How Much Connection Time You Really Need at Each Hub

Airlines publish official Minimum Connection Times for every airport they serve, but these numbers represent the absolute minimum—not what you should actually book. Understanding the real-world factors that affect connection success helps you choose layovers that balance efficiency with reliability.

What Minimum Connection Times Actually Mean

MCTs assume your inbound flight arrives on time, you’re seated near the front of the aircraft, no lines exist at security or customs, and your outbound gate is conveniently located. In practice, any deviation from this best-case scenario threatens your connection.

Airlines set different MCTs for domestic-to-domestic, domestic-to-international, and international-to-domestic connections. International arrivals requiring customs and immigration processing need significantly more time—often 90+ minutes at busy ports of entry.

Adding Buffer to Published Minimums

Domestic connections at familiar airports: Add 15-20 minutes to published MCT for reasonable buffer. A 45-minute minimum becomes a 60-65 minute target when booking.

Domestic connections at complex hubs: Add 25-35 minutes for airports like O’Hare, DFW, or Atlanta where terminal changes require trains or long walks. That 50-minute minimum should be 75-85 minutes in practice.

International arrivals: Add 30-45 minutes to MCT, especially at airports with historically slow customs processing. Global Entry or Mobile Passport can reduce needed buffer, but shouldn’t be assumed to work perfectly every time.

Factors That Eat Connection Time

Aircraft deplaning: Rear-cabin passengers can take 15-20 minutes to exit after door opening. Middle seats in back rows suffer most from this delay.

Gate location changes: Airlines frequently update gate assignments. A comfortable connection can become tight if gates change after boarding begins on your inbound flight.

Weather delays: Both inbound delays and ground stops at your connection airport can cascade into missed connections even with generous layovers.

Security re-screening: Some connections require passing through security again, adding 15-30 minutes depending on lines and PreCheck availability.

When Short Connections Make Sense

Same-concourse connections on the same airline with checked bags can work with shorter times. The airline handles bag transfers, and minimal walking reduces risk.

Early morning flights typically experience fewer delays and shorter lines. A tight connection at 6 AM carries less risk than the same timing at 5 PM.

Premium cabin passengers board last and deplane first, making tight connections more feasible. First class on both segments significantly improves connection success probability.

Protecting Yourself When Connections Fail

Book connections on the same ticket whenever possible. Airlines have legal obligations to rebook you when they cause missed connections. Separate tickets leave you responsible for rebooking costs.

Know alternative flights. Before traveling, identify later options to your destination. If your connection looks threatened, proactively ask for rebooking rather than waiting until after you’ve missed the flight.