luggage which wont make it to the other flight on time I reckon.
I recomment @ least 2 hours between flights, specially in big hubs like LHR (they lost my luggage there already a few times)
Hope it helps!
fabie
#5
Re: Recommended Time Between Flight Connections
I agree, don't even consider the 55 min option - aside from luggage, what if your flight is delayed? We've done Manchester-Melbourne return with Lauda with a changeover in Vienna and our problem was the opposite - we had to wait about 5 hours in Vienna before our connection, both ways. Go for the 1040 or the 1330 and do what we did - with an EU passport you can walk out of the terminal and walk around, sunbathe, take a bus tour if you have time. Enjoy and unless it is changed you will get the best airline food I've experienced if you are travelling Lauda/Austrian!
OzTennis
OzTennis
#6
Re: Recommended Time Between Flight Connections
Originally Posted by OzTennis
I agree, don't even consider the 55 min option - aside from luggage, what if your flight is delayed? We've done Manchester-Melbourne return with Lauda with a changeover in Vienna and our problem was the opposite - we had to wait about 5 hours in Vienna before our connection, both ways. Go for the 1040 or the 1330 and do what we did - with an EU passport you can walk out of the terminal and walk around, sunbathe, take a bus tour if you have time. Enjoy and unless it is changed you will get the best airline food I've experienced if you are travelling Lauda/Austrian!
OzTennis
OzTennis
I suppose I:
1. arrive at Vienna
2. pick up my luggage
3. find out the departure gate for Melbourne
4. go through the departure gate/customs etc and sit and wait to board (just like any other flight)
Am I missing anything out?
I have deeply inhaled waiting to exhale and say "Phew!" before booking....
If I can know that 1 hr 25 min will be alright outward bound then I will book now!
#7
Re: Recommended Time Between Flight Connections
Oh and BTW: It's with Austrian Airlines. Let's hope it's still the case with the food!
Originally Posted by morganj
Thanks, it makes sense. I'm just concerned about the departure flight out now!!!! Will 1 hour 25 mins be enough. Or will I be running around like a lunatic? I guess I have no idea what I need to do.
I suppose I:
1. arrive at Vienna
2. pick up my luggage
3. find out the departure gate for Melbourne
4. go through the departure gate/customs etc and sit and wait to board (just like any other flight)
Am I missing anything out?
I have deeply inhaled waiting to exhale and say "Phew!" before booking....
If I can know that 1 hr 25 min will be alright outward bound then I will book now!
I suppose I:
1. arrive at Vienna
2. pick up my luggage
3. find out the departure gate for Melbourne
4. go through the departure gate/customs etc and sit and wait to board (just like any other flight)
Am I missing anything out?
I have deeply inhaled waiting to exhale and say "Phew!" before booking....
If I can know that 1 hr 25 min will be alright outward bound then I will book now!
#8
Re: Recommended Time Between Flight Connections
Originally Posted by morganj
Thanks, it makes sense. I'm just concerned about the departure flight out now!!!! Will 1 hour 25 mins be enough. Or will I be running around like a lunatic? I guess I have no idea what I need to do.
I suppose I:
1. arrive at Vienna
2. pick up my luggage
3. find out the departure gate for Melbourne
4. go through the departure gate/customs etc and sit and wait to board (just like any other flight)
Am I missing anything out?
I have deeply inhaled waiting to exhale and say "Phew!" before booking....
If I can know that 1 hr 25 min will be alright outward bound then I will book now!
I suppose I:
1. arrive at Vienna
2. pick up my luggage
3. find out the departure gate for Melbourne
4. go through the departure gate/customs etc and sit and wait to board (just like any other flight)
Am I missing anything out?
I have deeply inhaled waiting to exhale and say "Phew!" before booking....
If I can know that 1 hr 25 min will be alright outward bound then I will book now!
OzTennis
#9
Re: Recommended Time Between Flight Connections
Like others have said I would go with the 10:40 flight I think the 07:05 flight is cutting it to fine.
Your baggage should also be checked through at Heathrow to Melbourne so you wont have to pick it up in Vienna (others who may have flown Lauda if I am wrong with this let me know).
Its just a matter of getting to the other departure gate for your onward flight.
All the best
TT
Your baggage should also be checked through at Heathrow to Melbourne so you wont have to pick it up in Vienna (others who may have flown Lauda if I am wrong with this let me know).
Its just a matter of getting to the other departure gate for your onward flight.
All the best
TT
Originally Posted by morganj
Hi all,
I'm about to undertake my first flight that requires connections, and I am looking at flying from London Heathrow via Vienna to Melbourne. The thing is, I've been presented with different times for the return from Vienna to LHR.
I will be arriving in Vienna at 06:10 and the return leg from Vienna to LHR runs at:
Would I have enough time to make my connection with 55 minutes to spare, if I took the first one?
I'm erring towards the 10:40 flight but don't want to be waiting.
Cheers
I'm about to undertake my first flight that requires connections, and I am looking at flying from London Heathrow via Vienna to Melbourne. The thing is, I've been presented with different times for the return from Vienna to LHR.
I will be arriving in Vienna at 06:10 and the return leg from Vienna to LHR runs at:
- 07:05
- 10:40
- 13:30 etc
Would I have enough time to make my connection with 55 minutes to spare, if I took the first one?
I'm erring towards the 10:40 flight but don't want to be waiting.
Cheers
#10
Re: Recommended Time Between Flight Connections
Just a final thought FWIW - choice of which plane to connect to in Vienna might also be influenced by arrival time in Melbourne. A speedy connection in Vienna may mean arriving at unsocial hours in Melbourne for people greeting you, getting to a hotel etc. If so, a few pleasant hours in Vienna might be worthwhile - as I said we walked around the airport area and could have taken a city tour (but didn't).
Travellers tip #368 - at most airports you can get a free bus to the city centre - you have to pretend to be booked/booking into the Hilton, Holiday Inn et al. i.e. Hotels put on free buses for clients.
OzTennis
Travellers tip #368 - at most airports you can get a free bus to the city centre - you have to pretend to be booked/booking into the Hilton, Holiday Inn et al. i.e. Hotels put on free buses for clients.
OzTennis
#11
Home and Happy
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,810
Re: Recommended Time Between Flight Connections
I did the Lauda via Vienna to melbourne a couple of years ago; would fly with them again any time. Brilliant airline,very very impressed with the service from the cabin crew (who wear tight black jeans, white shirts, skimpy red waistcoats, very practical and for some reason popular with male travellers.......!!) Anyway, I digress, Vienna is a tiny airport, but (3 years ago at least) they check your passports AND VISAS again before you board the onward flight to Oz, that slows up the line. Going out was OK, you should be fine, but coming back - its a long way from Oz to Vienna, and we were late- only 15 minutes, but thats a lot on a tight connection. The airport at that time of day is MUCH busier - don't be deceived by the peacefulness going out. If I was doing it again, I would want a longer connection at Vienna for the return trip. It may be a small airport, and you usually go from one gate to the one next to it (!!) but, beware of the inbound delay. Remember too - time in Vienna is ARRIVAL - ie LANDING! allow for taxiing, getting everyone off the plane, etc etc. Go for the later flight, it'll be less stressful.
Your luggage will go straight through to LHR though, no worries on that one.
Hope your flight is as enjoyable as mine was
Your luggage will go straight through to LHR though, no worries on that one.
Hope your flight is as enjoyable as mine was
#12
Re: Recommended Time Between Flight Connections
Hiya morganj
We've just returned from Oz with Qantas.
You should be able to send your luggage on to your final destination (unless it's an internal flight in which case you might need to go through customs at the port of entry and then recheck your baggage.)
We flew from Birmingham to Frankfurt, then on to Sydney via Singapore.
The stopovers in Frankfurt were too long and Singapore was too short!
The flight from Bhx To Fra was on a city express and we had no basinett even though the check in staff said we would have one.
There also seamed to be a problem with Quantas being able to give us ous pram between the flights. This realy pissed my wife off (sorry for the language but having to carry a baby around by hand for a 6 hour stop over in Fra isn't fun!!! ) ) Lets just say that we won't be flying to Oz with them asgain.
Next time we are going to fly from Birmingham with Emirates and try and break the trip with a stop over in Dubai. The majour thing is that the flighjts are on large planes and as such you get better seats / facilities / experience.
The pram relay was the final straw!
It's the second time I've flown out to Oz in a month, the last time I flew with Emirates and prefered them.
Regards
Mark
We've just returned from Oz with Qantas.
You should be able to send your luggage on to your final destination (unless it's an internal flight in which case you might need to go through customs at the port of entry and then recheck your baggage.)
We flew from Birmingham to Frankfurt, then on to Sydney via Singapore.
The stopovers in Frankfurt were too long and Singapore was too short!
The flight from Bhx To Fra was on a city express and we had no basinett even though the check in staff said we would have one.
There also seamed to be a problem with Quantas being able to give us ous pram between the flights. This realy pissed my wife off (sorry for the language but having to carry a baby around by hand for a 6 hour stop over in Fra isn't fun!!! ) ) Lets just say that we won't be flying to Oz with them asgain.
Next time we are going to fly from Birmingham with Emirates and try and break the trip with a stop over in Dubai. The majour thing is that the flighjts are on large planes and as such you get better seats / facilities / experience.
The pram relay was the final straw!
It's the second time I've flown out to Oz in a month, the last time I flew with Emirates and prefered them.
Regards
Mark
#13
Re: Recommended Time Between Flight Connections
Thanks all for your contributions. I didn't expect such a positive response. I've since booked the flights and am raring to go! Just over 5 weeks before departure! Phew, much planning still to do. I'm heading off on my own and meeting no-one there (at the moment!) so it's going to be a bit strange - but I'll be cool! There wil be not much time to check out Vienna on the way out but I may have a look on the way back. I've taken heed to all your advice (having jotted it down for later use) and read with interested and with shared frustration with some of your stories.
I'd be interested to see if the cabin crew ladies on Austrian Airlines are the same as those on Lauda - but don't tell my girlfriend this!!! Ahahahahah....
Mark, I've heard good things about Emirates having trawled through these Expat pages, and from what I can glean they are a little more expensive that Singapore. But neither of these have come close to Austrian Airlines right now. How's £540 sound for an October return (for around 2 weeks in Oz) sound?
Right, let's look at the damned flight policy!!!
I'd be interested to see if the cabin crew ladies on Austrian Airlines are the same as those on Lauda - but don't tell my girlfriend this!!! Ahahahahah....
Mark, I've heard good things about Emirates having trawled through these Expat pages, and from what I can glean they are a little more expensive that Singapore. But neither of these have come close to Austrian Airlines right now. How's £540 sound for an October return (for around 2 weeks in Oz) sound?
Right, let's look at the damned flight policy!!!
#14
Re: Recommended Time Between Flight Connections
Originally Posted by morganj
Thanks all for your contributions. I didn't expect such a positive response. I've since booked the flights and am raring to go! Just over 5 weeks before departure! Phew, much planning still to do. I'm heading off on my own and meeting no-one there (at the moment!) so it's going to be a bit strange - but I'll be cool! There wil be not much time to check out Vienna on the way out but I may have a look on the way back. I've taken heed to all your advice (having jotted it down for later use) and read with interested and with shared frustration with some of your stories.
I'd be interested to see if the cabin crew ladies on Austrian Airlines are the same as those on Lauda - but don't tell my girlfriend this!!! Ahahahahah....
Mark, I've heard good things about Emirates having trawled through these Expat pages, and from what I can glean they are a little more expensive that Singapore. But neither of these have come close to Austrian Airlines right now. How's £540 sound for an October return (for around 2 weeks in Oz) sound?
Right, let's look at the damned flight policy!!!
I'd be interested to see if the cabin crew ladies on Austrian Airlines are the same as those on Lauda - but don't tell my girlfriend this!!! Ahahahahah....
Mark, I've heard good things about Emirates having trawled through these Expat pages, and from what I can glean they are a little more expensive that Singapore. But neither of these have come close to Austrian Airlines right now. How's £540 sound for an October return (for around 2 weeks in Oz) sound?
Right, let's look at the damned flight policy!!!
I'm sure the Austrian stewardesses will be as 'tidy' as the Lauda ones I remember. For me (don't tell Mrs OzT), 'Singapore girl' is the only thing they can beat Emirates on.
Enjoy the experience. Which part of Melbourne are you going to?
OzTennis
#15
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: My Place
Posts: 529
Re: Recommended Time Between Flight Connections
As has been said before when you check in at heathrow your baggage will be checked all the way through so you dont have to worry about it after you check in at heathrow untill you arrive in Melbourne.
As for connecting times, there is a minimum connecting time between flights which is different for all airports depending on whether you are arriving or departing in domestic or international flights, your travel agent or airline will be able to advise you on what this is, as youe ticket will be a "through" ticket ie, it is a london to melbourne ticket not 2 seperate tickets london to vienna and vienna to melbourne, should any leg of your journey be delayed sufficiantly to mean that you miss your connection the airline will simply put you on the next flight, after you ahve checked in at heathrow it is the resposibilty of the airline to get you to your destination.
Taking all this into consideration i would always book onto the earliest recognised connection, airline reservation systems are actually set up to automatically do this.
Lynn
As for connecting times, there is a minimum connecting time between flights which is different for all airports depending on whether you are arriving or departing in domestic or international flights, your travel agent or airline will be able to advise you on what this is, as youe ticket will be a "through" ticket ie, it is a london to melbourne ticket not 2 seperate tickets london to vienna and vienna to melbourne, should any leg of your journey be delayed sufficiantly to mean that you miss your connection the airline will simply put you on the next flight, after you ahve checked in at heathrow it is the resposibilty of the airline to get you to your destination.
Taking all this into consideration i would always book onto the earliest recognised connection, airline reservation systems are actually set up to automatically do this.
Lynn