I’ve learned that airport connections look very different when you’re booking a ticket versus when you’re actually running through a terminal. Forty-five minutes can sound manageable on a screen and feel impossible once you’re on the ground. That difference became very real on a trip where I was traveling with a group of about fifteen people, connecting through Munich on the way to New York, landing in Newark. On paper, everything worked. In reality, we barely did.

The setup

We landed in Munich already aware that this was going to be tight. What we didn’t fully account for was how much ground we had to cover and the extra steps involved in connecting to a U.S.-bound flight. Even though we were just transiting, we still had to go through security again. The walk to get there was long, and once we arrived, the line moved slowly enough to make everyone nervous. With a group that size, it was clear early on that not everyone was going to make it to the gate at the same time.

What we decided to do

Instead of trying to stay together at all costs, we made a simple decision. Whoever could move the fastest would go ahead and see what could be done once they reached the gate. I pushed forward, cleared security, and headed straight there. By the time I arrived, boarding had already started and the crew was preparing to close things out.

Talking to the gate staff

Because I was physically at the gate, I could explain what was going on. I told the gate agent that we were a group of fifteen passengers connecting from another flight, that our inbound connection had been tight, and that the rest of the group was still coming through security. I didn’t argue or demand anything. I just explained the situation and asked if there was any chance they could wait a few minutes. They agreed.

How it turned out

One by one, the rest of the group arrived. Everyone was stressed, a little out of breath, and very relieved. Every person boarded the flight, and the door closed shortly afterward. What could have easily turned into missed flights and rebookings ended with everyone seated and on their way to New York.

Why this actually worked

Airline crews deal with late passengers all the time, but there’s an important difference between someone who arrives late to the airport and someone who is delayed because of a tight connection the airline itself sold. When it’s a connection and the crew knows the passengers are already in the airport, already through security, and already represented at the gate, they’re often far more willing to wait as long as they have the information. If no one shows up, the plane leaves. If someone does, there’s at least a conversation.

The simple lesson

If you’re traveling with a group and you’re facing a tight connection, it doesn’t hurt to try. Getting one person to the gate can make all the difference. Be calm, be respectful, and explain that you’re connecting, not arriving late. Sometimes the answer will still be no. But sometimes, asking is exactly what saves the trip.

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