Hi, We will be in Portugal March 27-April 5.
Plan is to fly into Lisbon (5N), transport to Porto(3N) and fly home to Chicago from Porto with layover in Lisbon.
I just read a thread that talks about possibly of not making the international connection in Lisbon to Chicago with a short layover. With 2h10min layover in Lisbon, is it too risky trying to catch a connecting flight to Chicago?
We are flying TAP all the way so do I need to get luggage and re-check in Lisbon?
If we have carry ons only, do you think this layover is enough time for us to catch our flight to Chicago?
If this is too risky even with carry on bags only, we will gladly reverse the order of our travel. We can go to Porto first and get on direct flight to Chicago from Lisbon.
Question then:
Is 2 hr layover in Lisbon enough time to catch a domestic connection flight to Porto? Or is too risky again? I can't pick a flight with longer layover due to budget.
I guess the other option is to take the train to Porto from Lisbon.
Your advice will be greatly appreciated.
We are traveling with parents in their 70's, so trying to pick the easiest mode of transportation for them.
Thank you.
Posted by
Chicago
7834 posts
I would go with any 2 hour layover. Especially if you can't afford to pay more. That is not a short connection. Your checked bag in Porto would go all the way to Chicago. And your checked bag in Chicago would go all the way to Porto.I
As long as you are not buying separate tickets for your flights than the airline TAP will be liable if you miss any flight
Posted by
Paris
6888 posts
2 hours in Lisbon flying TAP both legs (so same terminal) on the same ticket is plenty, I did that in June and had over an hour to spare! Your luggage is checked through.
Posted by
OP
Wheaton
60 posts
Thank you to both of you above for your advice! Very much appreciated. We will keep our plan as is!
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15582 posts
Just make sure you have both boarding passes issued in Porto. If you have checked bags, make sure they are tagged to ORD and ask for "short connection" tags too - they probably aren't necessary so don't be upset if the agent says no. Anyway, if one or more of the bags misses the flight, you'll be at home and they'll deliver it/them within a day or two.
Posted by
OP
Wheaton
60 posts
Thank you Chani for your advice!
I feel better now and will try to convince rest of my family to also bring carry on only to make things even simpler!