Connection Time at Airport Question?

Okay, so I have never been on an airplane before so I don't really understand anything about what we're doing no matter how much I read google. We're going to Honolulu in May and we have a 55 minute connection between one of our flights. Is this enough time to make it? We're flying out of Orlando to Texas where we will have the 55 minute layover. We bought all of our tickets together with United. I have read that if you book with the same airline, if you miss your connection they will get you on the next flight at no charge. Is that true?

That's a pretty tight window. In the past few years, less than 50% of the flights I've been on have been on time, so I'm uncomfortable with less than 2 hours for a transfer. However, there's always a chance you can make it. And yes, if you book with the same airline and they're the reason you missed your flight, they'll pay for another flight. Unfortunately you're at the mercy of how full those flights are. I had a flight from Pittsburgh to DC, then DC to Germany. The first flight was delayed so I missed the second one, and it was the last flight out. And the morning and afternoon flights to Germany were full. They did pay for a hotel room, and they did pay for my next flight. Luckily I contacted my travel agent, who strong-armed them into getting me on the last flight out the next day instead of making me spend yet another night in DC.

Yes, if the first flight is delayed, then you will be placed on the next available flight for free. I have had connections as tight as 35 minutes before. Had to walk off one plane and straight on to the next plane. It is kinda stressful, especially if you're not familiar with your connecting airport, but you'll figure it out.

On a layover, you are getting off one plane and onto a different plane. You do not have to leave security or pick up checked bags (unless they were gate checked then you may or may not depending). You simply get off the plane, find the gate that your new flight is at and go there and board your new plane. To save time I would be checking the gate of my next plane on my phone will waiting to get off the plane.

55 minutes is fine but a little on the tight side. Yes, if your flight is delayed the airline will reschedule you. This does not apply if you stop to eat or something and you miss your connection.

You may have to change terminals so do some research on getting around DFW (or whatever airport in Texas you are going). There's a tram you can take if you are changing terminals.

That will be more than enough time, as long as your first flight is on time or just only a little delayed. It's not a LOT of time though, so don't waste any time once you get off your first flight. Head directly to the gate for your next flight - this might be on your boarding pass (which you will get when you check in for your first flight), but you can also find it by looking at the electronic monitors that are everywhere in the airport.

Once you find your gate, then you can see if you have time for a restroom break or a snack. But your plane might be boarding, or at least preparing to board, when you get there.

If you do miss your connection because your flight was delayed (not because you were taking your time in the airport), then the airline will book you on the next AVAILABLE flight. It might not be the next actual flight because that one might be full.

You say Texas and United so I'm assuming you are going through Houston. They have an underground train between terminals if you need to change to a new one. Airport tram/train systems run every 3-5 minutes and are extremely efficient. 55 minutes should be no problem. You won't have time to sit down and eat, but nobody really *wants* to do that at an airport anyway.

Plan on getting to, or close to, your new gate and then looking for a place to grab food to go if you want. Otherwise, just be efficient in moving through the airport. You really should be fine. I do <1 hour layovers almost every time I fly and never have a problem.

Looking up the flight history between MCA and IAH, those flights are on-time 95% of the time which is excellent. United also has one of the best on-time ratings for domestic carriers.

(put your flight number into the end of the 2nd URL instead of 1644 to see data on that one.)

MOST can make a connection in this time.

WILL YOU? Is just a maybe.

The scheduled arrival and departures times are not the exact minute you get off first plane and not the last minute you can board next plane.

YOU DO NOT get some priority kick some other passenger off a plane next flight seat.
You get next available seat. It may be a hour or next day.

You have closer to about 30 minutes from one plane to the next. MOVE IT. No time to wait in lines for food or drink. Get to next flight. IF YOU have time you can then get some food, use the toilet or whatever.

Good idea to have your food and beverage purchased at Orlando for your second flight.

Good Luck many can make this connection time. Some just do not make it. Be prepared with plan B in case you miss it.

A major storm that day disrupts thousands. Just the way it is.

You are probably connecting in Houston and Houston is not a small airport. However 55 minutes should be enough time, assuming your flight departs Orlando on-time. Since United has a lot of gates in Houston, I suggest as you get closer to landing, ask the flight attendant what gate you will arrive at and what gate your connecting flight departs from. Then you can check the in-flight magazine and see how to get to your next gate. Houston has this train which connects the different terminals. It is quite efficient.

Ok if no problems.