I've connected in DFW a number of times (and yes, AA). 40 minutes is do-able if everything aligns perfectly, but here's what can go wrong.
Weather can be a factor. And if your first flight takes off late, flying east to west means you won't have the jet stream to help push you along and make up time.
Gates can change. Just because your gates are next to each other when you take off, doesn't mean they won't change mid-flight.
Back when DFW first opened, the walk between terminals could be horrendous (we're talking blocks). The sky train has made connections between terminals a lot more do-able...but it's a big airport and you have to find the signs to find the train. I had a 2 hour connection once, so I helped a fellow passenger with a 40 minute connection make the train and her flight. Woo hoo.
Our connecting flight once got delayed 2 hours because the pilot got stuck on an incoming delayed flight. They did find a backup pilot and get us on our way. But if it's your first flight, you're out of luck.
For all travel these days, have a backup plan and hope for the best.
Weather can be a factor. And if your first flight takes off late, flying east to west means you won't have the jet stream to help push you along and make up time.
Gates can change. Just because your gates are next to each other when you take off, doesn't mean they won't change mid-flight.
Back when DFW first opened, the walk between terminals could be horrendous (we're talking blocks). The sky train has made connections between terminals a lot more do-able...but it's a big airport and you have to find the signs to find the train. I had a 2 hour connection once, so I helped a fellow passenger with a 40 minute connection make the train and her flight. Woo hoo.
Our connecting flight once got delayed 2 hours because the pilot got stuck on an incoming delayed flight. They did find a backup pilot and get us on our way. But if it's your first flight, you're out of luck.
For all travel these days, have a backup plan and hope for the best.
Statistics: Posted by BogleTaxPro — Tue Mar 19, 2024 10:02 am — Replies 11 — Views 735