Sage-Tips

What is the minimum connecting time from international to domestic flight?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer here, it can vary greatly from one airport to another. Some international airports have a minimum connecting time as low as 30 minutes. But usually, when traveling internationally, the MCT is at least an hour. It can go up to 2 hours in large airports requiring a change of terminal.

What does 1 hour layover mean?

A layover is a broad term that means any connection between flights. This could include a stop as short as 30 minutes (depending upon the airport) or as long as four hours (or up to 23 hours and 59 minutes on international flights).

Are connecting flights considered international?

If both the domestic as well as international sectors are by the same airline, one can check in for both sectors while checking in for the domestic leg and baggage also can be checked in to the destination.

Can I leave the airport during a layover on a domestic flight?

Yes, you can leave the airport during domestic layovers. For instance, if you’re a US citizen and have a layover within the country, it is legal and safe to leave the airport. Be aware that you’ll probably be getting two boarding passes if the domestic layover is more than an hour.

Is 1 hour long enough for connecting flights?

The recommended layover time for domestic flights is normally one hour. However, as previously stated, you may require longer if your flights are booked with two different airlines, if you are traveling to a very busy airport or if you require special assistance.

Is a 2 hour layover enough to get through customs?

The recommended layover time for international flights is generally longer, as you will have to go through customs and immigration before boarding your next flight. In most cases, a 30-minute layover for domestic flights and an hour for international flights is considered a minimum, or short, layover.

How long does it take to make an international layover?

For international layover flights booked on one airline, two hours is often recommended to make your connection. For international flights on different airlines, the connection time will need to be even greater as you may have to change terminals between the two flights. You may also have to claim and re-check your baggage.

Do layovers affect my connecting flight time?

Theoretically, when you book air travel online, any available tickets that include layovers should allow you enough time to make your connecting flight. In reality, it’s not quite that simple.

What is a short layover at the airport?

Sometimes, this will mean staying on the aircraft while it lands to drop off and pick up passengers. Other times, it will mean you have to get off the plane and board a new one at the airport. When you only have a very limited time to make your connecting flight, this is called a short layover (or a tight connection).

Do you have to go through customs for layover flights?

For international layover flights, you will normally have to go through customs and immigration at the connecting airport. For flights with a layover in Canada or the USA, you will need to go through immigration and fill out the necessary customs paperwork even if you are not staying in the country.