Flights DFW-Philly, Continental vs Air Tran

[Tiki]

OK, I have all flights booked for the trip except this one, I am tearing my hair out over it. (Nancy, I got a great deal from BWI back to DFW on AA-nonstop leaves 3:30pm 14 Nov for $109!)

I need some local advice regarding Continental and Air Tran which seem to be the only options. All non-stop flights are about $600!

Option #1 Continental

Leave DFW 11:20am Arrive IAH Houston 12:30pm
Leave IAH 1:00pm Arrive PHL 5:20pm

Nice schedule, but I am worried about the connection in IAH, is half an hour really enough time? Is Continental a good airline-usually on time?

Or I could fly to IAH a bit earlier but then I have to hang around IAH for over 2 hours. This flight is $171 on Continental website and I can book seat assignments.

Pros: Good schedule, can book seats in advance
Cons: More expensive by $22, tight connection in IAH, what if first flight is delayed? Maybe need to book longer connection which has 2 hour layover in IAH?

Option #2 Air Tran
From Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW) to Atlanta, GA (ATL) - Coach
Fri, 11 Nov 05 dep 9:57 am arr 1:01 pm
From Atlanta, GA (ATL) to Philadelphia, PA (PHL) - Coach
Fri, 11 Nov 05 dep 3:17 pm arr 5:15 pm
Cost $145 on Air Tran website.

Pros: Cheapest option
Cons: Long layover, airline has rep for being late, cheapie fare can't book seats in advance.

I would appreciate any advice since I never use these airlines, I usually use United or American due to FF programs.

[bgmacaw]

I have no experience with Air Tran. Continental, in my experience, has been fairly competent. The only real delay issues I've experienced with them is when the weather interferes. If your connecting flight in IAH is in the same concourse or the adjacent one and everything is on time, no problem. Otherwise you can have some ground to cover between concourses. Of course if things are tight and the attendants are alerted, they will sometimes call ahead and hold the other gate for a few minutes if on the same airline.

[TooLover]

I have used Continental numerous times - flew to Guam and back many years ago - they are a great carrier!

[Monica]

A 2 hour wait isn't long! I've had to wait in airports for 5-9 hours before. The longest was when we went to Hawaii. We actually ended up arriving in San Francisco earlier than we had expected, and so we decided to drop off the car at our hotel, then get a ride to the airport. We got to the airport around 2am and our flight didn't leave till around 10am. I do know of two people that had to stay in the airport for 12+ hours just to catch their next flight, though of course I'm sure you know about all these and so 2 hours shouldn't be a problem for you since you've traveled so much!

The problem with the 30 minute between getting dropped off from one flight to getting to next terminal, is that the first plane could be late leaving you late for your next flight, not being dropped off near the closest terminal to your next terminal, or terminals even being changed, though if you were lucky, and the first plane was on time, the second plane might be late taking off giving you extra time. However, if you do decide to go this way, and still end up late for your next flight, you should ALTEAST be able to get compliments to get free food, lowered air ticket costs, or something of that nature...

I just remember once that when my mother and I were last coming back from Florida, we missed our connection (by 5 minutes) and had to be transferred over to another airlines, which had us waiting in the airport for 2 or so hours, but they gave us a complimentary ticket for one free food from any of the fast food restaurants in the airport...

[David S]

Tiki,
I wouldn't chance that connection on Continental because you're on a regional jet (ExpressJet) connecting to Continental mainline. If you get stuck deplaning on the tarmac you'll have to take a bus to the commuter terminal and then transfer to the mainline terminal. I've misconnected at IAH twice in the last two months because ExpressJet was late. I would go with Airtran or find a Continental flight with a longer layover.

[Tiki]

David, I posted the question on Flyer Talk (CO forum) and a lot of locals said it was doable, so I booked it a couple days ago. THere is an air train and the locals said it goes every 3 minutes. There are several other flights after that one from Houston to Philly so worst case scenario is I am a few hours late, maybe 8pm instead of 5:20pm. So keep your fingers crossed! I would gate check the bag, and I have a seat near the front so I think I can pull it off!

Air Tran seems to have a bad reputation for delays, and poor customer service so that was a concern. Plus you can't book seats online in the cheaper class so it makes it more likely you can get bumped. Continental seems to have better customer service.

[angelwingsaviary]

Tiki:

Are you shipping birds from Australia to States? Wow...is that possible? I have been DYING to get some birds from there.

PLEASE tell me it's possible. I will pay any kinda shipping with any kinda risk, if we can get some birds from AU to US.

Impatiently waiting your reply...

[Tiki]

I wish I could, it is only allowed to export your own pet birds (tiels, galahs, corellas and budgies) if they are vet checked and you are moving from Australia to the States. If it were at all possible, I would be going home with a macaw.

[angelwingsaviary]

There is a mutation of Gouldian, which I am told only exists in Australia. It was produced by a very famous breeder, named " James Watson".

After years of trying, I finally gave up. I, now, live for the day I retire to Australia, and actually own that bird.



Such far away dreams...

Just FYI: The mutation is a White breasted dilute. (Female)...In States, the dilute gene only appears in purple breasted male. Maybe you can look at them for me, in the next bird fair...

Oh well,....wish you a safe trip...let me know, if you are passing by Atlanta.