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airline schedule change with new short connection time

So 2 months to go and delta changed my flight with new connection time in JFK to 56 minutes. I am flying on one ticket San Diego to Milan with connection at JFK. In a chat delta said 56 minutes works as 45 minutes is the limit. Appears flight in and out of JFK at terminal 4. Just seems a little dicey as yes Delta would get me there but I wouldnt have the seat choice etc. Now debating changing flight with more time between of course leading to later arrival in Milan but maybe worth it to ease anxiety. One choice would remain JFK with more time and 2 other choices are through Atlanta.

Any input on this would be appreciated.

Posted by
2613 posts

Just because it counts as a “legal” connection doesn’t mean that you’ll want to end up doing that.

That’s way too tight - just generally, without knowing more about where you’re sitting on the plane, do you have checked bags, how fast do you walk, how well do you know the airport etc.

But the easy answer is have Delta move you to a longer connection…I find them to be very helpful with that stuff when they’ve made a schedule change.

I’m not sure what you mean about the seat choice thing - but Delta will rebook in the same travel class.

Posted by
14811 posts

Terminal 4 at JFK is spread out and the walk between gates can be excessive. JFK is also known for long taxi times depending on which runway you land.

I'd probably go for a new flight.

Posted by
156 posts

Appreciate the input. Validates my concern.

The other flight options include one with 3 hour connection time through Atlanta, a 4 hour 45 minute connection time through Atlanta and then an option through JFK with 4 hour connection.
I'm not sure if Atlanta is a better option than NY for connections. Will have to decide and then call Delta.
Also wondering if more changes are likely to occur. I have already had 2 other changes on my return flight, these were funny as they involved 5 minute alteration with the 2nd change reversing back to the original flight times.

Posted by
1077 posts

Atlanta is very easy to get around in so I would choose that one. I would not schedule a flight with less than 2 hrs layover, I've had to many flights that got off 30 mins late and then took another 10-15min to get the skybridge to the plane door, etc. It just causes to much worry and frustration and I have no problem with a 2-4 hr layover if I know I'm going to get to my destination when I planned.

Posted by
13809 posts

I agree with the others. I'd go for changing to a longer transit time.

I've only transited thru JFK once - pre-covid. It was on Delta and at that time we had to change terminals so took longer as we were not familiar with that airport.

I'd probably go with a transit thru Atlanta any day. It's very easy to take the escalator down to the Plane Train level to get from concourse to concourse.

However, one thing to consider is the flight time from Atlanta to Milan. I flew Rome to Atlanta with onward flights to the Inland Northwest in the Fall. I didn't look carefully when I booked and was shocked to see how long the flight was from Rome to Atlanta. It was 10+ hours. For myself, usually flying from Seattle to Paris or Amsterdam those flights are 9-10 hours and my brain was having trouble wrapping itself around the flight paths because it "feels" like Atlanta should be closer to Rome than Seattle, lol.

Posted by
454 posts

When a Delta schedule change reduced my layover time at CDG from 3 hours to 1 hour 10 minutes, for a flight last spring, I contacted a customer service agent by phone to advise that I wasn't comfortable with the tight layover. They were happy to offer me other options. I'd already reviewed some choices online and had made a list of three, and started by giving her my first choice. She was fine with it, switch made. I think you need to call instead of doing a chat online.

Posted by
982 posts

You are going to add to your flight time by choosing Atlanta as a connection but If that is not an issue, then I would certainly pick Atlanta over JFK. Atlanta is very easy to navigate. Just take the train that connects the terminals. Delta customer service will be accommodating. Just have your flight preference before you call. I prefer a 2-3 hour layover myself if not longer.

Posted by
7129 posts

Hi Carol, I’ve transferred through both JFK and Atlanta on Delta multiple times. I would definitely choose the Atlanta airport over JFK, so I would choose your 3-hour layover in Atlanta. There’s a lot of options for walking to pass some of the time. Instead of taking the tram between the lettered parallel sections, I like to walk on that lower level through some of the sections. Some have interesting art on the walls or historical photos. And the international section has an Eat Street spot with several options and usually a pianist playing some nice selections.

Posted by
156 posts

Thanks everyone for your input. I am currently on hold with Delta customer service to make a flight change. I have my 3 options ready and I will start with the first one which I hopefully get, the 3 hours connection in Atlanta. I know I will feel much better about the change.

Posted by
156 posts

So I called and had a nice conversation with an agent who readily changed my flight to the one I asked for.
Pleasant experience all around. I feel relieved.
Appreciate the feedback I got from everyone.

Posted by
13809 posts

Excellent! You know we are all dying to know what you picked!!

Posted by
156 posts

I chose the Atlanta flight with 3hour connection.
I will get into Milan at 9:30 am vs 6:45 am.
I’m taking the train to Varenna upon arrival.

Posted by
13809 posts

Oh, I think that will work well for you.

Download the app for Trenord which is the train company for the Lombardia area and on which you can purchase tickets from Malpensa to Milano Centrale and also Milano Centrale to Varenna. Both of those can be purchased at the time, no need to get them ahead but you will need WIFI (available both at the airport and the train station) or a data plan.

Posted by
156 posts

I am looking forward to staying in Varenna. I have never been to lake Como.
I have Trenitalia app on my phone is the one you mentioned Pam different?