Where to sit on the plane if you have to make a tight connection
On paper, 45 minutes might have seemed like plenty of time to disembark, pick up your bags, clear customs and get to the other end of the terminal for your connecting flight. But once you’ve touched down on the tarmac, waited 15 minutes to retrieve your bag from the overhead compartment, endured an achingly slow airport shuttle ride then realised you’ve been standing at the wrong baggage carousel for half an hour, you quickly realise this isn’t the case.
Making a tight connection has got to be one of the more stress-inducing events in the world of travel, and while it can be done (and be a great way to minimise your time in transit), it can also be a needlessly risky endeavour.
So, how do we increase our odds of making the flight? Well, Smarter Travel expert Ed Perkins believes it could all come down to where you’re sitting on the plane.
“If you know you're facing a tight connection and you've booked your flight in advance, reserve an aisle seat toward the front of the plane,” says Perkins.
“Even if it costs a little extra, it's cheaper than missing your flight. If you can't get the seat you want online, skip the automated ticket kiosk and instead check in at the counter, where you can explain your situation and ask to be seated near the front.
“The earlier you arrive at the airport (and the nicer you are when asking for help), the more likely this strategy will have a positive outcome.”
And if this option doesn’t work? Perkins says it’s worth bringing your case up with one of the flight attendants onboard your first flight, to see if they can help.
“Flight attendants tend to be more sympathetic about missed connections and will often make a concerted effort to help you avoid one,” Perkins explains.
“Timing is everything, so ask once all passengers are seated and when your flight attendant isn't too busy. If seats toward the front of the plane are available, your flight attendant should be able to accommodate your request (even if this means moving you for only a few minutes at the end of the flight) so that you are one of the first to deplane.”
What are your thoughts? Have you ever missed a tight connection?