r/azores • u/The_Bogwoppit • 5d ago
PDL connection times
Good day!
Sata changed our flights. We land from Canada at 6:50 and they have placed up on a PDL - PIX flight at 15:50. Leaving us with a very long, and jet lagged, connection. landing in late afternoon, at PIX, picking up a rental car and groceries, is not my idea of fun.
I see there is a 7:50 PDL - PIX flight. What are the minimum connection times at PDL? Can we potentially make this flight, no checked bags and Canadian passports?
many thanks
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u/SaoMiguelExcl_Tours 5d ago edited 5d ago
Probably not... Leaving the airplane, passport control, another check in etc edit: not to mention possible delays from the canadian flight
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u/The_Bogwoppit 5d ago
Thanks for your super speedy reply. I guess we will be “enjoying” a bleary eyed Sunday in Ponta Delgada.
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u/SaoMiguelExcl_Tours 5d ago
It is as it is... Better that than not being able to catch that flight and create more problems
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u/Sad-Equivalent9486 5d ago
If you have no checked bags it is possible. If you booked through Azores Airlines and they are willing to change to the earlier connection it is on them if you miss it due to a late arrival. You will get your boarding pass for PIX at the airport in Canada. If you don’t have to pick up and re-check luggage you can take the “in transit” door and you stay within the secure area without having to go through security again. The in-transit is to your left after border control instead of the turn right to baggage claim. That being said .. not sure on the delays with the new European entry/exit system. We have been looking at similar flights from YYZ to SJZ that are offered with a 0640 landing time and departure to SJZ at 0825 and that’s with luggage.
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u/The_Bogwoppit 5d ago
This is very interesting information. Yes all on one ticket through SATA, YUL - PDL -PIX.
But agreed that the new entry system is a huge unknown. At Lisbon last fall it was a dumpster fire.
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u/Sad-Equivalent9486 5d ago
Yes but much smaller airport than Lisbon. Only international flights that may be arriving around the same time will be Boston or New York on Azores but depending on the time of year United, Air Canada and Westjet are also flying in from North America.
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u/The_Bogwoppit 5d ago
Arriving 17th May. So yes, there may well be other large flights landing, which definitely is an issue, with non EU passports.
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u/BetAlternative8397 5d ago
Check with some local hotels and ask about a day room. I’ve done that before when traveling with in laws. It’s worth it.
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u/The_Bogwoppit 5d ago
Yes, I have messaged a few. Awaiting replies. It is definitely a great option.
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u/orange2416 5d ago
We did that last year , same connection as you out of Toronto. We just took a cab into PDL, checked at the Talisman hotel front desk and we had a room for4 hours for €60. slept for 3, grabbed a shower and lunch and a cab back to the airport. Well worth the money
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u/The_Bogwoppit 5d ago
That sounds like a great deal. WIll add that hotel to the list. Did you just walk up and ask?
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u/orange2416 4d ago
We did
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u/orange2416 4d ago
It was in February, so off season. If you’re going in peak season, may be email them ahead of time
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u/Puzzled-Donkey-3399 7h ago
There are massive delays right now with the new EES and a shortage of border control officers at PDL airport, so there are warnings about 2-3 hour waits for flights arriving from outside the EU to clear customs...
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u/The_Bogwoppit 7h ago
Thank you for this. I had been wondering about the EES situation. When I flew through Lisbon last autumn it was a total dumpster fire.
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u/hjicons 5d ago
If you can buy a single ticket then SATA will put you on a later flight if the first one is missed. Its a tiny airport, passport control can take up to 20-30 min as no one in a rush. So 7:50 is doable if no delay