Always Fly High: 25 Minutes

It's December. It's Minneapolis. It's a large airport with several different terminals. Did I mention it's December?! The last time I checked, that's a winter month. This is the time of year where there is SNOW, FREEZING RAIN, ICE, and MORE SNOW. So ummm, I think that means you might need to allow yourself more time then you would say, during a summer month when it's warm and sunny.

My point, you ask? Well, let's see. You might need to actually ALLOW yourself time for delays PEOPLE! Let's go over this, step by step. You're starting in a warm sunny place and it's the middle of winter AND a holiday but you're flying through let's say Minneapolis or Chicago. A 25 minute connection is NOT going to happen. I'm almost willing to bet my life on it. I'm serious! Now, let's say you start somewhere COLD, depending on the weather (it IS winter) you will most likely have to de-ice. Yeah, that takes TIME! Everything and I mean EVERYTHING runs slower when it's cold. Don't expect the ramp crews to bust their butts running around the ramp with the chance of slipping on something. It's not worth it to them. And no, I have no idea of you're bag will make it. On top of it, especially if it is a holiday, be prepared that if you miss your flight (due to weather) you will be placed on standby for the next available flight. Flights are full this time of year so plan to sit in the airport for a while.

So today, we left on time. In the middle of our 30 minute flight (for a flight blocked for at least an hour) a passenger freaks out about his connection time. A scheduled 25 minute connection through Minneapolis in the middle of December right before Christmas. His connecting flight, of course, was on the opposite side of the airport. We de-iced in Fargo, and then arrived 25 minutes early. But, yup, it was all MY fault. Love it.

So, do this:

Allow yourself at least a two hour layover (this allows time for de-icing, real bathroom breaks, time to get food, or just running to your next gate on the opposite side of the airport)
Pack some snacks (you can take food! and this way you can save money and time if you don't get the opportunity to get something in the airport on the way to your next flight)
Carry a water bottle (you can fill it up at a water fountain anywhere in the airport!!!)
Be nice to airport personnel (we didn't ruin your trip so don't ruin our day!)
Dress Appropriately! ( just cause you initiate your trip in Hawaii doesn't mean the flight will be that warm or your destination will be)
Don't Fly Sick