How can a traveler challenge the "minimum airport connection time"?
Vienna airport boasts the minimum connection time as low as 25 minutes, "the fastest in Europe" as they claim. And Austrian Airlines frequently offers flights that are 25 minutes apart, including non-Schengen to Schengen flights. And sometimes it changes the schedule for already booked flights bringing them closer to 25 minutes.
In reality, when traveling from outside Schengen it is not possible to make this connection in less than 15 minutes, at which point the gate is closed. To get from non-Schengen area to Schengen area - even if you're the first at passport control and it only takes a minute - you need to walk quite a lot. I did this route three times, every time taking quite long walk which was no shorter than 15 minutes. And I was always the first at (empty) passport control and RAN all the way through - and I'm pretty sure that most passengers won't make it even in 25 minutes.
Every time I flew this route (OTP-VIE-SZG) I missed my connecting flight. Of course I collected compensation and got free overnight stay or a Mercedes taxi ride to Salzburg, but I'd rather be at my destination on time.
Is there a procedure where I, as a traveler, can challenge the airport's claimed "minimum connection time"?
Best Answer
Really, there isn't. It's the airline's responsibility to make things right if you miss the connection, so whatever they declare to be a legal connection time is up to them.
However, you, as a consumer, have the right to choose. I'd strongly suggest that you book flights with much more relaxed connection times - they should be readily available.
The only real risk would fall if your flights are rescheduled, in which case you could end up with a tight connection time again. If you do, I'd suggest calling the airline and requesting them to book you something with a relaxed time again, citing your original booking. I've had success with this in the opposite direction, where Air Canada rescheduled us from a reasonable connection to a very long one, and was willing to route us out of a different but nearby airport to get a more reasonable connection time, at my request, without any extra charges.
Pictures about "How can a traveler challenge the "minimum airport connection time"?"
What is the minimum connecting time necessary to change planes at the airport for connection?
For domestic flights in the U.S. minimum connection times range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, and for international connections, from 1 to 3 hours.Is 45 min enough for connecting flight?
As a rule of thumb, on domestic routes, you need a minimum of 45 minutes between flights. That's because you don't have to go through security, customs, and immigration.Why is minimum connection time important?
If you're making a connection, the minimum connection time ensures you'll have enough time to reach your next flight.Flying Alone for the First Time | Connecting Flight Procedure | How to Catch a Connecting Flight
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