Hi all,
Dublin Airport's website says that when self-connecting, the minimun connection time for a transatlantic flight to a short haul flight is 60 minutes. In your experience, is this accurate? I'm looking at flying Toronto to Dublin arriving at 8:15am and then flying to Paris. Realistically what is the earliest I could make a filght? Thanks!
I'm guessing you've seen this:
https://www.dublinairport.com/flight-information/connections/connection-guide
If you are self connecting, trying to do the minimum amount of time is risky. If your arriving flight is late, and you miss your connection, you will have to buy a new ticket for the flight to Paris. Remember, with two separate tickets, the second airline doesnt care if your first flight is late. You will have to buy a new ticket at full price, not at the discount you might have paid.
I'm a seasoned flyer and I wouldn't risk a one hour connection on two separate tickets.
Oh, I'm not trying to do less than an hour! My question was more "Is what Dublin Airport says accurate?" Does it actually only take an hour to self connect, or do people find that it usually takes longer? I'm considering a flight that is about 2.5 hours later. I've always heard 3 hours is the minimum for international connections, so I was surprised and weary of hearing an hour was enough.
Will you have checked luggage?
What airlines are you flying?
https://www.dublinairport.com/flight-information/connections/self-connecting-passengers
I interpret this as the minimum connection time (MCT) was 60 minutes, but MCTs apply to single tickets, not self connections. MCTs are what airlines use when they are selling you a ticket with a connection.
You will notice in the FAQ above it states that “ Self connecting passengers are not permitted to use the Flight Connections Facility”. It is a bit misleading the way they have posted the FAQs on the self connecting passengers page. They have the same set of FAQs on the “Connections Guide” page.
When you are self-connecting, you need to allow more time. The amount of time depends on how much risk you want to take. You also need to allow time to go through immigration, retrieve and recheck your luggage (if applicable) and go through security. You need to be prepared to buy a new ticket if you miss the connection. Allow enough time so that you feel reasonably comfortable with the risk.
Fiona 113,
If you've done this trip now, what was your experience? I'm trying to give my hubby info for a connection from Chicago to Dublin and then Dublin to Frankfurt?
