How long should I leave between connecting flights?
For connecting flights, allow 60-90 minutes for domestic itineraries. International connections need more time, so plan for at least two to three hours. Consider factors like airport size and potential delays when booking.
- Is 45 minutes enough time for a connecting flight in Zurich?
- What happens if you miss a connecting flight because your first flight was delayed?
- Which country gives citizenship fastest?
- What is the fastest way to post a parcel UK?
- How can I charge my laptop without a power supply?
- What happens if you miss a connecting flight due to delay?
How much time is needed for connecting flights at the airport?
Okay, lemme tell ya ’bout connecting flights, from my own kinda messed up experiences, haha.
Connection Time Guidelines: Aim for 60-90 minutes for domestic connections and 2-3 hours for international.
Seriously though, the “right” time? So complicated. I missed a flight once in Atlanta (ATL) with an hour and a half layover. Crazy, right?
Ended up stuck there from 7pm till, like, 6am the next day. That was a Delta flight… ugh, never again if I can help it.
The problem was my first flight was late leaving LaGuardia (LGA) – typical New York, always something. By the time I landed in Atlanta, sprinted to the next gate… gone. $150 hotel voucher and a lot of stress.
Now, interrrnational… different beast entirely. I almost didn’t make a connection in Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) back in February ’22. Two hours felt like nothing. Place is HUGE. Customs, changing terminals, security… Whew!
So yeah, the travel advisors? Probably know what they’re talking about. But give yourself extra time, seriously. Don’t be like me, crying in the airport. And pack snacks. You’ll thank me later.
How much time should I allow between connecting flights?
Two hours. Enough. Usually.
Checked bags? Three hours. Minimum.
Airlines change. Flights delay. Missed it.
- Domestic: 2 hours.
- International: 3 hours. At least.
A missed connection? Pain. Simple math.
- Buffer: It’s not optional.
- My time? Priceless.
Connecting flight? Stress. Plan ahead. Always.
Time is money. Always.
How much time should I allow between connecting flights?
Two hours, huh? Yeah. I remember missing that flight to Chicago in 2023. Never again.
Two hours for sure, if it’s the same airline. Two hours is the bare minimum. Ugh.
Then, add an hour? Three hours total. Okay. Different airlines? Yeah. Or if you have to collect your bag. Never trust them to transfer it. That one time, the suitcase went to Denver. Denver! I was going to Philly.
- Minimum Time: Two hours (same airline, domestic).
- Additional Time: One hour extra if:
- Different airlines.
- Checked luggage.
- Personal Rule: Always overestimate. Adds certainty.
It’s not just the flight; it’s the walk. The lines. Oh, the endless security lines. And grabbing bad airport coffee. The stress. Three hours minimum. My peace of mind is worth more than an hour saved, frankly.
I’ll never let that Denver suitcase incident happen ever, ever, ever again. Never. Three hours. Done.
Feedback on answer:
Thank you for your feedback! Your feedback is important to help us improve our answers in the future.