Free tool

Is your layover long enough?

Answer a few questions about your connection to get a realistic minimum and a comfortable layover time.

Ticket
Connection type
Terminal
My layover
h min
—
Realistic minimum—
Comfortable—

    Quick answer

    On a single ticket, 60–90 minutes is usually enough for an international connection at a large hub if you stay in the same terminal. Add 30+ minutes for a terminal change, about 45 minutes if you must clear immigration, and at least 2 extra hours on separate tickets where you must collect and re-check bags.

    How we calculate layover time

    We start from typical minimum connection times: about 40 minutes for domestic connections, 60 minutes for international-to-international and 75 minutes for international-to-domestic. Then we add time for each thing that slows you down:

    • Terminal change: +30 min (shuttles, trains and a second security check)
    • Different airport: +2 h (ground transfer and full check-in again)
    • Immigration/customs: +45 min
    • Separate tickets: +60 min to exit, check in and clear security, plus +30 min for bags
    • Very large hub: +15 min of walking
    • Long-haul inbound / peak season: +20 min each for delay risk

    The "comfortable" figure adds a 40% buffer, which is what we'd book for an important trip.

    Missed it anyway? Read what to do if you miss a connecting flight.

    Frequently asked questions

    How does the layover calculator work?

    It starts from a typical minimum connection time for your route type, then adds time for terminal or airport changes, immigration, re-checking bags on separate tickets, very large airports, long-haul inbound flights and peak or winter travel.

    Is the calculator result the official minimum connection time?

    No. Official minimum connection times (MCTs) are set by each airport and airline. This tool gives a realistic estimate, including a safety buffer, to help you judge whether a connection is comfortable.

    Is a 90-minute layover enough for an international connection?

    Often yes on one ticket at a well-run hub with no terminal change. It becomes risky if you change terminals, pass immigration, have separate tickets, or your first flight is long-haul and delay-prone.