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What Do You Think, Will I Make My Connection?

I am travelling from CLE to YUL and back with a long side trip to Quebec City. My original, well timed flight from YUL to DTW (then to CLE) was cancelled. I am rebooked on a 6 am flight to DTW with a 32 minute connection. Delta continues to sell this ticket, so they are considering it possible. Is there any way that I can clear immigration and change terminals and make it to my flight? The next flight to Cleveland is 3 hours later and according to the seat map has plenty of empty seats.
Maybe this early flight frequently lands early? Anyways, I am going to give it a try.

Posted by
21 posts

If you are flying YUL to DTW you go through US Customs and Immigration at YUL. Your flight will be arriving at DTW as a domestic flight so no need to clear Customs and Immigration again. Your connection at DTW will depend on which terminal and gate your flights arrive and depart from. The security lines at YUL can be slow so factor that in when planning to get to the airport.

Posted by
1658 posts

@ adgaliani

Thank you for that information. That definitely increases my chances!

Posted by
2223 posts

I have not flown in the last almost years, so maybe things have changed............but, isn't the departure time the actual time passengers are all loaded, the gangway door is locked, and the plane begins its process for pre-takeoff?

Maybe there is a way you could make a 32-minute connection, but I sure would not try it.

Granted, if your arrival flight arrives super early, there is not much distance between gates, maybe.................

You mention the next departing flight is 3 hours later and has plenty of open seats. Are you flying within the next few days/weeks.............or months from now? That would likely matter.

I get the impression flights from Canada into the US are not "stuffed" these days........................................................

Let us know how it goes. We will be cheering you on.........................

Posted by
308 posts

How are you traveling from Montreal to QC and back? I had the same many hour schedule change for my original flight through Toronto to Seattle. I ended up instead flying from the airport in QC with a more comfortable connection. Clearing customs in CA for the departure was sort of slow but convenient upon arrival to the US!
If you are in QC anyway could this be a solution?
It sounds like you should have that later option if you do miss the flight, as a solo traveller- maybe you will be fortunate - here's hoping and safe travels!

Posted by
12536 posts

Today's corresponding flights had the arrival at C19 and departure from B18; looks like the other arm of the same concourse.

https://www.metroairport.com/terminals/maps/mcnamara-terminal

Make your bathroom break on the first flight before landing. Stopping for one between the flights may be ruinous to a successful connection. Make sure your shoes are laced tight.

On you mark.... get set.....

Posted by
4222 posts

Delta fan boy here.

No guarantee, but Delta flights routinely arrive at the gate 15 minutes early, so that increases your chances.

BUT... I would not try to make a 32-minute connection at DTW.

Posted by
22275 posts

There are several flights on Delta to CLE later in the day. OK, you get home 4 hours later than you thought, but that is flying.

Posted by
11101 posts

We had a few of those over the years at DTW. The gates are usually very close on that long concourse , once even next to each other, or there’s the train that goes the length of the terminal., so it was no problem. These are daily flights, so they probably have it figured out. If not, this gives you time for breakfast and window shopping. Tell us afterwards if 32 minutes worked.

Posted by
1658 posts

Thanks everyone for your good wishes!

Delta doesn't fly to Quebec City, which is the biggest reason I am spending time in Montreal. I am taking the train from Montreal airport to Quebec City as soon as I land, staying 6 nights, taking the train back, and spending 4 nights in Montreal.

I will post my results on the 10th of May!

Posted by
1658 posts

HOORAY !!

I am currently sitting on the plane from DTW to CLE. I am out of breath, and one of the last few to board, but I made it!

Posted by
15649 posts

Yea!!! So happy you made it!

And hope the rest of your trip to Quebec and Montreal was fun!

Posted by
807 posts

Awesome, glad you made it!

We have a 39 minute connection coming up in a couple of weeks at DTW, also the result of a change to our original flights. We are familiar with the airport and figure we're likely to make it, but it's nice to hear your success story!