Connecting flights

Darwin

Myself and the better half are thinking of travelling to Washington this summer.
Aer Lingus don't fly direct, but they do offer an option to fly to Boston with a connecting flight to Washington operated by a American Airlines.
The return leg from Washington to Boston leaves just one hour to make the transatlantic flight home to Dublin. I was thinking this seems very tight. I was wondering if we miss this flight are Aer Lingus obliged to sort us out (another flight/accomodation) or do they have no obligation as a different airline is operating the internal connection?

Bluehair

An hour is fine for your return all you have to do is get off one plane and onto the next (no customs/immigrations until you get home).

If you bought the whole ticket with the connecting flight and you miss it due to delays etc then they are obliged to get you back with no additional cost.

BuffyBot

You should be fine - the bags will be checked through - and although American is operating the flight, they're transporting you on behalf of Aer Lingus - so if something went wrong they will sort you out

Darwin

Cool! Thanks for the info...

MiCr0

any time i've transfered (and its a lot) i've always left longer between the flights
i'm not sure how big that airport is, but for places like heathrow and schipol it could take 45mins plus between gates

Tom Dunne

I agree with Micro - an hour seems very tight.

I have flown several times to Chicago and then onto Dublin with Aer Lingus with 2 hours between flights. On most occasions it was close, only 10-15 mins to spare, and that's with the originating flight is on time.

Darwin

Ok guys you've convinced me to fork out the extra 100 for a different flight. We previously missed a connecting flight in Toronto that left 90 minutes between flights as we had to move between terminal buildings. So, I don't fancy that rigmarole again.

por

Darwin wrote:

Ok guys you've convinced me to fork out the extra 100 for a different flight. We previously missed a connecting flight in Toronto that left 90 minutes between flights as we had to move between terminal buildings. So, I don't fancy that rigmarole again.

Ok here is a map of Logan Airport in Boston

American Airlines arrive at Terminal B and Aer Lingus depart from Terminal E.
A shuttle service runs between all the terminals but if you are walking it's at least a 10 min walk between the doors of B and E

If you bags are checked in all the way through and you have boarding passes you would make it, but don't delay.

RuggieBear

If you are booking it thru one airline then they have to get you to that destination. Sure unless the first leg of the flight is terribly delayed, the 2nd leg flight will probably wait for transfer passengers. Well that's my experience.

Had a flight to egypt from dublin via london. Ist flight to london was delayed but 2nd flight waited and extra 30mins to make sure we made it. This might have been a charter flight, tbh i don't now if that makes a difference

Bluehair

Darwin wrote:

Ok guys you've convinced me to fork out the extra 100 for a different flight. We previously missed a connecting flight in Toronto that left 90 minutes between flights as we had to move between terminal buildings. So, I don't fancy that rigmarole again.

If you're an infrequent or unconfident flyer then sure go ahead and pay the extra for the earler flight.

Seriously though I've done it many times, 1 hour for the inbound conx in Boston is plenty of time. Your bags are checked through, you have your Aer Lingus boarding card, there's zero customs or imm to go through. You simply have to get off one plane and make your way to the other... in one hour.

Comparing with others airports is irrelevant since they are all different. Btw IF your first flight is delayed the Dublin flight WILL NOT wait for you. You will be put on the first available alternative which may involve an overnight in Boston (which is a lovely city esp if you're staying for free ).

But you pays your money for what you want. If you're happier and more comfortable with a longer connection then go for it.

Darwin

Thanks for all the help...I fly regularly enough, but not to the states. Yes, Boston is a fine city, I stayed there in 2002. Think I'll revert back to my original plan as there's another Aer Lingus flight to Dublin later that evening, so I guess we'll be put on that if there's a hitch. Cheers

Why dont you fly via london on either BA or VA?
Then the connecting is in Heathrow and afaik, the NY and washington flights are now in the same terminal.
Good 20 minute walk from the Aer lingus gate to the others but you could get flights with a 2hr connection time if you want.

Darwin

Why dont you fly via london on either BA or VA?

Believe it or not Aer Lingus is the cheapest option during the period we are travelling - I've tried all the usual suspects (Air France, BA etc)