Why I No Longer Book Flight Connections of Less Than Two Hours
Of all the things I have decided to change thanks to climate change, here’s one I never previously considered: Booking my flights differently.
Why? Because I can no longer trust the weather to cooperate. Even today. It’s early spring in Chicago, and I’m sitting at O’Hare International Airport writing this blog rather than winging my way to Paris. While March weather in Chicago is rarely predictable – it could be snowing – I did not expect it to be 76F (24.4C) degrees with thunderstorms strong enough to shut down one of the world’s busiest airports for nearly 30 minutes.
As a result, my flight is now delayed by 90 minutes, which means my connection in Detroit will be very, very tight.
At least I still have a shot at making it.
(Check out these airport mistakes so many rookie flyers make.)
The Way I Fly Now
Which brings me to the way my flight bookings have changed, thanks to climate change. I no longer book connections of less than two hours. And I prefer connections of three hours.
This is a HUGE shift for me. I am one of those flyers who likes to get to the airport at the last minute, so I don’t have to spend hours cooling my heels at the gate.
Voluntarily adding hours to my travel time is one of those things I never thought I would do.
Yet, here I am.
Booking Connections
Since I fly out of O’Hare, I am lucky enough to have the option of a direct flight to just about anywhere in the world, including Paris.
But I booked this flight with a connection through Detroit because I’m flying economy. No luxurious lie-flat seat for this overnight flight. Instead, I’ll be in the back of an only-three-quarters-full airplane. That’s how us cheapos get lie-flat seats: book a seat in a four-across row where you get the whole row to yourself. Instant lie-flat seats!
At least it seemed like a super idea when I booked it. But if I miss the connection because of the weather delay, I’ll end up stuck in Detroit, waiting for the next Delta flight to Paris, likely the next day. And I’ll be crammed into the plane along with anyone else who misses this connection because of the uncooperative weather.
There’s one thing in my favor, though. The strong storms are heading east across Michigan and are predicted to hit Detroit around the time my DTW-CDG flight is scheduled to leave. Fingers crossed it will mean a ground stop in Detroit that will last long enough for me to sprint through the airport in time to make my Paris-bound flight!
Related read, 8 Tips to Help You Clear Airport Security Fast with Carry-On Only (Consider #4).
Let’s Have a Conversation:
How much time do you allow for airport connections? Have you always done it that way? What changes in your personal life are you making thanks to climate change?
I have always enjoyed new adventures. Before my son was born almost 30 years ago, I’d always put room in between my connecting flights. If I’m on vacation, why rush anywhere. Part of the enjoyment of traveling is seeing new places and even new airports can be an experience. I’ve never stepped foot outside the airport in London, but when I arrived at Heathrow i was in awe! I take my time more now when I travel. No nappies to change and no feeding schedules to worry about. I travel when and where I want to. Besides I’ve always hated running and running through an airport is not what I would call desirable. Enjoy the adventure from start to finish. The airport or the ship terminal is where that adventure begins.
Great attitude, Robin. Honestly, I’m trying to embrace it. But the only thing I dislike about traveling is… the travel. :) When people play that party game and ask what super power you would want to have, mine is always teleportation. If I could teleport like Harry Potter, I could instantly get wherever I want to go.
This is all great information however if someone is really concerned about climate change they might decide to travel less or not at all.
Or at least to fly less–there are other delightful options for travel adventure.
That is true, Anna. I want to see all of the world, including the delightful options closer to home.
That is true, Julie. But it’s all relative, right? I rarely drive — taking public transit mostly at home and when I travel. And when I do drive, it’s in an electric car. I see that as the trade-off for my flights.