A connection that looks fine on a booking screen can feel very different on the ground. The right layover depends on the airport, the type of transfer and how much risk you are comfortable with.
Know the minimum connection time
Every airport publishes a minimum connection time, and booking systems will not sell a connection shorter than that. It is a floor, not a recommendation. It assumes everything runs on schedule.
Domestic or international?
- Domestic to domestic in the same terminal: around an hour is usually comfortable.
- International arrival with passport control and customs: plan for two to three hours, especially at large hubs.
- Changing terminals: add time for trains, buses and a second security check.
One ticket or two?
When both flights are on one ticket, the airline is responsible for rebooking you if the first flight is late. With two separate tickets, a missed connection is usually your problem. Separate tickets need a much bigger buffer.
Factor in the season and time of day
Winter weather, summer thunderstorms and the last bank of evening departures all raise the chance of delays. A longer layover on the last flight of the day can save an unplanned hotel night.
Make a long layover work for you
If you have five hours or more, check whether you can visit the city, use a lounge day pass or book a short-stay rest room. Some long connections are a bonus rather than a burden.
Our fare experts check every connection before recommending it. If a gap looks tight, we tell you and suggest a safer option.