Is Your Layover Long Enough?
Planning a trip involves several parts, and unless you’re staying close to home, chances are you will need a flight. I always try to book non-stop flights because they’re easier to deal with. But what if you’re flying somewhere that’s too far away for a non-stop flight? What if the non-stop flights are significantly more expensive? There are many reasons why you might end up with a two or even three leg flight, and while there are no guarantees, it’s important to determine whether your layover is long enough.
Is your layover long enough for your luggage?
As always, I would encourage you to travel carry-on only, but if you have to check luggage, this will factor into your layover. The baggage handlers need to unload the entire plane once it lands. Some of that luggage will stay at the airport for those passengers who aren’t traveling on, but for everyone else, their luggage will be redistributed to any number of airplanes. This takes time, more so at a bigger airport.
If you have a short layover, any little delay in the process could mean your luggage won’t have time to make it from the first plane to the second. It could be hours, or even days, before your luggage catches up to you.
Is your layover long enough to get through the airport?
During your layover, you have to be able to get from the gate where your first flight came in to the gate where your second flight leaves. Sometimes this is as simple as walking a little ways down the hall. But other times it could mean a long walk, or even a ride on an airport tram, and switching terminals.
In bigger airports, getting from one end to the other could easily take 20 minutes or more, especially if you’re not familiar with the airport. Worse yet, some airports have different security check points for different sections of the airport, which means you might have to go through the security line again.
Don’t forget to leave yourself time for boarding the second flight. Boarding usually starts anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes before the actual flight time, and the doors close before flight time.
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Is your layover long enough for an international flight?
In some places, you have to claim your luggage upon arrival even if you’re on a layover in the middle of an international flight. For example, if you are returning from a trip to Australia, and you live in Atlanta, chances are you will fly from Sydney to Los Angeles and then continue on to Atlanta. In the US, you are required to claim your luggage once you get through passport check. Before you can go to your second flight, you have to bring your luggage to another line to be rechecked, and then you go through security again. This can be time consuming.
Even if your connection is in a country that doesn’t require this, you will still have to go through their passport check or transit line. This will take a lot more time that getting from one gate to another on a domestic layover.
Is your layover long enough to change airports?
I highly recommend you avoid this at all costs. Having to change airports during a layover is a lot more stressful and complicated than just switching gates. But in rare cases you might not have a choice. Some cities have two airports, one that’s predominantly for domestic flights and the other for international flights. I’ve also seen flight schedules where your first flight lands in one of New York City’s airports and the second flight takes off from the other.
If you really can’t book a flight with connection in the same airport, research how long it will take to get from one to the other. Sometimes there are airport shuttles for cases like this, but often you will need to rely on a taxi or public transportation. Give yourself a buffer above what your research tells you. Take into account the time of day you will be switching since rush hour will most likely add to your time. Plus don’t forget you will need an hour or two at the airport ahead of your flight. And if the first flight was international, see the previous section.
No one wants to get stuck sitting in an airport for hours on a long layover, but the alternative resulting from a layover that’s too short could be much worse. Your checked luggage might not make it to the next plane, or you might not have enough time to get through the airport. International flights have extra steps you need to get through on a layover.
The amount of time you need will vary depending on a variety of factors, including your own comfort level. In general, I try to avoid layovers with less than an hour for domestic flights and layovers with less than two hours for international flights.
Layovers can be complicated. Every time you book a flight with a connection, look at all the details and ask yourself, is the layover long enough?
You might also be interested in:
- Carry-On Luggage Size Chart with over 170 Airlines
- Layover Perks You Never Knew About
- 8 Things to do If You Think Your Layover is too Short
- Can I leave the airport during a layover?
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[…] ticket, I could’ve booked my return flight from Frankfurt to Melbourne with probably one reasonable layover. Instead I was stuck going from Frankfurt to Abu Dhabi to Bangkok to Saigon. Then I had to sit in […]
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[…] I bought a ticket on Delta from Atlanta to Manchester, England (for the record, London was the same price but the departure time worked better for me) and then took Air Malta. EasyJet was actually cheaper, but it wasn’t worth the 14 hour layover. […]
November 1, 2013 @ 3:29 pm
Great post! I work in travel and I’ll tell ya, the airlines are really cutting it close with layovers these days. Just two years ago almost any layover was a least an hour (domestic flights).. Now, I’ll pull up flights and find layovers as short as 25 minutes. This always makes me nervous! One tiny delay and you’ve missed your flight. And because there are fewer flights available, chances of finding another flight out on the same day may prove difficult. You are so right that you need to pay attention to your layover time AND what airport you are flying into. If it’s a busy, large airport you will need time, as you mention above, to get to your next gate.
November 3, 2013 @ 11:37 am
25 minutes? That’s crazy! Sometimes it takes that long just for the plane to taxi to the gate and for everyone to get off the plane. No thanks. And you’re right, it’s not always easy to get onto another flight if you miss your connection. Thanks Tracy!
November 1, 2013 @ 8:32 pm
This was very helpful! Thanks, Ali! I always have a huge fear of my luggage getting lost and usually try to avoid checking it in. I realize now that there’s a higher chance of it getting lost when you have difficult connections to make.
Happy travels 🙂
November 3, 2013 @ 11:41 am
Thanks Lauren! I try not to check luggage for many reasons, I just find it easier to bring less and keep it with me. But there are certainly times when it doesn’t work out, and a short layover can be disastrous.
November 2, 2013 @ 4:19 pm
This is a really useful article. Because I have never traveled overseas and all of my air travel has been domestic within Australia between two destinations – that is, only one leg of travel in each direction and usually between Melbourne and Sydney, layovers haven’t been something that I’ve had to factor in yet. Knowing my health isn’t all that flash, I would prefer overnight layovers in a particular city as a means of resting and recuperating. For example if I was to fly from Australia to the United States, I would do a layover in Hawaii, probably for a couple of days the first time round to get used to doing a layover and being in Hawaii as a tourist, and then once I’ve been a tourist in Hawaii the first time round, I would only do a one night layover if I did the same trip in the future. I think that that would be the best way to go as it would reduce jet lag (at least I think it would), and would limit the risk of any DVT issues that I might face.
What do you think Ali?
November 3, 2013 @ 11:48 am
Thanks Matthew! You’d really have to look into your flight options if you wanted to stay overnight or a few nights for your layover. Occasionally you can find a flight with a really long layover, but at most it would be one night. If you wanted to fly to Hawaii for a few days before continuing to somewhere else in the US, you might have to book separate tickets which could get quite expensive. BUT there are passes you can use that might help. So for example, if you book roundtrip airfare with Qantas from Melbourne to the US with a return flight several weeks later, then you can add one of these North America passes to fly to other parts of the US, Canada, and lots of other countries in North America. That way you could schedule your layovers a little better in order to give yourself plenty of down time. Check this out for more info: http://www.oneworld.com/flights/single-continent-fares/visit-north-america/
November 3, 2013 @ 11:55 am
Thank you so much Ali 🙂 I’ll check out that site now. Hopefully I can make a trip to the States while the Australian dollar is still close to parity and pick up some serious bargains while I’m there.
I’ve always wanted to go to Canada and came very close to applying for a working holiday visa twice but never went ahead and did it. I still want to go someday though when I’m a little better health wise.
November 20, 2013 @ 5:19 pm
Oh, layovers! I usually don’t book anything with under 2 hours, even for domestic, otherwise I start to get tetchy! Dubai is one airport where you do NOT want a short layover – it took 40 minutes just go from where the plane was parked to get to the terminal, and the plane was Emirates, which is Dubai airport’s primary carrier! Depending on what city I go through, I might plan a really long layover just so that I can have a day or so to explore – I could have had a 4 hour layover in Kuala Lumpur on my way to Taipei, but decided on a 16 hour layover instead, so that’ll give me time to meet up with some friends there!
I’m always worried about my luggage not making it too, so travel with carry-on only for that reason whenever I can.
November 21, 2013 @ 11:05 am
Thanks Tom! Good to know about Dubai, I’ve never connected there before. I like long layovers too sometimes depending on the city. A 4 hour layover in Kuala Lumpur definitely wouldn’t be long enough to leave the airport, especially since the airport is an hour or so from the city. I once intentionally booked myself a 10 hour layover in London and ran around the city for a few hours. Andy did the same in Hong Kong a couple years ago on a 14 hour layover.
November 21, 2013 @ 7:48 am
Hi Ali,
It was just great to read your blog and was very helpful.
Thanks a ton!
November 21, 2013 @ 11:06 am
Thanks! Glad to help!
May 1, 2014 @ 5:37 am
Does anyone have experience with minimum layover times in MIA / American Airlines between domestic and international flight?
May 1, 2014 @ 10:25 am
Hi Steffi, the last time I did that was about 5 years ago. What I remember is that switching in MIA from my domestic flight to my international flight wasn’t so bad. As long as your flights are all on the same itinerary, American Airlines will check you in for both legs and give you both boarding passes, so even if you have to change terminals at MIA, it won’t really be any different than a domestic switch. I’d still allow for at least an hour. On the way back from whatever country you’re going to, you might want to leave yourself more time, even two hours. You’ll have to go through US immigration, which can be a pain at that particular airport, then you have to collect any checked luggage you might have, talk to the customs people (which can take a minute or 20 just depending on the line and their mood) and recheck your luggage before you can go through TSA and back into the airport to find your next flight. I’m sure it can be done in an hour, but I don’t think I’d feel comfortable with less than two hours. I hope this helps, feel free to email me with any other questions, and enjoy your trip!
That Time I Took a Shower at the Airport | Ali's Adventures
May 12, 2014 @ 8:01 am
[…] leaving from terminal 2, otherwise I don’t think the plan would have worked. If you have a layover in Singapore and want to use the showers in terminal 2, go there BEFORE clearing immigration and […]
May 22, 2014 @ 6:50 pm
I hit post before I was done….oops….
We are headed to the Caribbean in a few weeks and have to check bags and connect in Charlotte on our way there. (We are fying direct on the way home). Our layover is 90 minutes and my wife has some concerns over our luggage not having enough time to be transferred to the connecting plane. What is your opinion ? Thanks
May 23, 2014 @ 11:50 am
Hi Brian! 90 minutes should be fine. Obviously I can’t guarantee anything, but I think 90 minutes will be enough time for them to transfer your luggage from one flight to the other. Charlotte does deal with a decent amount of connections but it’s also not a really huge airport. And since you’re starting in the US and connecting in the US, you won’t actually have to re-check your luggage. (When you fly from outside the US to the US and have a connection, you have to collect your luggage at the first US airport and re-check it. It doesn’t take long, but it’s annoying. Your direct flight home will be nicer.)
Have a great trip, and let me know if you have any other questions!
May 26, 2014 @ 8:42 am
Hi there,
I’m flying from Boston to Shannon, Ireland, and then from Shannon on to England. I have a 45 minute layover in Shannon, and I’m worried that it won’t be enough time. From what I’ve heard, shannon is a fairly small airport, but I’m just thinking that with all the luggage on an international flight that even if I make it, my bag might not. I’m flying Aer Lingus. Any thoughts?
May 26, 2014 @ 2:27 pm
Hi Louise! Shannon does look like a small airport, here’s a map of the layout: http://www.shannonairport.ie/gns/Passengers/Relax/arport-maps/terminal-map.aspx. 45 minutes does sound short, but if the airline booked you that way (you’re on one itinerary, not two separate ones) then it’s their responsibility to make sure you make the next flight or get you on a later one if your first flight is delayed. Same for your luggage. To be on the safe side, you should pack anything you wouldn’t want to lose plus a change of clothes, toothbrush, stuff like that, in your carry-on bag. That way if your luggage is delayed, you’ll have some things to get you started. Check out my post on what to pack in your carry-on: https://travel-made-simple.com/what-to-pack-in-your-carry-on-bag/ Another thing you can try is when you’re checking in for the first flight in Boston, ask the person at the counter if they have any way of specially tagging your luggage to get pulled out early to make the connection. They might not be able to do anything, but it’s worth asking.
July 8, 2014 @ 4:42 pm
I have a 45 minute layover at Chicago O’Hair… I’ve never been there, or had a layover before. Is that enough time?
July 8, 2014 @ 5:17 pm
Hi Mariah! O’Hare is a pretty big airport, so 45 minutes might be cutting it close. If you’re staying with the same airline and both flights are domestic, your chances are higher that you will make it. Unfortunately it depends on a lot of factors, like time of day and how busy they are. If you’re checking luggage, ask the person at the check-in counter if there’s anything they can do to tag your luggage to get pulled off the first plane early so it has a better chance of making it to the second flight. As for you, if possible, try to get a seat as close to the front of the plane as possible and preferably an aisle seat. Have all your carry-on stuff put back in your bags and ready to go as soon as the plane lands, and go for it as soon as you can get out of your seat. You might get to your second flight with no problems at all, especially if the gate is nearby, but unfortunately it could go the other way. If you miss your connection because your first flight is delayed, they should reschedule you on a later second flight.
Good luck and happy travels!
July 9, 2014 @ 11:10 am
Hi Ali ,
Well unfortunately I bought my plane ticket before coming across this and now I am very nervous . Of course I thought woohoo short layover great . I got plane tickets to visit my aunt in Morelia , Mexico . This flight goes from Las Vegas to Dfw to Morelia . With the lay over of 50 minuets . Both flights are on American Airlines . I’ve never flown a flight with a layover so really don’t know what I’ve got myself into 🙁 . Will I have to go through immigration here and in Dallas ? Will I need to recheck my luggage in Dallas ? Do I have to arrive at Las Vegas international the 2 hours before like on other international flights ?
July 9, 2014 @ 7:29 pm
Hi Daniel! A 50 minute layover is short, but hopefully it won’t be too short. Assuming you booked both flights as one itinerary, American Airlines seems to think you can make the switch, so I will keep my fingers crossed for you! Here’s a link to maps of the terminals at DFW: http://www.dfwairport.com/terminals/ and a link with info about transferring between gates with their skylink inside of security: http://www.dfwairport.com/connect/index.php Unfortunately there’s no way to know ahead of time where your first flight lands and where the second flight leaves from, but it might help you feel a little more oriented to see the maps ahead of time.
When you’re leaving the US to go to Mexico, there really isn’t any sort of immigration to deal with. The person at the check-in counter will check your passport, but other than that it’s just like flying domestic. That will happen in Vegas, and they’ll print your boarding passes for both flights. (If you’re not checking luggage and you check in online and print your tickets at home, you should still be able to skip the check-in counter, but once you get to the gate, the gate agent will want to see your passport, most likely before the boarding process even begins.)
Once you’re in DFW, all you have to do is find your next gate. Your luggage will be tagged to go from Vegas to DFW to Morelia, so you don’t have to pick it up.
However, coming home is a little different. When you check in at the airport in Morelia, they should still print both of your boarding passes. I’ve never flown through Mexico, but I imagine it’s like every single other country except the US in that you have to go through a separate passport check line before you get to security and eventually your gate.
When you land in DFW, you WILL have to go through US immigration and passport check lines. You’ll also have to pick up your luggage and re-check it. Re-checking varies a bit from airport to airport, and I’m sorry I don’t know exactly what it’s like at DFW because I’ve only flown through there on domestic flights. But usually the re-checking is as simple as putting it onto a conveyor belt while you’re still in the immigration area, so it really doesn’t take long. After that, you’ll have to go through security again. Again, in most airports there is a special checkpoint right there in the immigration area. (I looked around on the DFW website to see if they had any info on their set-up but I couldn’t find anything.)
Technically your first flight is domestic. But a lot of airports/airlines are now recommending that people show up 2 hours ahead even for domestic flights in case there are long lines at TSA or check-in. I’ve had times flying out of Vegas where the line at TSA took me 45 minutes to get through, so better to be early and breeze through than to arrive later and get stuck in a long line and miss your flight.
Try not to worry. If you miss your connection, especially if it’s because the first flight was delayed, American Airlines will hopefully be able to help you get on another flight. And enjoy your trip! If you have any other questions, feel free to email me!
July 26, 2014 @ 12:09 pm
Hi Ali,
I am glad I came across your article. I will go to Seattle from India with my parents. The plane I was thinking of booking ( Cathay Pacific) has 1hr 40 mins layover time in LAX. Is it sufficient ? We will have 4/5 check-in bags in total. The other planes are costlier.
Previously I planned to go to San Francisco first ( This plane has only one stop, in Hong Kong ) and stay in a friend’s house for 2 nights. Then I would board South West Airlines’ flight to Seattle.
On the other hand, if I go for a direct flight to Seattle, all planes have 2 stops. Also, except for the ones with 1 hr 40 mins layover time in LAX, all planes have total journey time of 30 hours or more. Can you please suggest me which way should I opt for? Its our first international tour and my parents have some health problems too.
July 26, 2014 @ 9:24 pm
Hi Nilanjana! That’s a tough call. 1 hour 40 minutes isn’t horrible, but it might be cutting it a little close. Once you land in LAX, you’ll have to go through passport check, pick up your checked luggage, and then talk to the customs people before re-checking your bags and going to find your next gate. LAX is a popular entry point for flights from Asia and Australia, so sometimes the lines can be long. But ultimately I think it comes down to the fact that your parents have some health problems. I don’t know what the problems are, but I can imagine fewer layovers might be best. You can probably get the airport to transfer your parents to the next gate, which would actually save a lot of time. You could even try calling the airline ahead of time and talking to them about what you need to do to get assistance with the transfer for your parents. Your plan to stop in San Francisco for a couple nights sounds good too. It would be just the one layover in Hong Kong, and the stop in San Francisco would give you all a chance to rest a little before continuing on to Seattle.
I wish it was easier for me to tell you “choose this one!” but your situation sounds a little complicated. I think you have to go with whatever option is going to be easiest on your parents, given their health problems, even if that means spending a little extra money. Long international flights are exhausting, and in my experience, it’s best to have as few layovers as possible.
Side note: make sure you know the address of where you’re staying in the US to put on the immigration form they give you on the plane. Even if you do the San Francisco option and you’re only staying at your friend’s place for a couple days, have that address handy to put on the form. The last time I flew into the US (through LAX), I didn’t know my friend’s address, so I just wrote the city and state, and the passport check person got really mad at me. She made me get out of line and dig through my bags to find the address. And I’m a US citizen, so it’s not like I even needed permission to be there.
Anyway, I’m sorry I couldn’t give you a definite answer, but I hope this helps a little. If you have any other questions, feel free to email me! And have a great trip to Seattle, wonderful city!
August 5, 2014 @ 2:44 pm
Hi Ali,
Thank you for the article! It was very informative, but I do have a specific question…
I am booking a flight from SFO to BNA and have a lay over in DFW. My lay over is only 45 minutes, my flight is through American Airlines.
Do you think this is enough time to catch my next flight? Also, another factor to consider is I will be landing in DFW at 9pm.
Thanks!
August 5, 2014 @ 9:28 pm
Hi Brittni! 45 minutes is pretty tight. If you haven’t already booked it, you might feel more comfortable with a longer option, if available. If you’ve already booked or there just isn’t a good alternative, I think the best you can do is try to get an aisle seat as close to the front of the plane as possible, and have all your stuff ready to grab and go as soon as the first flight lands. Pack anything essential in your carry-on, though if you’re able to avoid checking luggage altogether, you won’t have to worry about your luggage making the switch. Flying domestic for both flights helps though since you won’t have to worry about the passport check lines or anything like that.
Later in the day is when there are more chances for delayed flights. If a flight gets delayed earlier in the day, there’s a domino effect. That could work against you if it means your first flight is delayed, but it could work in your favor if the second flight is delayed.
Check out my reply to Daniel a few comments up. I put some links in there for the DFW airport that might be helpful.
You could end up with no problems at all and a really easy gate switch. Unfortunately there’s no way to predict it. I wish I could give you a more definite answer! Let me know if I can help with anything else, and have a great trip!
August 9, 2014 @ 1:42 pm
Dear Ali,
Feeling bad trouble you with my question but I’m just so stuck!
I’m planning to fly from Tampa to Singapore with Delta and the flight route is Tampa – Atlanta (1hr 26m layover) – Narita – Singapore.
Is the 1hr 26m layover safe enough? I assume that since I’m flying Delta for all sectors, I will be able to check thru my lugguage from Tampa (so no need to wait for luggage).
Will I have to go through Immigrations/Customs again at Atlanta?
Would love to take this route instead of going Tampa – LAX (4hr layover), thank you in advance!
August 9, 2014 @ 3:06 pm
No problem at all, I’m here to help!
I think an hour 26 minutes in Atlanta should be ok, especially on your way TO Singapore. The US doesn’t really do immigration when you’re leaving the country. The person at the check-in counter in Tampa will check your passport and print your tickets for all flights, and other than showing your passport, you won’t notice anything different from a domestic flight. Assuming you’ve booked the whole thing on one itinerary (as opposed to piecing together the flights) your luggage will get checked from Tampa all the way to Singapore. I had to go through a security screening in Narita on a layover once, but it wasn’t a big deal, so I think you’ll be fine there too.
On your way home, assuming you have the exact same flights and Atlanta is your first stop in the US, you WILL have to go through immigration, so that will take a little longer. You have to go through the passport line, and then collect your checked luggage and talk to the immigration person, which shouldn’t take too long depending on the lines. Then there’s a conveyor belt to re-check your bags for the Atlanta – Tampa flight. Then you go through a security check and get sent back into the main area of the airport, though I don’t remember which terminal you end up in. An hour and 26 minute layover on this part might be a bit tight, but it really varies by time of day and day of the week. I’ve gotten through immigration and customs in Atlanta very quickly, but there have also been times when it took an eternity.
I think you’ll be ok here, but I can’t guarantee anything. Let me know if I can help with anything else, and enjoy your trip to Singapore!
August 9, 2014 @ 8:01 pm
Thank you Ali!
Really good information – will go book my Delta flight now!
August 9, 2014 @ 9:23 pm
You’re welcome! Have a great trip!
August 10, 2014 @ 12:04 am
Dear Ali,
Unbelievable! in between me asking you for advice and going back to book – Delta has somehow amended the flight time of the Atlanta – Narita leg.
So now the layover is 1hr 10mins!
Am I safe to assume that layover over 45 minutes in Atlanta should be safe?
August 10, 2014 @ 12:51 am
Dear Ali,
The horrors! Between me posting my enquiry and getting your reply – Delta has moved up the Atlanta-Narita flight such that my layover from Tampa is now 1hr 10mins!
Is it save to say that a straight thru layover above 45 minutes will be safe?
I’ve googled and it seems the flight gets into T zone of Atlanta and the flight to Narita will be from zone F.
(one end of the airport to the other!)
Have read that the shuttle connector from end to end is about 15 minutes – any idea how often this shuttle runs? Like departures every 5 mins?
Thanks dear!
August 10, 2014 @ 1:32 pm
SO sorry they’ve changed the flight! I don’t think 15 minutes will make that much difference. The shuttle train thing in the Atlanta airport runs fairly often. At least every 5 minutes, maybe even every 2 minutes. I don’t think it even takes 15 minutes to get from the T-gates to F terminal, but maybe. When you get off your flight from Tampa, just look for signs to the other terminals and don’t leave the secured area. A 45 minute layover might be pushing it, but an hour 10 minutes should be fine. I hope this helps and good luck!
August 11, 2014 @ 4:12 am
Help!! I am just now realizing that we only have 1 hour between flights.
American Airlines – Depart St. Louis and arrive in Miami at 10:00 a.m. And next flight is Departing 11:00 a.m. To Curacao. We really can’t squeeze
All our stuff into carry ons, so I am also concerned our luggage will never have enough time to transfer.
Is Miami airport very big?
AA Flight Attendants ever willing to get you off the airplane first if you tell them your next flight is 1 hour?
We depart St. Louis at 6 a.m. – and then with no time between flights to get food, so won’t be in Curacao until 2:00 and have children traveling with us, does AA serve meals on flights?
Thank You
Maggi
August 11, 2014 @ 10:25 am
Hi Maggi! On your way to Curacao, it isn’t really any different than flying domestic. An hour might be tight, but you should be able to make it. You won’t have any immigration lines to deal with leaving the US. When you check into your flights in St. Louis, ask the person at the check-in counter if there’s any way they can change your seats to somewhere towards the front of the plane and aisle seats. I doubt the flight attendants will let you out first, mostly because there’s no way to stop all the other passengers ahead of you. Just make sure your carry-on bags are all packed up and ready before you land, so you can grab them and go. As for your luggage, just make sure anything vital is in your carry-on: any medications, valuables, electronics, and pack a change of clothes and toiletries just in case your luggage does get delayed. I’d hate for you to be in Curacao and not be able to jump in the water!
What’s your layover like on the way home? You WILL have to go through passport check and immigration when you re-enter the US, and that could take some time. When you come back to the US, you’ll also have to pick up your checked bags somewhere during the customs/immigration process and recheck them. The exact procedure varies from one airport to another, but again, make sure your valuables stay in your carry-on in case your checked luggage gets delayed on its way to your second flight.
Most airlines in the US no longer serve food on domestic flights. Usually just a small bag of pretzels or something. It looks like the flight from Miami to Curacao is about 3 hours. Usually airlines will feed you on an international flight, but I’m not sure if they will on a shorter flight like this. Probably some kind of snack, but not likely a full meal. If I were you, I’d pack some snacks for your kids just in case. Some granola bars, sandwiches that don’t need to be refrigerated, something like that. They’ll definitely have drinks for you on board, so don’t worry about that part.
Chances are, everything will run smoothly. Enjoy your trip, and I hope your layovers go off without a hitch! Let me know if I can help with anything else!
August 19, 2014 @ 11:33 am
Hey Ali, really liked your articles, which might helped thousands of travelers. I am from Nepal and works in Travel Company. We do have lots of passengers travelling from Nepal to US. Last week my passenger was travelling to Denver through MAN, the routing was KTM – QR – DOH – QR – MAN – US -CLT – US – DEN. As per Amadeus Reservation system, the MCT in MAN is 50 min for International to International transfer. In this particular booking the layover time was 70 min. Unfortunately passenger missed the US airways flight in MAN. Then the problem started. US airways did not rescheduled the flight mentioning its QR ticket. As per QR help desk, they did not re instate the ticket saying its passenger fault to miss the flight. As per them, It is Local fare ticket (Papers Fares for Nepal Agent) so they don’t know the rules of the Fare. The passenger was stranded in the MAN airport for 3 days. How can a Star airline say that they dont know they rules of the fare. As per me, In airport airlines dont go through the Fares rules and regulation specially when the passenger in the middle of the journey. Its a liability of the airlines to carry passenger from Origin to Destination in safe and efficient manner. Ali you might have different views on it please let me know and other readers too.
Please Ali let me know too about the CLT transit time as my passenger is travelling with 1 hour 42 mins layour in CLT from MAN – CLT – SBY and is NON US Citizen. In the Itinerary US airways flights dont have Departure and Arrival Terminal Number, Its Weird. Is it Normal?
August 20, 2014 @ 4:31 pm
Hi Dipesh, thank you! Unfortunately the airlines do take the stance that it is the passenger’s responsibility to book a reasonable connection. So even if the airline gives you the option to book a short layover, it doesn’t mean you should do it. 70 minutes in Manchester sounds tight, but not unreasonable to me, I’m so sorry your customer didn’t make it. It really can vary on a lot of factors, such as how long the lines are at immigration. Many airlines are understanding and will help out when passengers miss a connection in those situations, but not all of them are that nice. And it also depends on the person you’re dealing with, not just the airline.
CLT (Charlotte, NC) is not a huge airport, but it is a hub. My personal opinion is that 1 hour 42 minutes would be long enough, but I can’t guarantee anything. A non US citizen has a higher chance of needing more time to clear immigration, simply because the passport checkers and customs officers like to be annoying (I’ve dealt with quite a bit of annoyance flying into the US even as a US citizen) but that still seems like it would be enough time. If it’s a holiday or a day that has more than average air traffic, like around Thanksgiving or Christmas, lines could be longer. My advice is always to try to get an aisle seat as close to the front of the plane as possible so you can be one of the first people off the plane. Go to the bathroom on the plane before it lands so you can go straight to the passport line.
I don’t think it’s weird that the itinerary doesn’t show the gate or terminal numbers. The airports don’t always know that info until the day of the flight, sometimes just a couple hours ahead. Some airlines will announce connecting gates in flight as they get close to landing, but only for major flights. Your passenger should be able to check the departures board once they land in CLT to find the gate. Here’s a link to the Charlotte airport terminal map: http://www.ifly.com/charlotte-douglas-international-airport/terminal-map Might be helpful for your passenger to just take a look at it and get a mental image of how the airport is laid out.
Good luck with everything, and let me know if I can help with anything else!
August 21, 2014 @ 6:29 am
Pleased to get a prompt reply from you. Fortunately, my passenger succeeded to catch the connecting flight after the immigration clearance withing 1 hour 40 mins.
I am highly inspired by your blog. Will follow this wonderful blog which helps thousands of travelling around the world. And also i would love to speak with you one on one in voice. Please let me know if that is possible.
August 22, 2014 @ 10:00 am
I’m glad your passenger made the connecting flight!
Thank you so much for the kind words about my blog, I appreciate it! Email is probably best if you want to discuss something with me. Between time zone differences and traveling, that’s the easiest. My email address is ali@travel-made-simple.com
August 29, 2014 @ 3:37 pm
Hi I am due to go from London Heathrow direct to Sydney Australia but have a layover stop in Singapore of about 2 hours. I am really not a traveller and am quite nervous of the whole experience. Can you tell me if I will have enough time and also do I have to check in again and anything else I might need to know. The only thing I can tell you is that I am flying from LHR on the A380 and the flight from Singapore to Sydney is also on the A380, does this mean my luggage will stay on that aircraft or do you still think I will have to collect my luggage and check in again. This is my first time and I am dreading it
August 29, 2014 @ 5:49 pm
Hi Maxine! Two hours should be enough time for your layover, and Singapore is a really nice airport. I don’t have any way of knowing if you’ll be on the *exact* same plane for each flight, but as long as you’ve booked the whole thing as one itinerary (not two separate flight bookings) then the airline will transfer your luggage from the first flight to the second flight. You won’t have to go through immigration in Singapore, just look for signs that say “transit” and find your connecting gate. Also, check out this link: http://www.viasingapore.com/experience-changi-airport/transit-tips/
You’ll be fine! Let me know if you have any other questions, and have a great trip!
August 31, 2014 @ 12:52 pm
Hiya Ali,
I am flying US Airways from Heathrow to Los Angeles with a layover at Charlotte.
I am traveling with my wife and her parents, two pensioners(not all that quick on their feet)
Having traveled to the states many times we are used to long waits at immigration and security, but we have always flown direct in the past, so although longs waits in line are a pain they are never a problem.
I have a 2 and a half hour layover in Charlotte and i am very worried this is going to be tight, especially with two elderly passengers in tow
If the wost happens and i miss the connecting flight, what is likely to happen, my flight out of charlotte is at 16.00 and the whole booking is with US Airways. how likely is it to get on a later flight?
Thanks
Steve
August 31, 2014 @ 10:22 pm
Hi Stephen! Unfortunately the airlines are not always so helpful with rebooking you if you miss your connection, but 2 and a half hours sounds like enough time. Obviously I can’t guarantee anything, but I think you have a good chance there. As far as your wife’s parents, you might want to see if you can get the airport to transfer them with those motorized cart things. It’ll be easier on your in-laws, and save some time. I honestly don’t know if that’s something the airline or the airport sets up for you, but if you contact the airline, I’m sure they can point you in the right direction.
I usually tell people to try to get seats as close to the front of the plane as possible, and make sure your carry-ons are all packed up and ready to go before you land so you can just grab your stuff and go when the plane touches down. The only other thing I can think of is seeing if the airline can reschedule you now for a later connecting flight, though I’m sure it will still cost something extra to do that.
Let me know if you have any other questions, and enjoy your trip!
September 1, 2014 @ 3:31 am
Hey Stephen and Ali !!!
Recently, I had a NON US Citizen passenger who was travelling in US airways through Charlotte with 1 hour 42 mins transit. She had to identify her baggage, clear the immigration and security. Still she made the connecting flight. So, 2 and half hour is enough time for Charlotte.
The only thing i had done in my passenger booking is that i have requested transfer assist to the airlines, i think that might have had helped her. So you can request through your travel agent or airlines for assistance in the transfer. This might help you.
Hope you have a smooth journey !!
September 1, 2014 @ 9:40 am
Thanks Dipesh!
September 5, 2014 @ 6:22 pm
Thank you both for your replies.
I am going to take the gamble and leave the flights as they are.
I am also going to kit my in laws out with roller skates so i can whiz them to the next gate lol
Thanks again and both have a great weekend.
Steve
September 5, 2014 @ 10:04 pm
I have my fingers crossed for you, Stephen! Have a great trip, and let me know how your in-laws do with those roller skates 🙂
September 11, 2014 @ 2:27 am
Hi Ali, I’m so happy that I found your blog! I am traveling to Thailand from CT. In Feb ’15. I’ve been unable to make a decision on which flight to take. The one I’d like to take is United from BDL to Washington Dulles (IAD). The layover is only 58 min. I’m not sure I can get everything into a carry-on (I’ll try) so I’m worried about the layover and my luggage making it through. My next layover is in Tokyo Japan (1 hour 40 min), I think that will be ok. My return flight is the reverse of my outbound. But the layovers are longer. Any thoughts on the 58 min layover would be greatly appreciated!
September 11, 2014 @ 9:47 am
Hi Charlene! That’s a tough call, but I think I’d lean towards the Tokyo layover since it’s longer. The layover in Dulles might not be too bad since you won’t have to deal with immigration/customs on the way out, BUT when you fly back, if that is your first point of entry back in the US, a 58 minute layover will NOT be long enough to go through immigration/customs. I know you said the return flights have longer layovers, but I’d recommend at least a 2 hour layover for getting back into the US because the lines at passport check can be really long. I hope this helps, but let me know if you have any other questions, and have a great trip!
September 12, 2014 @ 2:03 am
Ali, Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I should clarify my flight schedule. It’s all on United.
Outbound
Hartford to Dulles —> 58 min layover
Dulles to Tokyo —> 1hour 40 min layover
Tokyo to Thailand
Return
Thailand to Tokyo —> 1 hour 35 min layover
**Tokyo to Dulles** —> 1 hour 55 min layover … I think this is the leg of the flight you were concerned with. It seems that it should be fine, close enough to the 2 hour minimum?? In Dulles I would need to go through immigration/customs and pick up my luggage. So, If I only had a carry on I would assume it makes it better and makes the layover less of a concern. Right??
Dulles – Hartford
Again Thanks for your help! I’ve been reading through some of your other blog posts… so very helpful!!
September 15, 2014 @ 10:57 am
Hi Charlene! Sorry, I was offline for the weekend. Yes, I did misunderstand you earlier, this makes so much more sense! Your 58 minute layover might be a bit tight, but leaving the US is easier/faster than returning, so hopefully it won’t be a big deal. Returning with 1 hour 55 minutes shouldn’t be so bad, hopefully. I don’t have any experience with layovers in Dulles specifically, but I think you’ll be ok. Having carry-on would make it a little easier, but I don’t think the process of picking up your bags and rechecking them takes much time. In many airports, it’s all right there in the immigration/customs area, so it just takes a couple minutes. It’s more about how long the lines are at passport check, so if you can’t get your luggage down to carry-on only, don’t sweat it. I hope this helps!
September 12, 2014 @ 6:32 am
I’m travelling Sydney to Singapore to London and have a 50 minute stopover in Singapore.
Will I make the connecting flight? I’m a bit worried as this is a very short stopover and with 300+ passengers getting off and on in 50 minutes?!
September 15, 2014 @ 11:02 am
Hi Erica, 50 minutes does seem a bit tight. Luckily you won’t have to go through immigration/customs in Singapore, so that will save you time. When you check in for your flight, see if you can get a seat as close to the front of the plane as possible, and consider getting an aisle seat. That way you can jump up and go as soon as the plane lands and the seat belt sign goes off. Also, make sure your carry-on is all packed up and ready to go towards the end of the flight. Sometimes the flight attendants get a list of connecting gates, so if they don’t announce anything towards the end of the flight, ask if they know what gate your flight leaves from. Or when you get into the Singapore airport, look for the big departures board. You’ll have to go through security again in Singapore, BUT they have security set up for each individual gate or sometimes a group of just a few gates, so it will really just be your flight in line there, so don’t worry about that part. I hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions, and enjoy your trip!
November 9, 2014 @ 3:48 am
HI Ali,
I made the connecting flight! Thanks. I was really worried when the plane landed and thought, how are we all going to get off in time for me to get the connecting flight onto London. I looked at the departures board in Singapore and my connecting flight was already boarding! I had to dash across the terminal (It was all the way on the other end of the terminal) but made the boarding just in time. You don’t have time to stop, go to the loo, or shop. You have to walk across the terminal very fast (which I did). Enjoyed my trip. Thanks again!
November 10, 2014 @ 1:35 pm
I’m so glad you made it, Erica! No, I can imagine you definitely wouldn’t have time for a bathroom break or anything else with such a short layover. I’m happy you had a good trip too!
September 14, 2014 @ 12:09 am
Hi,
I’m wonder if you have any thoughts – i’m flying international arriving in the US at FLL, arriving early in the morning 6:15am, and then have a connecting domestic flight 2.5 hrs later (departs at 8:40am) on a different airline…I will have one checked bag.
I “think” / hope that this will give me enough time, to clear customs (US Citizen) and to get my luggage, but I just thought you may have a word of advice.
Thanks for all your helpful hints and words and the blog!
~meg
September 15, 2014 @ 11:06 am
Hi Meg, thanks! FLL isn’t a big airport, so hopefully it won’t take you too long. Sometimes there are separate lines at the check-in counter for people who have already checked in online and just need to drop off checked luggage, so if you can check in online and print your boarding passes, that might save you some time. I also don’t think FLL sees nearly as much international traffic as other airports, like Miami, so the odds are in your favor that the passport/customs lines won’t be too long, especially at that time of the day. I can’t guarantee anything, but I think you’ll be fine. Enjoy your trip!
September 14, 2014 @ 6:32 pm
Hi Ali, I’m glad I found your article. It’s very useful. I’m planning to fly from Nashville to Guangzhou on December and the flight route is BNA to EWR -Liberty (layover 1 hour 15 minutes) to NRT-narita (layover 2 hours 25 minutes) to CAN. I am worried about 1 hour 15 minutes layover in EWR since I arrive at terminal A and depart from terminal C. Do you think I could make it in 75 minutes? Do I need to recheck the luggage and go through security again? Many thanks!
September 15, 2014 @ 12:03 pm
Thanks, glad to help! If you’re flying FROM the US, you will not have to recheck your luggage in Newark, assuming your flights are all on one itinerary through the same airline or partner airlines and they’re tagging your luggage to your final destination. Your layover in Newark will be similar to any domestic layover. As for security, as best as I can see, it looks like there are separate security check points for each terminal, so you would have to go through security again if you’re switching terminals. This site here has some helpful info about Newark Airport: http://www.ifly.com/newark-liberty-international/terminal-map I think 1 hour 15 minutes should be enough time to make your next flight. Let me know if you have any other questions, and enjoy your trip!
September 21, 2014 @ 2:37 pm
Hello,
Reading this post has been helpful but also made me a bit nervous. Myself and my partner are flying from London Heathrow to New York. We stay in New York for 3 days. We then fly from New York to Atlanta and have a 1hr 6minute layover then Fly from Atlanta to Cancun our final destination.
Both internal flight are with Delta. We booked via a travel agent who did all the booking with us.
I’m just worried this is not enough time now. Do the airline transfer our luggage or do we collect it at Atlanta and recheck it in for our Cancun flight?? Will the process be longer with security etc as we are English citizens so do not have a U.S. passport?
September 21, 2014 @ 3:01 pm
Hi Genevieve! I think you’ll be fine. As long as your NY to Atlanta and Atlanta to Cancun flights are on one itinerary, Delta should transfer your checked luggage from the first flight to the second. When you’re checking in for your flight in NY, verify with them that they are tagging your luggage to go to your final destination, but that should be what they’re doing. (For more on how layovers work, check here: https://travel-made-simple.com/how-do-layovers-work/ ) Once you’re in Atlanta, you won’t have to go through security again. The person checking you in at the airport in NY should be able to print boarding passes for both of your flights, and they are the ones who you’ll show your passports to. It’s not like in other countries where there is a separate passport check area. So once you land in Atlanta, all you have to do is find your next gate. If it’s in a different terminal, follow the signs to the other terminals and hop on the tram that connects each terminal. Sometimes the flight attendants on your first flight will know some of the connecting gates, but if not, there are big departures boards throughout the airport so you can look for your next flight.
What is your flight like going home? Are you flying through the US to get back to London? If you are, you WILL have to collect and recheck your luggage at the airport you connect through in the US, and you WILL have to go through passport check and customs. Again, the US is different from other countries in that you have to go through the immigration process even if you’re not leaving the airport. So a one hour layover will likely be too short in this direction.
I think your Atlanta layover on your way to Cancun will be fine. You don’t have time to waste, so maybe don’t stop at the bathroom or anything, but I think you’ll be fine. Let me know if you have any other questions, and have a great trip!
September 21, 2014 @ 3:45 pm
Thanks Ali for that response. It really clarified it for me it is on one itinerary. Getting back home we have a direct flight from cancun to Heathrow.
Thank again for your help I feel much more at ease. Just counting down.
September 22, 2014 @ 10:13 am
Glad to help!
October 30, 2014 @ 1:17 am
hi,
i will be traveling from Singapore to Pittsburgh, with layovers in Japan and Dulles – my layovers in japan and dulles are both 2 hours long. Will I have to go through security, customs, etc. in Japan as well as Dulles? Will 2 hours in each airport be enough time?
Thanks so much!
October 30, 2014 @ 10:48 am
Hi Gail! You shouldn’t have to go through customs and immigration in Japan, but you will most likely have to go through security again. When you get off the plane in Japan, look for signs for transit passengers. If you need help, be sure to tell the person you ask that you just have a connecting flight and you’re not staying in Japan. When you get to Dulles, you *will* have to go through customs and immigration. The US even makes you pick up and re-check your luggage at the first point of entry. I haven’t flown through Dulles, but many airports have a conveyor belt for you to re-check your bags while you’re still in the customs area, so it doesn’t take more than a few minutes. I think 2 hours should be enough time for your layover in Japan, and unless something crazy is going on when you land in Dulles, you should be fine there too. Just to be sure you don’t lose any time at the airport, I’d recommend you go to the bathroom on the plane before landing so you don’t have to deal with it during your layover, and ask the flight attendants towards the end of your flight if they have a list of connecting gates so you know where to go once you clear customs. For more about how layovers work, check out this post: https://travel-made-simple.com/how-do-layovers-work/ Have a great trip, and let me know if you have any other questions!
November 7, 2014 @ 5:29 am
Hi Ali,
Wandering if you could help, i am traveling on my honeymoon in February and have a international connecting flight From Dallas airport to Sydney. Flying with American Airlines who i will have checked in with @ Aspen. I think the international flight to Sydney is operated by Qanta though. Do you think i will have to check baggage in again @ Dallas and will 2.5hrs be enough time to make the connecting flight to Sydney.
Thank you
Anthony
November 7, 2014 @ 1:11 pm
Hi Anthony! American Airlines and Qantas are partner airlines, so as long as you booked both flights together on one itinerary (one transaction, not two) then your checked luggage should get transferred from the first flight to the second in Dallas. Also, 2.5 hours should be plenty of time to make your connection. Connecting flights within the US aren’t really any different than domestic connections. You might have to switch to the international terminal, but you won’t notice much else that’s different.
On your way back, you will have to go through immigration and customs in the first US airport you land in. So if your return flight is the same connection in Dallas, you’ll get off the plane in Dallas, stand in the passport check line, go talk to the customs person and give them the form you fill out on the plane. At some point there, you will have to pick up your checked luggage and recheck it. In many airports this is a really simple process right in the immigration area and won’t take you more than a few minutes. Then you’ll also have to go through security again before proceeding to your second flight. Again, 2.5 hours should be enough time for your connection. Sometimes the passport lines are really long, but anything over 2 hours should be safe.
Have a great honeymoon in Australia, it’s such a great country! If you have any other questions, feel free to email me at ali@travel-made-simple.com
November 8, 2014 @ 1:31 am
As an Australian living in Australia, I would like to be the first to welcome you to our beautiful country. There are so many incredible places you can go for a honeymoon that it would be endless to list them all.
May the two of you have a beautiful wedding and honeymoon and may the union between you and your wife be a long and strong one.
November 10, 2014 @ 7:45 am
Thank you Matthew for such kind words. We are very excited!!!
November 10, 2014 @ 7:44 am
Thank you Ali for your response. You have put all my worries to bed.
I will send you a email with my travel stories upon my return.
November 10, 2014 @ 1:36 pm
Thanks Anthony, enjoy!
November 14, 2014 @ 2:15 pm
Hello! I’m flying from San Fran to LAX (Virgin America, Terminal 3) to catch an international flight (Virgin Atlantic, Terminal 2). My layover is 4 and a half hours. Will I have to leave the terminal and check in etc for my next flight? LAX is quite a big airport – is that enough time?
It doesn’t say anything about connecting flights within Terminals 1, 2 and 3 here: http://www.lawa.org/welcome_lax.aspx?id=1318#q15
November 14, 2014 @ 9:25 pm
Hi Ann! Did you book both flights together on the same itinerary? Or did you have to book each one separately? If you booked them both on the same itinerary, your checked bags should get transferred from the first to the second flight, and when you check in for your first flight, they should be able to print both boarding passes. Good to check with the airline on that, but that is usually the case. However, if you had to book these two flights separately, they probably won’t be able to tag your luggage to go all the way to your final destination, and they probably won’t be able to print your second boarding pass. In that case, you would have to go to baggage claim to pick up your bag, and then go to the check-in counter to check in for your second flight. As annoying as that is, I think 4 1/2 hours is still plenty of time. I don’t know if Virgin America and Virgin Atlantic are related enough to be able to tag your luggage to your final destination and print your second boarding pass even if you have two separate itineraries, but it’s worth asking if they can do that for you just in case. Let me know if you have any other questions, and have a great trip!
November 14, 2014 @ 11:31 pm
Hi Ali, I booked them separately so I guess I’ll have to do check in again. Thanks for your help!
November 17, 2014 @ 11:21 am
It’s still worth asking if they are able to tag your luggage to go to your final destination. It just depends on how connected Virgin Atlantic and Virgin America are, especially with the computer systems.
November 18, 2014 @ 6:28 pm
Hi Ali,
Wondering if you could help, please. My fellowship program have provided me with two options to get to my final destination (from US to Tajikistan). I have looked through the time and in both cases I think there is a very short layover between two transit flights.
My first option is the route DC-Munich-Istanbul-Dushanbe is very exhausting one, and the time between the layover in Munich is only 55 minutes which is really hard I think. The terminal is the same though.
My second option is the route DC-Dubai-Dushanbe which I think is the best one but the arrival and departure will be in different terminals. From my last year experience getting from terminal 1 to terminal 2 took 20 minutes and the shuttle bus leaves according to schedule. The lines for check-in are really long there and I am afraid I can be late for my flight with this option too. If I have only 1 hour 30 minutes of layover, then from 20 to 20 minutes will be spent for transiting from terminal 1 to terminal 2, and I do not know how long I will be waiting for check-in.
I wrote this to my program but seems like I have to choose one from these two options. What would you advise me. I would be very thankful for any advise. Thanks a lot in advance.
November 18, 2014 @ 9:51 pm
Hi Takhmina! Wow, that’s a tough one. I normally go in favor of fewer layovers unless the layover is *really* short. Are your flights all on one itinerary or are they separate? If they are separate flights and all pieced together, you will have to collect your checked luggage and check in for the next flight. This will take a lot of time. But if the flights are all on one itinerary, the airline(s) should be able to print all your boarding passes and transfer your luggage from one flight to the next. That also means you should only have to go through security checks at the layover airports, not check-in.
Unfortunately I can’t make this decision for you. You have to decide if you’re more comfortable with the short layover in Munich knowing you won’t have to switch terminals, or take a chance on the 1 hour 30 minute layover in Dubai knowing you’ll have fewer changes. Again, if the flights are all one one itinerary and with the same or partner airlines, you shouldn’t have to check in for each individual flight as you go. But if you did that on the way to DC, then maybe you have separate flights.
I’m so sorry I can’t just tell you which one is better! Neither one is ideal, but neither one is horrible either. Go with whichever one makes you feel more comfortable and less stressed out. Let me know if I can help with anything else!
November 21, 2014 @ 8:42 pm
Hi,
I have a flight booked with american airlines, from Aruba to Miami and then to Atlanta (Also with AA) but the layover is 1 hour 10 minutes only.
I’m kind of worried, the plane arrives at MIA at 7:55 PM and the other one departs at 9:05 PM. I think both arrives and departs at the same terminal but I’m not sure if its enough time to make it.
What do you all think?
November 22, 2014 @ 11:08 pm
Hi Manuel! That does sound like a short layover, especially since you’ll have to go through customs and immigration. Since American Airlines has a hub in Miami, I imagine there are quite a few flights between there and Atlanta. Is it possible to change the MIA to ATL flight to a later one to give yourself more time? If not, it might be worth calling AA’s customer service and ask what their policy is if you miss your connection due to long lines at customs.
My tips for trying to make your connection: Try to get an aisle seat as close to the front of the plane as possible on the Aruba to Miami flight. Make sure your carry-on is packed up and ready to go when the plane lands in Miami so you’re not trying to put stuff back in instead of getting off the plane. Go to the bathroom on the plane so you don’t have to go at the Miami airport. As the flight attendants if they have a list of gates for connecting flights.
None of these will save you tons of time, but a few minutes could be enough to get you to your next flight. I hope it works out for you, and enjoy your trip!
December 5, 2014 @ 10:01 pm
Hello, very informative site. I will be travelling from Vancouver, Canada to Dallas-Fort Worth with a one hour layover and then catching a connecting flight to Brazil. Both flights will be American Airways. Is this enough time? I will be checking a bag.
Thanks,
Kurt
December 6, 2014 @ 4:44 pm
Hi Kurt, thank you! One hour sounds tight. When you connect through the US, even if you’re not leaving the airport since your final destination is another country, you still have to go through customs and immigration. During that process you also have to collect your checked luggage and recheck it. It’s annoying and can be time consuming if the lines at passport check are long. You might want to consider contacting American Airlines and see if they have an earlier flight from Vancouver to Dallas that you could switch to, and ask what their policy is if you miss your connection due to customs and immigration.
If you decide to go for it the way your flights are booked now, here’s my advice for increasing your chances of making the connection: Try to get an aisle seat as close to the front of the plane as possible on your Vancouver to Dallas flight. Go to the bathroom on the plane towards the end of the flight so you don’t have to go in the Dallas airport. Make sure anything you’ve taken out of your carry-on bag is packed up and ready to go before the flight lands. Ask the flight attendant towards the end of the flight if they have connecting gate info, though I’m pretty sure all international flights leaving Dallas are out of the international terminal, but knowing the exact gate is helpful. As soon as the plane lands and the seat belt sign is off, grab your stuff and GO. Don’t stop for the bathroom, don’t stop for a snack in the terminal, just get to your next gate.
Good luck and enjoy Brazil! Let me know if you have any other questions!
December 7, 2014 @ 8:06 pm
Hello! I need your advise! Please help! I have booked a ticket from American Airlines traveling from Hong Kong to Nashville round trip. The port of entry was in Texas. Recently, AA just changed their schedule. Instead of getting 3:55 hrs of layover from Texas to Hong Kong, I got only 1 hrs layover. Do you think the time is enough for me to catch the flight to Hong Kong if my luggage was checkin at Nashville and I don’t need to claim my luggage at Texas? Is there security check in Texas going to HongKong?
December 9, 2014 @ 6:58 pm
Hi Heidi! One hour is really cutting it close, especially on your flight back from Hong Kong to Texas to Nashville. You will have to go through customs and immigration in Texas since it is your first point of entry into the US. They also make you pick up your checked luggage at that point and recheck it. In many airports, that’s still within the customs/immigration area, so it doesn’t take long, but it’s still time eating away at that short layover. And once your’e done with that, you will have to go through security before going to your connecting gate, but again, in most airports it’s still in the customs/immigration area, not the main security line. I’m sure it’s possible to get off the plane, through customs/immigration/security, and to your next gate in one hour, but it is not very likely that that’s enough time. Going from Nashville to Texas to Hong Kong will be more simple and will mostly feel like a domestic layover, but you’re likely to have to switch terminals. In that case, you probably won’t have to deal with security again, just depends on how that particular airport is set up. But your luggage won’t be an issue on the Nashville-TX-Hong Kong section. An hour is easier to deal with here, but still tight.
Since AA changed your flights, maybe they will allow you to switch the domestic one in each direction so that you have a longer layover? Usually if the airline is the one to change the flight schedules, they allow you to make a change without cost. It’s definitely worth calling and asking. If it were me, I wouldn’t feel comfortable with just one hour, especially on the way into the US. Let me know if you have any other questions!
December 9, 2014 @ 12:06 am
Hi, Thanks for the insightful advice. I booked a January flight from Philly to Liberia, CR via Dallas back in September. At that time, the layover in Dallas was a bit over an hour. But, American just pushed back the Philly departure so now I am arriving in Dallas at 9:25 am instead of 9:00 am. The flight to Liberia is at 10:05, so the layover is now reduced to 35 minutes and American is showing a terminal change. Also, once in Dallas, the only means to reach CR if I miss the connection is through Miami. Though American assures me I should still be able to make the connection, I am considering re-routing, which American has agreed to, by just going to Miami the night before and getting the first flight out the next morning. The downside is the hotel expense in Miami and (possibly) a great deal more time in airports. The weather factor makes the connection even more iffy. Also, would American say it is my fault if I missed the connection under this circumstance? What would Ali do? Thanks, again.
December 9, 2014 @ 7:13 pm
Hi Brenda! Honestly, I would not feel comfortable with a 35 minute layover, especially with a terminal change. I can’t understand why American is telling you that you won’t have a problem making that switch. Unless they know for a fact that the Dallas to CR flight will wait for connecting flights, but that’s usually not a decision they make ahead of time. I don’t know what their policy is on missing connections in this situation, but I’m hearing more and more about people being told it’s the passenger’s responsibility to make the connection, and if the flight is on time and you miss it, tough. This isn’t with every airline though, so it’s probably worth asking American what their policy is if your PHL to DFW flight is on time but you miss your connection because 35 minutes is too short. Even aside from YOU making that tight switch, I’d worry that it might not be enough time for your checked luggage to make the switch. And the weather in January…always a big concern with connecting flights.
“What would Ali do?” (I love that, by the way!) I would talk to American and try to change my flights in the most convenient (to me) way possible to allow for a better layover. I agree with you, it doesn’t sound ideal to have to fly to Miami the night before and get a hotel, but if it’s the *only* way to make sure you make that flight, it might be worth it. I don’t know what time the flights are from DFW or MIA to CR, but I wonder if there’s an earlier flight out of Philadelphia to either of those cities? Even if it’s one of those painful 6am flights or something?
Also, make sure you have even more time for your layover on the return flight. Flying back into the US takes a lot more time because you will have to go through customs and immigration, plus claim and recheck your luggage and go through security again at the first point of entry back into the US. And if I had to pick Dallas or Miami for that, I’d pick Dallas, simply because Miami is notoriously a pain since they see so many international flights from Latin America.
I hope this helps, but feel free to email me if you have any other questions! And enjoy Costa Rica!
December 25, 2014 @ 12:06 pm
Hello Ali,
I work and live in Saudi Arabia but home is near Tampa, FL. I’ve traveled back and forth quite a bit the last 6 years and think I have a little bit of experience on this topic. I’ve read quite a few of the comments and your replies. I thought your comments were extremely accurate, helpful, and I learned a few tips from them. I especially like your truthfulness but personal and hopeful assurances you gave nervous fliers with short connection times on international flights. Very nice!
December 25, 2014 @ 1:37 pm
Thank you so much Rich! You’re so kind to stop by and let me know, and I’m glad to help! Happy travels 🙂
December 28, 2014 @ 7:40 am
Hi Ali,
I’m taking a trip to TN in 3 weeks and I haven’t been on a plane in 14 years. I have a question regarding my 1 hour layover in Atlanta (Hartsfield-Jackson Airport). Both flights are with Delta Airlines, so does that mean the connecting flight will be located in the same terminal? I’m very nervous because I would hate to miss my connecting flight do to lack of time running around this very large airport. What are the chances that I will need to travel to the opposite end of the airport? Thank you for the information.
December 28, 2014 @ 11:27 am
Hi Maggie! 1 hour is tight but doable if both flights are domestic. Yes, Atlanta is a big airport, and unfortunately since Delta’s hub is there, there are several terminals that have Delta flights. Where are you starting your journey? If both of your fights are really short, you might end up on smaller planes, and a lot of those go out of the T-gates, so in that case you won’t have to switch terminals. But if you do have to switch terminals, just look for signs for baggage claim and the other gates, and that will get you to the tram that connects the terminals. Get on the tram in the direction towards the gate you need to get to, and in just a couple of minutes, you’ll be at your terminal. While you’re on your first flight, ask the flight attendant if they have a list of gates for connecting flights. Often they do, at least for more popular flights, and that will help you know where to go. I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!
January 3, 2015 @ 5:26 pm
Hi Ali,
I’m glad to find your very useful info. I’d appreciate your comments on my itinerary. My international flights from BKK-PEK-LAX should be fine with 5:30 hr and 3:50 hr layover respectively, shouldn’t they? 3:50 is for me to take another itinerary for the flight to MCI after getting through immigration and customs.
But my real concern is on the return flight. Starting with the flight back from Kansas City where I have to take the connecting flight to LAX at Phoenix with only 41 minutes layover. It is the same itinerary with the same airline (US Airways.) BTW both flights are stated in my ticket to disembark/board at terminal 4, and my seat is very close to airplane exit. Should it be OK?
Many thanks,
Rath
January 5, 2015 @ 6:54 pm
Hi Rath! 5 hours 30 minutes and 3 hours 50 minutes both sound like plenty of time for layovers. I don’t quite understand where the layover is you’re referring to where you have to switch to another itinerary, but I’m guessing that’s somewhere in the US. If that’s correct, just remember you’ll be required to pick up your checked luggage and recheck it. Since your next flight is on another itinerary, you’ll have to check in with the next airline to get your boarding pass. Also, with regards to your checked luggage: Some airports have you put your luggage back on a conveyor belt while you’re still in the customs/immigration section, and if you have a separate itinerary for your next flight, you’ll have to go to baggage claim to pick it up, and then bring your bag to the check-in counter. Kind of a pain, but it sounds like you have plenty of time to deal with all of that.
Your Kansas City – Phoenix – LAX flight should be ok. Domestic layovers are usually pretty easy, and I think an hour and 41 minutes should be plenty of time for that. The fact that your ticket is already telling you terminal 4 is great. Just be sure you verify the departure gate of the second flight when you land just in case it has changed.
Sounds like you’re well-prepared! Enjoy your trip, and let me know if you have any other questions!
January 6, 2015 @ 12:56 pm
Thanks Ali! 3.50 hr time is for me to get through immigration, claim my luggage, pass customs and rush to check in with domestic flight in another terminal (United Airline) at LAX. According to my experience I’m not that worried about this one though. However the flight transition at PHX on the return flight I have only 41 minutes, not one hour and 41 minutes. I guess it’s kinda close but I hope it should be enough. Any recommendation? Thanks again Ali!
January 6, 2015 @ 5:31 pm
Yes 41 minutes is pretty tight, sorry I misread that. You said you have a seat near the exit, so that is helpful. If you don’t already have an aisle seat, see if you can switch to an aisle, although don’t end up farther back in the plane for that. You could also talk to the people next to you and explain that you have a tight connection and see if they’ll let you jump out ahead of them when the plane lands. Make sure your carry-on is all packed up before the plane lands. Then when you land, you can grab your stuff and try to get off the plane as quickly as possible. Don’t make any stops in the airport (so if you need a bathroom break, go on the plane), just go straight to the next gate. Sometimes the flight attendants have a list of gates for connecting flights, so it’s worth asking if they have your next flight so you’ll know exactly where to go. But the fact that the airline is already telling you the first flight lands in terminal 4 and the next one leaves from there as well should really help. Good luck!
January 6, 2015 @ 12:04 am
Hi Ali
You’re very informative, and your posts are really helpful. I have a flight booked on Friday from Vancouver to the UK, with layovers in Seattle and Amsterdam with a British passport. Firstly, when I depart from Vancouver to Seattle, it says I’m flying Alaska Airlines operated by Horizon Airlines. Which kiosk should I check in with? Then I have a 1hr 58 min layover in Seattle before boarding my flight to Amsterdam? Will this be sufficient time? Also, it says it’s a KLM flight operated by Delta Airlines. I’m really confused as to which kiosk I check in with at Seattle…KLM or DELTA? It seems to me that from reading previous posts that I will have to reclaim my baggage in Seattle,and go through the whole checking in and immigration process again. Will just under 2 hours be enough to accomplish this? Lastly upon arrival in Amsterdam, I have a short 1hr 15min layover before my flight to the UK. It is also a KLM flight – would I be correct to assume my luggage will follow me to the UK? And do you think the short layover will be long enough to board my final flight? My whole flight path is booked on 1 itinerary.
Thanks.
January 6, 2015 @ 12:42 pm
Hi Will! Thanks, glad to help! I understand your confusion with the airlines, that stuff isn’t always so clear. Horizon Airlines is a sister company of Alaska Airlines, so their check-in counters should be together. Look for Alaska Airlines and you’ll be fine. Your 2 hour layover in Seattle should be ok, but yes, you’ll have to go through customs and immigration and re-check your luggage. Canada and the US are about the only countries that make you do this even when you’re not leaving the airport. However, if all of the flights you mentioned were booked on one itinerary, you shouldn’t have to check in again in Seattle. Alaska Airlines should be able to print all of your boarding passes because all of the airlines involved are partners to some degree. When you check in in Vancouver, verify with the ticket agent that your bags will get tagged all the way to your final destination. (As mentioned, you’ll still have to pick up your checked luggage in the customs area in Seattle and recheck it, but usually “rechecking” just means putting it back on the conveyor belt a few meters away.)
Delta and KLM are partner airlines and both are Skyteam airlines. Basically what that means for you is that you have a flight from Seattle to Amsterdam booked through KLM but you will most likely be on a Delta airplane with Delta crew members. As I said, you shouldn’t have to check in for that flight separately, but if for some reason you do, just look for the Delta counter. If there even are KLM counters or agents in the Seattle airport, they will be together there.
When you arrive in Amsterdam, look for signs that say “transit” and you should be able to get to your next gate without dealing with customs and immigration because you’re not staying within the Schengen Zone, though you’ll have to go through a security check. Again, since you should already have your boarding pass, it’s just a matter of finding the gate, and your luggage will get transferred from the 2nd flight to the 3rd. Much easier than the layover in Seattle.
There are rare occasions when you’ve booked an itinerary like this and the first airline isn’t able to print the boarding passes for the other airlines, so just verify this at check-in. I’m 99.99% sure Alaska Airlines will be able to print your Seattle to Amsterdam boarding pass. If for some reason they can’t print Amsterdam to the UK, when you land in Amsterdam, still look for the “transit” signs and then look for a KLM counter, though it will most likely be on the other side of the security check.
I hope this helps! Everything should run smoothly, and it shouldn’t be as complicated as they’re making it look with all the different airlines involved. Let me know if you have any other questions and have a good trip!
January 8, 2015 @ 1:35 am
Thanks Ali, you’ve put my mind at ease!
January 9, 2015 @ 5:47 pm
Glad to help!
January 13, 2015 @ 6:32 am
Hi Ali,
My daughter will be flying from Hilton Head to Portland on Friday and has a connecting flight in Charlotte. Her layover is 53 minutes. She is nervous because she has never flown on her own with someone helping the connections, do you think is enough time? She is flying US Airways for the first but the second says operated by US Airways expressway. Wondering if she has to change terminals or something. Thank you.
January 14, 2015 @ 12:27 pm
Hi Patricia! 53 minutes is tight but not completely out of the question. US Airways Express is just the commuter sister company to US Airways, so they’re essentially the same airline. When she checks in for her first flight, they will print both boarding passes for her, and her checked luggage will get tagged to the final destination. US Airways has a hub in Charlotte which means they will use gates in most of the terminals. According to this http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/Airport/AirlineandFlightInformation/Pages/default.aspx they use all but terminal A. Here is a map of the terminals: http://www.ifly.com/charlotte-douglas-international-airport/terminal-map
If she doesn’t already have an aisle seat, see if she can switch to an aisle, although don’t end up farther back in the plane for that. She could also talk to the people next to her and explain that she has a tight connection and see if they’ll let her jump out ahead of them when the plane lands. Make sure her carry-on is all packed up before the plane lands. Then when she lands, she can grab her stuff and try to get off the plane as quickly as possible. Tell her not make any stops in the airport (so if she needs a bathroom break, go on the plane), just go straight to the next gate. Sometimes the flight attendants have a list of gates for connecting flights, so it’s worth asking if they have her next flight so she’ll know exactly where to go.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!
January 16, 2015 @ 1:10 pm
hi
im flying from Dublin to perth with a stopover in Amsterdam and kuala lumpur, I only have 1 hour in Amsterdam. is this enough time to connect?
January 16, 2015 @ 2:13 pm
Hi Tracy! An hour might be tight, but not impossible. Since you’re not staying in Amsterdam or anywhere within the Schengen Zone, you should be able to get off the plane in Amsterdam and look for the “transit” signs. That will get you to your connecting gate without having to go through immigration and customs. If you’re able to get a seat on the Dublin to Amsterdam flight that’s on the aisle and near the front of the plane, that will help you get off the plane quicker when it lands. Make sure your carry-on is all packed up before the flight lands. If you need to use the bathroom, go on the plane, don’t stop in the airport in Amsterdam.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions, and enjoy your trip!
January 25, 2015 @ 3:57 am
Hi Ali,
Do you think an hour layover in Mexico city and LAX is sufficient (only carry-on)? Havana (Aeromexico)->(1hr layover )Mexico city(Volaris) ->(1hr layover )LAX (Eve)-> Taipei
Thanks
January 25, 2015 @ 4:13 pm
Hi Anna! Honestly, one hour is really cutting it close. You shouldn’t have to go through customs and immigration in Mexico City, but there are usually stricter security checks on flights going to the US, and that could take a little longer. But my bigger concern is the one hour layover in LAX. Even though you’re not staying in the US, you WILL have to go through customs and immigration, plus collect and recheck your luggage, and LAX is a big airport. That could definitely take awhile, and if you miss your connection, the airline is unlikely to be any help unless you miss your flight because of a delay. Even then, all of your flights would need to be booked on the same itinerary. If you have any other options, you might want to consider a different flight. Also, check out my tips for what to do if your layover is too short here: https://travel-made-simple.com/if-you-think-your-layover-is-too-short/
February 2, 2015 @ 4:17 pm
Hi Ali, thanks for your prompt reply. I will travel carry-on only without any checked luggage and will have approx. 1hr 15mins layover in LAX if flight to LAX not delayed… do you still think its too short?? Its difficult to book my flights on same itinerary as book separately is much cheaper. Thanks again.
February 3, 2015 @ 11:20 am
I still think it’s short because you will have to go through customs and immigration in LAX, and that could take awhile. It’s not impossible, you could get lucky and have short lines, but you could also spend an hour just standing in line. Try to check in for your LAX to Taipei flight online and print your boarding pass ahead of time, if this is an option. That way you won’t have to deal with checking in for that flight at the LAX airport. And just be aware that you’re taking a chance here, and if you miss your connection, the airline is unlikely to be any help, which means you’ll have to buy another ticket on another flight for probably a LOT more money. I completely understand your desire for that cheaper flight, but do the math and decide if the savings is worth the risk and potential extra cost.
February 5, 2015 @ 4:24 am
Nice post!! I was searching through google about layovers/transits and came to your blog. I was wondering if you are familiar with layovers in Kuala Lumpur particularly KLIA2. I will be landing in KL from Yangon at 9 pm (via Airasia) with my next flight leaving at 1:20 am using a different airline (Cebu pacific) to Manila. Both airlines use the same Terminal (2). I would have around 4 hours and 20 minutes in between flights. Would you think that’d be enough? From what I heard Airasia does not have the most punctual record out of all airline companies which makes me unsettle.
February 5, 2015 @ 2:01 pm
Hi Chris! I have only ever flown in and out of KL’s low cost carrier terminal, which is where you’ll be. It’s not a pretty airport, but it’s also not really big. A 4 hour 20 minute layover sounds like *plenty* of time. I personally haven’t had any problems with flight delays on AirAsia, but I also haven’t ever looked at their actual statistics. But your AirAsia flight would have to be rather late for you to miss your flight to Manila. The annoying thing is that I’m 99.9% sure you will have to go through customs and immigration since your flights are on two separate itineraries. But with the amount of time you have for your layover, it shouldn’t be a problem from a time perspective. Enjoy your trip, and let me know if you have any other questions!
February 5, 2015 @ 9:15 pm
Thanks for responding quickly! That made me assure. This is the first time that I’ll be using a connecting flight with 2 distinct airlines. I had a choice of taking the 1 am flight or a flight at 5 in the afternoon which is quite a long wait for me.
February 8, 2015 @ 10:41 am
I think you made the right choice, Chris! Enjoy!
February 7, 2015 @ 12:24 am
Hi Ali,
I am traveling to Grand Cayman this week. I will be coming home through Charlotte and have a 1 hr 23 min layover. I will only have carry on luggage with me. Do you think that be enough time to clear immigration and customs and make the connecting flight?
February 8, 2015 @ 10:47 am
Hi Jay! An hour and 23 minutes is a little tight. However, having only carry-on will save you a little time, and Charlotte isn’t quite as popular for international flights so hopefully there won’t be too many other flights landing at the same time and lining up for passport check. Charlotte is also a somewhat small airport, so it won’t take you as long to get around as in bigger airports. If you want to be a little more assured about the length of your layover, you could try calling the airline and asking about changing one of your flights so you’ll have a longer layover. Whether you do that or you decide to go for it as is, check out my tips for what to do if you have a short layover: https://travel-made-simple.com/if-you-think-your-layover-is-too-short/ And have a great trip!
February 8, 2015 @ 2:31 am
Hi Ali,
I’m flying from Toronto to Costa Rica with a layover at Chicago O’Hare. I only just realized that I have a really tight connection, only 1:05. There aren’t any other doable flights.
I’m planning to do carry on only. Both flights are with United. My real question is this: would a United flight coming from Canada go into the International arrivals in Terminal 5 (in which case I think there’s no way I’m going to make it) or their domestic arrivals in Terminal 1 (where their International departures also are)?
Thanks so much!
Melanie
February 8, 2015 @ 11:12 am
Hi Melanie! Unfortunately I can’t know for sure which terminal your flights will arrive or depart from, but when I look at this http://chicago-ord.worldairportguides.com/terminals.php it seems to me like your flight from Toronto would land at terminal 5 since they list it here as United international arrivals only. And then it looks like your flight to Costa Rica could be leaving from either terminal 1 or 2. I also found this on the airport’s website: http://www.flychicago.com/ohare/myflight/international/pages/default.aspx Looks pretty helpful.
If you decide to give it a try, check out my tips for short layovers here: https://travel-made-simple.com/if-you-think-your-layover-is-too-short/ But honestly, I don’t think this is a doable layover. Either find out United’s policy on missed connections due to the customs and immigration process, or see if you can rebook with a better connection.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
February 13, 2015 @ 8:16 am
Hi great blog! I will be flying from Dallas to Munich with a 1:47 layover at O’Hare. Both flights are United but my itinerary shows a change of terminals from 2 to 1. Is the 1 hour and 47 min layover enough time to make the connecting flight? Thanks!
February 13, 2015 @ 11:36 am
Thanks James! O’Hare is notoriously tricky for layovers because they have separate security lines for each terminal, which means if you have to switch from 2 to 1, you’ll probably have to deal with security checks again. An hour 47 minutes is probably fine for your Dallas-Chicago-Munich flight, BUT it’s the way back I’d be more concerned with. I don’t know what your return flight looks like, but if it’s similar to this, I’m not sure the layover is long enough. When you fly into the US, you have to go through customs and immigration, plus claim and re-check your luggage, at the first airport you land in. This takes quite some time to get through. Be sure to check out my tips for dealing with a short layover: https://travel-made-simple.com/if-you-think-your-layover-is-too-short/
February 15, 2015 @ 5:53 pm
Hello…My sister is flying into Toronto, then after a 4 hour layover, my two girls and myself are joining her on an identical flight to see my parents in Slovenia (No one has seen anyone in just under 10 years!) I live 15 minutes away from Pearson YYZ and wanted to quickly pick her up and take her to see our new home. Based on all that I have read, it probably is not possible. The customs factor is seemingly the unknown which could cause issues.
Anyway , thought I’d share our wishful plan.
Cheers…you put a lot of effort in your replies…that is obvious and commendable..Karma will take good care of you.
🙂
February 15, 2015 @ 9:24 pm
Peter, thank you so much for your kind words! I never thought this post would become a layover advice column, but I’m glad to help people out when I can.
You’re right, I don’t think a 4 hour layover is quite long enough for your sister to leave the airport. I think the best you could do is meet her for a coffee or something at the airport, though she would still have to come out of the secured area and go back through security again afterwards.
Enjoy your trip to Slovenia!
February 16, 2015 @ 5:10 pm
Hi Ali,
it would be super cool if you could give me some advice concerning my Newark layover problem:
Me and my girlfriend booked a United flight from Hamburg/Germany to Las Vegas via Newark which originally had a 3.5 hour layover in Newark. Pretty perfect for immigration, possible terminal transfer and so on. The thing is: We just got informed by our travel agent that United rescheduled the flight – which reduces the layover time to a mere 1.5 hours.
I’ve never been to Newark, but the last time I flew to the U.S., it took ages to get through JFK immigration.
Do you think 1.5 hrs are enough to catch our flight to Vegas? Or should we better book a later flight (with far more layover time)? We’re a bit lost in this case, so your advice is highly appreciated!
Thanks so much,
Bjoern
February 17, 2015 @ 12:41 pm
Hi Bjoern! An hour and a half layover in Newark sounds really tight to me. You’ll have to go through the customs and immigration process and claim and re-check your luggage, which is almost never a fast thing. It’s not a super huge airport, but it does still have a few different terminals, and you could have to switch. If you decide to go for it, be sure to check out my tips for dealing with a short layover: https://travel-made-simple.com/if-you-think-your-layover-is-too-short/
Since the airline changed your flight, I think you might be able to change your itinerary to a better connection without cost. Even if you end up with a layover that’s longer than you’d like, it might be a better option than taking the risk of missing your connecting flight.
Let me know if you have any other questions, and enjoy Vegas!
February 19, 2015 @ 10:45 am
Hi Ali,
thanks for your reply!
As it turned out, it would cost us 250 € p.p. to switch to a later flight.
Since our layover time in Newark is far (well, 25 minutes) longer than the MCT, there’s no chance to rebook with no cost. So, we’ll just try our best to catch that flight… keeping your short layover tips in mind. If we shouldn’t make it, United is by all means obligated to get us to Vegas that day (at least that’s what our travel agent told us) – be it with the next direct flight or with a stopover in Houston/Cleveland/Denver.
Seems like it’s going to be a thrill ride from the very beginning 🙂
February 19, 2015 @ 3:05 pm
Ah that stinks they won’t let you change your flight without the fee. Hopefully you’ll get lucky and the passport lines will move quickly in Newark. Good luck, and have a great trip no matter what!
March 26, 2015 @ 8:55 am
Hey Ali,
Long time. I am traveling to Canada in April. Do the baggage get transferred to domestic sector or do i need to claim the baggage and re check in the baggage as like in US (International to Domestic transfer) . Mt Flight is KTM – (Fly Dubai) – DXB – (Emirates) – YYZ – (Air canada) – YEG
March 26, 2015 @ 12:08 pm
Hi Dipesh! It is my understanding that Canadian airports are similar to US airports in that you have to go through customs and immigration AND claim and re-check your luggage at the first point of entry. So yes, you would have to collect your luggage and re-check it in YYZ before boarding your flight to YEG.
March 31, 2015 @ 11:43 pm
Hi Ali!
What a great blog and very helpful information you give!
I haven’t seen comments on layovers on the airports I have questions on, so hope you don’t mind another inquiry before I book the flights.
My 20-yr old daughter will be flying from Pittsburgh to London in late June – first time flying on her own.
For the trip over, we are looking at a one-stop flight with the layover being at JFK in New York.
She will be leaving Pittsburgh on at Saturday on a 5:20pm Delta flight, arriving at JFK at 7:00pm.
She can then either choose an 8:30pm departure or a 10:30pm departure – both Delta flights to London.
Is she better off with an hour and half layover or a 3-1/2 hour layover?
Coming home is more complicated.
She will be returning on a Sunday in mid-July.
Her choices are:
1) Leave London at 10:30am and fly on Delta to JFK; have a 2 hr 11 min layover before catching a 3:45pm flight to Pittsburgh
(There was another all-Delta option that only had a 1hr 39min layover at JFK – from reading your blog, I’m thinking that should be ruled out?)
2a and b) Fly from London to Charles De Gaulle in Paris on either
a) 8:20am flight labeled as Air France operated by HOP! Regional (sounds fishy to me?), arriving at 10:35am with a 2 hr 55 min layover at CDG before catching a 1:30pm Delta flight to Pittsburgh
b) 9:45am flight labeled as Delta operated by Air France, arriving at noon with a 1hr 30 min layover at CDG before catching the same 1:30pm Delta flight to Pittsburgh
3) leave London at 2:25pm on a Delta flight to Detroit (DTW), arriving at 5:55pm with a 3hr 40 min layover and then a 9:35pm Delta flight to Pittsburgh
We’d greatly appreciate your advice!!!! Thanks!!! Sally
April 1, 2015 @ 10:31 am
Hi Sally! No problem, glad to help! Flights from the US to international destinations are barely any different from domestic flights. Her luggage will be checked in from Pittsburgh, so she won’t have to deal with that on her JFK layover. But it looks like each terminal at JFK has a separate security checkpoint, which means she’ll have to go through TSA again if she has to switch terminals, and that could take some time. An hour and a half could be enough, but if there are any delays or long lines at security, it might be cutting things close. The longer layover would be a safer bet, but I understand how annoying it is to have such a long layover, so that’s a personal judgement call.
As for the flight back, she will have to go through customs and immigration, plus claim and re-check her luggage, at the first US airport she lands in. For that reason, I don’t like option #1. She’ll have a lot more to do at the airport before she can get to her connecting flight, and JFK just doesn’t make things easy for claiming and re-checking luggage. I don’t think 2 hours 11 minutes is long enough.
If she transits through Paris, she won’t have to deal with customs because she’s not staying in the Schengen Zone. (The UK is not in Schengen, but France is, so she would be viewed as just transiting.) So in that case, I think option 2A is fine, but I think 2B is too short of a layover even without the hassle of customs. As for HOP! Regional, I don’t know anything about them, but from a quick search, it looks like they are a subsidiary of Air France, so they should be fine.
Option #3 might be the easiest for her since it doesn’t involve dealing with another foreign country/language. The layover should be plenty of time to get through customs, claim and re-check her luggage, go through security, and find her connecting gate. Personally, this is the one I’d choose, with 2A as a second choice.
I hope this helps, and let me know if either of you have any other questions! I hope she has a great time in London!
April 1, 2015 @ 11:36 pm
Thank you Ali!!! Boy, you really are good at this. Appreciate your insight very very much! Thanks again.
April 2, 2015 @ 1:03 pm
Aw, thanks Sally, always happy to help!
April 3, 2015 @ 4:51 am
Hi Ali!
Sorry to bother you yet again.
Yesterday, when I went to book the Delta flights you’d advised on, the prices had gone up $400 overnight! Maybe hitting April 1 made a difference.
Other airlines are in line with the lower original prices (for now). So if you don’t mind, I have yet another question.
For a savings of $300, we could do the following United flights:
Leave Pittsburgh at 2:50pm on a Saturday, arriving in Washington DC (Dulles) at 3:53pm
2 hour 7 min layover
Leave Dulles at 6:00pm, arrive in London at 6:20am
RETURN TRIP:
Leave London at 3:20pm on a Sunday, arriving in Chicago (O’Hare) at 6:15pm
3 hour layover
Leave Chicago at 9:15pm, arrive in Pittsburgh at 11:41pm
Does that work? And do you think it’s worth the savings? Any opinion on United vs Delta?
The aircraft for the short domestic flights is Embraer ERJ-170, which I’ve never heard of, but that doesn’t mean anything.
The other option for the same cost is to fly on United from Pittsburgh through Newark, with a 2 hr 10 min layover on the way over to London and either a 2 hr 29 min or a 3 hr 54 min layover on the way back home.
These short flights use a Bombardier Q400, which is a prop plane – maybe a rougher ride?
Yet again, any insight is most appreciated. THANK YOU!!!
April 3, 2015 @ 12:22 pm
No problem! Honestly, I think either of these options is fine. The layovers are long enough, though I might give just the tiniest advantage to the Newark layover because it’s an easier airport to deal with. But I’d probably pick the longer layover there just to be safe.
The prop plane could be a little bumpy, but the Embraer is a small plane too, so I don’t think it makes much difference. The smaller planes are more efficient for shorter distances. As for Delta vs United, I used to fly Delta all the time when I lived in Atlanta, so I don’t have much experience with United. If she’s collecting frequent flyer miles, it’s probably better to book with whichever airline she has miles with or whichever airline is in the same alliance as an airline she has miles with.
April 3, 2015 @ 2:25 pm
Thank you Ali! Appreciate your wonderful advice.
April 6, 2015 @ 12:08 pm
Thanks, and no problem!
April 8, 2015 @ 9:46 am
Hi Maam!
Good Day! I just wanna ask, my husband in flying from Atlanta,Georgia to O’Hare to Narita,Japan to Cebu,Philippines. His main destination is from Atlanta to Cebu,Philippines. He booked his flight thru United Airlines under one itinerary. Im just worried because he only have 46 mins layover from O’hare to Narita,Japan and I think thats not enough for him to get everything situated. Do you think that United Airlines will give him 2 boarding pass ? I just need some of your advice.
Thank you!
April 9, 2015 @ 11:02 am
Hi Genil! I agree with you, I don’t think the 46 minute layover in O’hare is long enough. Each terminal in ORD has its own security checkpoint, which means your husband will have to go through security again if he has to change terminals, and that can take a long time. United should be able to print all of his boarding passes in Atlanta, so that won’t be a problem, but I’d still be nervous with such a short layover at O’hare. It might be worth calling United and seeing if there is an earlier flight from ATL to ORD, or at least find out what their policy is if the ATL to ORD flight is on time and he still misses his connection. Also, check out my tips for dealing with a short layover here: https://travel-made-simple.com/if-you-think-your-layover-is-too-short/ Let me know if you have any other questions!
May 14, 2015 @ 2:38 pm
Hi!
I’m flying from Chicago O’Hare to Milan on December
Chicago – Montreal 13:30 16:29
Montreal – Frankfurt 17:10 06:30
Frankfurt – Milan 08:30 09:40
Can you tell me if 41 minutes layover at the Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport are enough?
Thank you for your attention 😉
May 14, 2015 @ 11:53 pm
Hi Raffaele! Honestly I think 41 minutes is a bit tight for a connection in general, but especially for an international connection. Canada is like the US in that they require you to go through immigration and customs even if it isn’t your final destination. You could get really lucky and have short lines and get through quickly, but I wouldn’t necessarily count on that. Check out my suggestions for dealing with a short layover here: https://travel-made-simple.com/if-you-think-your-layover-is-too-short/ And it might be worth calling the airline and seeing what their policy is if you miss your connection because of customs and immigration (NOT what the policy is if the first flight is delayed) and see if there is an earlier flight you can take from Chicago to Montreal.
May 20, 2015 @ 8:00 am
Hi Ali
Thank you very much for your tips! I followed your advice and I took an earlier flight…
Thanks again for your work, much appreciated!
Have a nice day!
Raffaele
May 20, 2015 @ 2:31 pm
Glad to help! Have a great trip!
May 19, 2015 @ 6:24 pm
Hi! I´m loving this article and all of the answers on the comments, but I was wondering if you may have some insight on the flights I´m looking at. I´m going to Disney World with my youngest cousin (she´s 12) and it´s her first time traveling. I have traveled in the past, but I´ve never gone through MIA o Fort Lauderdale´s airport. Spirit offers an early flight from Costa Rica (where I´m from) to Orlando with a 1 hour layover at Fort Lauderdale, but since it will be my first point of entry to the US, and I´m unfamiliar with the layout (and traveling with a child), I´m not sure if it´ll be enough time. Also, US Airways offers a flight with a 2 hour layover at MIA, but I´ve heard that that airport is massive, so, again, not sure if it´ll be enough time. Any advice? Thanks for all the info (and pardon my grammar).
May 20, 2015 @ 3:06 pm
Hi Patricia! That’s kind of a tough call. Miami is bigger than Ft. Lauderdale, and it handles tons more international flights. Time issues aside, I’d choose Ft. Lauderdale over Miami because it is an easier airport to deal with. But having two hours does give you a better layover from a time perspective. I think it’s really whether you feel more comfortable with a smaller airport or a longer layover.
Here are some links to maps of the two airports along with which airlines are in which terminals:
http://www.worldairportguides.com/fort-lauderdale-fll/terminals.php
http://www.broward.org/Airport/Maps/Pages/TerminalMaps/Default.htm
http://miami-mia.worldairportguides.com/airlines.php
http://www.miami-airport.com/airline_information.asp
Sorry I can’t give you a definitive answer, but go with whichever one makes you feel more comfortable, more time or a smaller airport. Might also be worth finding out how the two airlines handle it if you miss your connection due to customs taking a long time. If one airline is more helpful than the other, that might influence your decision too.
By the way, your grammar is fine!
May 31, 2015 @ 5:50 am
Question: I have a flight on South African Airways that leaves Capetown and transfers in Johannesburg to Sao Paulo. I wasn’t concerned about the one hour and 40 minute layover until I realized that the flight is on TAM and not on SAA! They are both part of Star Alliance and I booked them together, but I am worried that my bag won’t make it. I’m considering catching an earlier flight and picking up the bag myself to recheck it. Is that the right thing to do? After I get to Sao Paulo I change airlines (to American, not a Star Alliance airline) and I want to make sure my bag makes it. Your thoughts please?
June 3, 2015 @ 2:58 pm
Hi Pam! I wouldn’t worry about the flights being on different airlines. They’re both in Star Alliance, which means they codeshare on flights all the time. That won’t cause your luggage to take any longer to get from the first to the second flight. As long as you’re comfortable with one hour 40 minutes for the layover, I don’t think you need to change the flight. However, you might want to call the airline (either is fine but SAA might be better) and fine out when you will have to go through passport control. If they’re checking your passport for exiting the country before your flight out of Johannesburg, one hour 40 minutes might be a bit tight. That’s generally how it works in Europe (in the Schengen Zone) when you’re about to board your flight that leaves Schengen, but I’m having a hard time finding the equivalent info for South Africa. Let me know if I can help with anything else!
June 7, 2015 @ 4:18 am
I am flying from Minneapolis-St Paul Airport to Saint Petersburg but with a 1:55 minute layover in Amsterdam Schipol Airport. My concern is if the length of the layover is too short and if Schipol is a big airport or difficult to get around. Also I am wondering if I have to do anything in Schipol Airport involved with flying into Russia like filling out a form or something. I plan on bringing only my carry on and nothing else as far as luggage is concerned and all my flights are with KLM.
June 7, 2015 @ 10:27 am
Hi David! When you land in Amsterdam, look for transit signs. Since you’re coming from outside of the Schengen Zone, and you’re not staying in Schengen, they will basically treat you as if you were never in Schengen. You’ll have to show your boarding pass (and maybe your Russian visa) for the flight to St. Petersburg and go through security again, but that’s about it there. Schipol is a big airport, but the fact that you won’t have to go through customs and immigration means you won’t need as much time to deal with your layover. I’ve never been to Russia, so I don’t know what kind of entry forms they do, but they would give you that either on the plane or once you arrive in St. Petersburg, not in Amsterdam.
June 10, 2015 @ 8:36 pm
I will be flying from Seattle to Sydney with Qantas in late December (the Seattle to LAX leg is operated by Alaska Airlines) Is this enough time to get through customs and get my checked bag onto the plane? Both Alaska and Qantas are at Terminal 6. Will the Alaska/Qantas partnership make this any easier?
The return flight is Sydney to LAX with a 3:45 layover
Thanks for the help! this is my first International Flight
June 10, 2015 @ 10:25 pm
Hi Dakota! You didn’t mention how long your layover in LAX is on your way TO Sydney, but in any case, you don’t really go through customs in the US when you’re on your way out of the country. The ticket agent will check your passport when you check in at the Seattle airport. Your layover in LAX will be just like any layover on a domestic flight. Your luggage should be tagged from SEA – LAX – SYD and you shouldn’t have to pick it up in LAX. Always verify that when you check in, but since you’re booked on one itinerary and Alaska and Qantas have a partnership, they should transfer your luggage from the first flight to the second, as well as print both of your boarding passes. On your way back to the US and land in LAX, you will go through passport check, pick up your checked luggage, go through customs, recheck your luggage, go through security, and go to your next gate. It can be a bit annoying at LAX but I think 3 hours 45 minutes will be plenty of time. Enjoy your trip to Australia!
June 11, 2015 @ 7:09 pm
Thanks for the help =)
June 11, 2015 @ 7:14 pm
Also the layover at LAX to Sydney is 1:35 forgot to mention that in my first post
June 12, 2015 @ 11:38 am
I wouldn’t worry much about that layover on your way TO Sydney since all you will have to do is fine your next gate and maybe change terminals. A layover this short on the way back would be cutting it too close, but you said you have a lot more time on the way back, so you should be fine.
June 12, 2015 @ 11:38 am
No problem!
June 12, 2015 @ 5:37 pm
Im travelling back home to London in December from Columbia MO. I have a connecting flight at Chicago O’Hare. It arrives there at 7:45 and then departs at 8:55. This is the first time I will have ever flown myself, let alone with a connecting flight and am very unsure of what I will have to do. Will this be long enough? Do I have to collect my luggage, go through immigration and customs etc. Any advice would be much appreciated!
June 13, 2015 @ 11:10 pm
Hi Beth! An hour and 10 minutes is a little tight for O’Hare, depending on whether you have to change terminals, but it’s not impossible. If your concerned about the time, check out my advice for dealing with a short layover: https://travel-made-simple.com/if-you-think-your-layover-is-too-short/
Here’s how it works when you’re flying from the US to another country: You’ll check in for your first flight, where they will print both of your boarding passes and tag your checked luggage all the way to your final destination. You don’t pick it up again until you get to London. The ticket agent will check your passport when you check in for your first flight, but beyond that, there isn’t any immigration and customs until you land in London.
If you’re flying back from London to Columbia with a layover in the US, you’ll have to go through passport control in London on your way out. The ticket agent will print both boarding passes and tag your luggage to your final destination. BUT you will have to go through customs at the first US airport. At that time you’ll also have to claim and recheck your luggage as well as go through security again. It’s annoying, but not hard.
I hope this helps but let me know if you have any other questions!
August 12, 2015 @ 9:36 pm
Hi there. I’m going from toronto to india and there’s one leg I’m worried about. It has a 2 hour stopover-though same airline and airport. Do you think that will be enough time?
Both are Finnair
New Delhi (DEL) to Helsinki (HEL)
Sunday 3rd January 2016
Landing:2:45pm leaving for Heathrow at 4:55
Change planes: 2h 10m
4:55pm Helsinki to Heathrow
thanks!!
August 13, 2015 @ 9:51 am
Hi Chris! I think you’ll be ok with a 2 hour layover in Helsinki. Finland is in the Schengen Zone, but the UK is not, which means Finland won’t even process you into the country. Just look for “transit” or “transfer” signs and you’ll have to go through security again. But you won’t have to deal with customs and immigration because you’re not staying in the Schengen Zone. I hope that helps, and have a great trip!
August 13, 2015 @ 11:28 pm
Thanks Ali. Sorry, I’m confused. If I’m coming from the U.k. won’t I have to go through customs because UK is not part of the Schengen agreement?
I go toronto>london london>helsinki helsinki>delhi
and vice versa on my way back.
August 14, 2015 @ 9:16 am
Sorry for the confusion, Chris. Since you just have a layover in the UK, you will not have to go through customs in the UK. You’re not staying there, so they will treat you as if you were never in the country. And I apologize, when I read your first comment, I missed the Toronto part at the beginning. You won’t be stamped into Finland either since you’re not staying in Finland or any other Schengen country.
So, when you leave Toronto, they will check to make sure you have the proper visa to go to India. When you land in the UK, look for “transit” or “transfer” signs, go through security, and find your next gate. When you land in Helsinki, do the same. When you land in India, they will process you through customs and immigration. As long as you booked these flights all on one itinerary, your luggage should be tagged to go all the way through to Delhi.
On your way home, it’s pretty much the same. They process you out of India. You’ll land in Helsinki and look for “transit” or “transfer” signs, go through security, and find your next gate. Repeat in London. Then go through customs and immigration in Toronto and collect your luggage.
I hope that helps, sorry I wasn’t clear before! Let me know if you have any other questions!
August 14, 2015 @ 4:44 pm
Thanks. I think my message was confusing, so no apologies needed. If I leave the airport and spend the night in a hotel in Helsinki, does that change anything?
August 14, 2015 @ 5:21 pm
If you decide to leave the airport in Helsinki, you will have to clear customs and immigration. I’m guessing you’re Canadian due to the Toronto starting point, which means you don’t need a visa for Finland (or the Schengen Zone) but if I’m wrong about your citizenship, be sure to check ahead of time. Then when you go back to the airport for your next flight, whether it’s in the London direction or the Delhi direction, you’ll have to go through passport control and security again, so leave yourself plenty of time for that.
August 15, 2015 @ 3:06 pm
Thanks so much. very helpful
August 15, 2015 @ 5:52 pm
No problem!
August 14, 2015 @ 6:30 pm
Hi. I’m traveling from Phoenix to Minneapolis with a connecting flight in Chicago (Midway). I have 50 minutes in between my connecting flight to Minneapolis . I’m wondering if that should be enough time for my checked luggage to to make it on my connecting flight as well. Is there a way to male sure it does get on the connecting flight?
August 15, 2015 @ 9:20 am
Hi Annabel! 50 minutes is kind of a tight connection, but not so bad for a domestic layover. And Chicago Midway is a much smaller airport than O’Hare. Unfortunately there isn’t really any way to guarantee your luggage will make the transfer, but 50 minutes is at least reasonable. Try not to worry about it as there’s not much you can do, and chances are it will make it. Just be sure to pack anything valuable and even a change of clothes in your carry-on. Have a great trip!
August 28, 2015 @ 7:00 pm
I have a flight from New Zealand to LAX. I need to book another flight from LAX to JFK. I do not have experience at LAX so I was wondering how long of a layover should I book to give me enough time to catch my LAX to JFK flight. I am looking at Delta airlines for my domestic leg. Thanks!
August 28, 2015 @ 7:27 pm
I forgot to mention we will have checked bags on the NZ flight.
August 29, 2015 @ 9:23 pm
Hi James! When you land in LAX, you’ll have to go through customs and immigration, as well as claim your checked luggage, regardless of your next flight. So having two separate flights/itineraries isn’t as big of a deal in this situation as it would normally be. However, you will have to check in for the next flight and check your luggage, so checking in will add a little time. To be safe, I’d say at least 3 hours for the layover, at a minimum. LAX is a popular international airport, so it could take an hour or even more just to get through customs and immigration if there are a lot of other flights landing at the same time. Then you’ll have to make your way out to the check-in counters to drop off your bag and get your next boarding pass. Then you have to go through security and find your next gate. Better to have too much time than not enough, so 3 or even 4 hours just in case of long lines. It could end up being overkill, but I’d hate for you to miss your next flight.
Also, see if you can check in online for your LAX to JFK flight and print your boarding pass before you even leave New Zealand. If you can, that will save you a little time in LAX, and you will only have to check your luggage. Sometimes there are separate lines for people who just need to check luggage, not check in for the flight.
I hope this helps, but let me know if you have any other questions, and have a great trip!
August 29, 2015 @ 11:31 pm
Ali,
Thank you for the detailed response. I was thinking 3 hrs layover as well. There’s plenty of flight times from LAX to JFK so I should be able to find something that works in that 3 to 4 hour layover range.
Have a good weekend!
August 31, 2015 @ 2:35 pm
You’re welcome! Enjoy your trip!
September 9, 2015 @ 1:40 pm
Hi Ali. Great post.
I have a layover in Helsinki (HEL) to Milan (MXP), just 50 minutes, coming from Bangkok (BKK) flying with Finnair.50 min, Is enough?
Thanks!
September 9, 2015 @ 8:45 pm
Thanks! A 50 minute layover in Helsinki might be tight. Since you’re flying from Bangkok, you’ll have to go through customs and immigration when you land in Helsinki, then you’ll have to go through security again and get to your next gate. 50 minutes is unlikely to be enough time for all of that. I’d suggest calling the airline and 1- ask what their policy is if you miss your connection due to the amount of time it takes to get through customs and immigration, NOT if the flight is delayed, and 2- find out what it would cost to switch to a later HEL-MXP flight so you have more time for your layover. If you decide to stick with your flights the way they are, check out my tips for what to do if you have a short layover: https://travel-made-simple.com/if-you-think-your-layover-is-too-short/
September 9, 2015 @ 9:24 pm
Thank you very much, Ali.
September 16, 2015 @ 2:32 am
We are connecting in MEX. We are flying Delta in business class from ATL and will change planes in MEX from a Delta flight to an Areomexico flight and on to Santiago. The tickets are booked through Delta. We have about a 4 hour layover. I understand we will have to go through customs and immigration. From what I have read, I think we have enough time. Any thoughts are appreciated.
Thanks.
September 16, 2015 @ 9:34 am
Hi Bob! Sounds like you have a decent layover in Mexico City, 4 hours should be plenty of time. Are you going to Santiago, Chile? If you’re not staying in Mexico, you shouldn’t have to go through customs and immigration. Look for “transit” or “transfer” signs, go through security, and proceed to your next gate. Your luggage will automatically get transferred from your first flight to your second flight. Let me know if you have any other questions, and enjoy your trip!
September 16, 2015 @ 3:37 pm
Thanks, we we are only changing planes and airlines in MEX on our way to Santiago Chile from ATL. What had/has me confused, as I read reviews about MEX, that it seems everyone had to go through Customs and Immigration even if they were not staying in Mexico. i understand going through security, but did not understand Customs and Immigration.
It appears that some folks did, but maybe they did not know about the “transit” or “transfer” lanes.
Thank again.
September 16, 2015 @ 3:57 pm
Hi Bob, I’ve never flown through Mexico City, but pretty much every country in the world besides the US and Canada has a way for you to pass through on an international layover without being stamped into the country if you’re not staying in the country. I apologize if I’m wrong about Mexico, but I think it is likely to be in line with most of the rest of the world on that. But if I’m wrong, and you do have to go through customs and immigration, you should still have plenty of time with a 4 hour layover. And yes, it is kind of easy to miss the “transit” signs in some airports if you’re getting off a long flight and following the crowd.
September 16, 2015 @ 4:34 pm
Thanks, we are traveling in March 2016 and I will post my experiences, if i can remember to do so.
September 19, 2015 @ 12:40 pm
Thanks!
October 11, 2015 @ 9:56 pm
Hi Everyone,
This is such an website! thank you for contributing. I’m Canadian and starting my Trip from Toronto to Sydney with a
2hr and 40min layover in Hong Kong. I’m going to be flying Cathay pacific (end to end), would i need to pick up my luggage in Hong Kong? i would imagine not but i’ve never been through the Hong Kong route before. I assume you’d have to go through customs still.
I’m also hoping the 2hour and 40mins should be enough for a layer over as it’s a 27 hour flight all together and missing a flight is one of my worst fears when flying.
Thanks for your help!
October 14, 2015 @ 2:02 pm
Hi Robbi! Your luggage should get tagged to go all the way to Sydney, no need to pick it up in Hong Kong. Also, since you are not staying in Hong Kong, you shouldn’t have to go through customs. Look for “transit” or “transfer” signs, go through security, and find your next gate. I think 2 hours 40 minutes should be enough time since you don’t have to deal with luggage or customs. Enjoy your trip!
October 18, 2015 @ 12:37 pm
Thank you Ali for the response! i’m looking forward to this trip 😀
October 12, 2015 @ 3:02 am
Hi Ali,
Interesting article, and very helpful, thank you!
I’m wondering f you could please give me some advice. I am flying from Lima to Perth (back home from a South American holiday, I only booked a one way ticket there and now need to book my return). The cheapest route I have found is via LA. I haven’t booked my flights yet but I’m looking at this itinerary. There are two legs of the journey, the first via JetBlue: Lima -> FLL -> LAX (2hrs 35 mins layover, on a Saturday morning at 11:45). And then the second leg with Singapore Airlines: LAX -> Tokyo -> Singapore -> Perth. They are all short layovers, and the one I am worried about most is the 2 hr 35 min at LAX. From reading all the comments here I have a feeling it’s not going to be a push for time… But I’m not sure. As it is a separately booked flight and therefore I know I will definitely need to collect my bags and check them in again. I’ve looked at alternative flights in and out of LAX and they are all much more expensive or inconvenient (e.g. an overnight layover which will require a hotel booking), so I really want to make this flight. But I also don’t want to risk missing it.
I’d really appreciate your opinion! Thanks in advance.
October 14, 2015 @ 2:21 pm
Hi Briony! I do think 2 hours 35 minutes is a bit tight for an international layover in LAX. It’s certainly possible, but if the lines at customs are long, it might not work out. If you miss your flight out of LAX, the airline won’t be any help because you have separate itineraries, so even if your Lima to LAX flight is delayed, causing you to miss the LAX to Tokyo flight, the airline won’t help you. Also remember that you’ll have to go through customs and claim and recheck your luggage in FLL, so make sure you have enough time on that layover as well.
There are flights from South America to Australia that don’t go through the US and that are all one itinerary, but I don’t know how the prices compare with what you’re looking at. It really depends on your comfort level. Personally, I’d rather have fewer flights (you would have 5 flights with these two itineraries?!) because the more layovers you have, the more chances you have for a delayed flight, causing you to miss the next flight, and then the whole thing gets messed up. It gets even more complicated when you split it into two itineraries. And each flight will make you more and more exhausted. A few hundred dollars extra for a little extra peace of mind and less stress might really be worth it. But it’s your call.
Let me know if there’s anything else I can help with!
October 12, 2015 @ 1:17 pm
I have booked tickets from Mumbai Intl to Bali (DPS). There is a layover of 2:30 hrs at Kuala Lumpur – Kuala Lumpur airport. Is this layover enough to hop on to the next flight? I am a bit concerned about the same. Thanks in advance
October 14, 2015 @ 2:25 pm
Hi Jatin! I think 2 hours 30 minutes should be enough time for your layover in Kuala Lumpur. Look for “transit” or “transfer” signs, go through security, and find your next gate. You shouldn’t have to deal with customs since you’re not staying in Malaysia. Enjoy your trip!
October 29, 2015 @ 6:43 pm
I am going on a business trip to Las Vegas From Boston with American Airlines with a 44 minute layover in Charlotte.
Is that a long enough Layover or should I take the 79 minute layover in Dallas instead?
October 30, 2015 @ 7:12 pm
Hi Joe! 44 minutes is a little tight, but Charlotte is also a smaller airport. Personally I’d probably feel a little more comfortable with 79 minutes, but take a look at the two airports here http://www.worldairportguides.com/north_america/ and look at what they say about which airlines fly from which terminals. American might be in several terminals in Dallas, which isn’t so helpful, but if they only operate in one terminal in Charlotte, the switch might be really easy. I hope that helps!
November 4, 2015 @ 4:32 pm
Hi!! This is so helpful. Thank you! I am flying from Reykjavik, Iceland KEF to Baltimore BWI arriving at 4:55 pm. The latest flight I can get from Baltimore to Indianapolis IND is at 7:10 pm. I’ve never flown out of the US before. I am concerned that the two hours between flights might not be enough to go through customs, check in and make it to the 7:10 pm flight. I won’t have any luggage to collect. Just traveling with a backpack. I would really appreciate your opinion! Thanks!
November 5, 2015 @ 4:31 pm
Thanks Brittany! I’m guessing from what you’re saying that your flights are on two separate itineraries. Having carry-on only will definitely help save you time. Another thing that could help is checking in online for your second flight ahead of time. That way you can have your boarding pass in hand when you land in BWI. You should be able to get through customs and immediately go to the TSA security check and make your way to your connecting gate. Here’s a map of the airport so you can get an idea of where you’re going once you’re there: http://www.bwiairport.com/en/maps/gatemap Two hours might be a little tight, but it’s doable. Check out my tips for short layovers here. I hope that helps, but let me know if you have any other questions!
November 9, 2015 @ 12:17 am
Hi Ali
This is a great site and i would like your opinion , i am flying on my own Nov 10th 2015 from Manchester to JFK with BA , arriving 10.15 am arriving JFK at 13.30 leaving JFK at 14.55 both terminal 8 . I have not done layovers before so do you think i have enough time to catch connecting flight i am very worried about it all. Also i fly back from Orlando o 2/12/15 to Chicago arrive at 15.54 and depart from same terminal 19.00
November 9, 2015 @ 3:28 pm
Thanks Janice! A 1 hour 25 minute layover is a bit short, but not impossible. You’ll have to go through customs and immigration at JFK, plus claim and re-check your luggage and go through security again. Check out my tips for dealing with a short layover here. For your return flight, I don’t think you’ll have a problem at all. That is plenty of time, plus when you’re leaving the US, there is no customs/immigration line to deal with. The ticket agent will check your passport when you’re checking in for your flight. I hope this helps, and enjoy your trip!
December 18, 2015 @ 6:38 pm
I’m flying from SJO to DFW to DEN. My layover in Dallas is 1 hr 50 min. Is that enough time to make my connecting flight? I’ve never returned from an international flight before (going to SJO was my first out-of-US flight ever) and never been to DFW, so I’m rather terrified. I didn’t book this itinerary originally– it was changed by American Airlines. When I originally booked it, I had a 3+ hour layover. However, they completely changed my itinerary to where I leave later from SJO and leave earlier from DFW, making my connection really tight. Thanks!
December 20, 2015 @ 9:58 pm
Hi Ashley! 1 hour 50 minutes is a bit tight, though not impossible. When you land in DFW, you’ll have to go through passport check/immigration and customs. You will also have to pick up your checked luggage and recheck it. Some airports have a place to recheck your luggage immediately after passing through customs so it just takes a couple minutes, but not all airports do, and in that case you’d have to find the luggage check line near the check-in counter, and that would take longer. Unfortunately I haven’t flown through DFW so I don’t know what their set-up is. Either way, you will have to go through security again as well. So you’ll be in several lines throughout this process, which could take a long time if the lines are long, or you could zip through if there aren’t a lot of other international flights landing at the same time.
I would suggest calling American Airlines and asking what their policy is if you miss your connection due to long lines for customs and immigration. And if you’re not comfortable with the amount of time you have, or if their policy is bad, see if they can switch you onto an earlier flight out of SJO or a later flight out of DFW. Also, check out my tips for dealing with a short layover here.
I hope you enjoy Costa Rica!
December 21, 2015 @ 5:03 am
Thanks! My first flight ended up getting delayed by 45 minutes due to some dude losing his passport, so I ended up having less than an hour to get to my gate. With sprinting, I made it a minute before the gate was set to close. Somehow I made it. I would not advise anyone to have less than a two hour layover after that experience.
December 21, 2015 @ 9:10 am
I’m glad you made it!
December 29, 2015 @ 11:00 am
i have booked my tickets with eithad from mumbai to san francisco with one lay over at abu dahi… but my return flight is booked with 2 lay overs from san francisco to jfk then from jfk to abu dahi and last abu dahi to mumbai…. but i m only concerned about my jfk lay over as i have 1 hour and 30 mins lay over and need to change from terminal 8 to terminal 4… will the time be sufficient….. my travel agent said since v have booked all tickets together my luggage i will have to collect directly at mumbai… so is the time sufficient for boarding my next flight
December 30, 2015 @ 10:50 am
Hi Isha! The travel agent is correct, your bags will get tagged and transferred to your final destination. The US doesn’t do exiting customs/passport checks like in most countries. The agent checking you in and printing your boarding pass will check your passport to make sure you have permission to go to the country you’re flying to and that you haven’t overstayed, if you’re not a US citizen/resident. So when you get to JFK, you really only have to get to your next gate, as if it were a domestic flight. I found this: http://www.ifly.com/john-f-kennedy-international-airport/terminal-map?airport=JFK&from=term8&to=term4 which tells you how to get from terminal to terminal. There is a train that connects the terminals, so that will save you a few minutes. It does look like you’ll have to go through security again because each terminal has its own security checkpoint. I think 1 hour 30 minutes should be fine for your layover, but save things like going to the bathroom and stopping for snacks until you find your departure gate and see how much time you have until boarding. If you’re worried, check out my tips for dealing with a short layover here. In Abu Dhabi, look for “transit” or “transfer” signs. Since you aren’t staying there, you shouldn’t have to go through customs and immigration, but you will need to go through security again. I hope this helps, and enjoy your trip!
January 5, 2016 @ 10:19 am
Hi! I’ve got a flight booked to Singapore and I land at 9:15. I want to get an ongoing flight to Bali at 12:15. Do you think this will be enough time? I will have checked baggage.
Thank you!
January 6, 2016 @ 9:20 pm
Hi Georgina! I think a 3 hour layover in Singapore should be enough time. It sounds like you’re going to end up with two separate flights not on the same itinerary, which means you’ll have to go through customs, claim your luggage, check in for the next flight and go through security again. So it might be a little tight, but I don’t think 3 hours is unreasonable. If there’s a slightly later flight, it might be worth booking that just in case, but if not, I think you’ll be fine. In any case, be sure to check out my tips for handling short layovers here. Enjoy your trip!
January 16, 2016 @ 7:53 pm
Ali,
I am researching flights from Hawaii to Houston. One of the options has a 60 minute layover at LAX. Is that too short for that airport? I usually pick SFO over LAX when possible.
Kelly
January 18, 2016 @ 4:52 am
Hi Kelly! It helps that you won’t be on an international flight coming into LAX, so you won’t need as much time. But LAX is really big and 60 minutes could be cutting it close. Some terminals are connected within the secured area, while others are not, which means if your first flight lands in a terminal that is not connected to your departing flight’s terminal within the secured area, you would have to go through security again. Check here for info on which airlines use which terminals, that might help you decide if you have enough time: http://los-angeles-lax.worldairportguides.com/terminals.php If you don’t feel comfortable with it, you might be better off with a longer layover somewhere else. Also, read through my advice for handling a short layover here. Good luck with whichever option you choose, and enjoy your trip!
January 27, 2016 @ 6:56 pm
Hi Ali! I am researching flights from Raleigh NC To Las Vegas. The Flight going back to Raleigh is with Delta and is connecting in Detroit at the DTW and the layover is 47 mins. Do you think I will have enough time?
January 28, 2016 @ 2:13 am
Hi Jessica! 47 minutes is kind of tight, but not impossible. And according to the Detroit airport website here, there are only 2 terminals, so you won’t even have to switch terminals since Delta is all in one terminal. Here’s their map and even though it’s a big terminal, there is a train that would take you from one end to the other if you needed it. So if this is the best flight option you can find, I think you have a good chance of making that connection. Check out my tips for how to deal with a short layover, and enjoy your trip to Vegas!
January 28, 2016 @ 4:10 pm
Thank you!
February 9, 2016 @ 2:16 am
Hi, Ali.
I have been looking all your comments but I didn’t find it, that is why I am writing to you.
I am flying to Tokyo, I will take a plane to Toronto (from Chicago), and the next day I will take a plane to
LAX. There is a layover of 1 hour and 5 minutes. Then we arrive to San Diego and I have 1 hour and 30 minutes to take the next plane to Tokyo. Do you think that I will have enough time? Everything is with the same company (American Airlines), so it isn’t the first time that they do this. But overall the layover in LAX sounds pretty short.
Thank you!!!
February 11, 2016 @ 12:37 pm
Hi Pablo! Let me make sure I understand this correctly. Your flights are as follows: Chicago to Toronto to LAX to San Diego to Tokyo, correct? An hour and 5 minutes in LAX is a bit short, but not impossible. If your flights are all booked on one itinerary with American Airlines, they should tag your luggage to go through to Tokyo. There’s no official exiting immigration or passport control checkpoint when leaving the US, so there aren’t any extra steps for your flight from San Diego. The only odd one is the fact that you have to fly into Canada in the middle of your itinerary. But Toronto actually has a US customs/immigration checkpoint on their side, which means you shouldn’t have to deal with it when you land in LAX. Check out this site and put in your flight info, and they’ll tell you what to do in Toronto for your flight to LAX: http://www.torontopearson.com/Connecting.aspx# Also, check out my tips for short layovers here. Enjoy your trip to Japan!
February 11, 2016 @ 1:14 pm
Hi Ali,
I am planning to travel to Charlotte from Bangalore. I would be needing to change atleast 2 or 3 flights for this trip with layovers at Doha or Abu Dhabi or Heathrow or Frankfurt and Chicago.
Kindly suggest the safe layover time to keep in mind before booking tickets at the above mentioned airports.
Thanks in Advance !
February 14, 2016 @ 12:15 pm
Hi Yashas! When I book flights with layovers, especially international layovers, I look for at least 2 hours, if not more. One thing to consider is if you need any visas for any of those connections. If you need a visa to visit certain countries, you might need one to transit through. It all depends on your citizenship and the country you’re passing through. Aside from that, I would choose Frankfurt over Heathrow because it’s an easier airport to deal with, in my opinion. I’ve never flown through Doha, but I’ve heard good things. I have flown through Abu Dhabi and it was pretty easy to find their transit section so I didn’t have to deal with customs and immigration. Chicago can be tough because the terminals each have their own security checkpoint, so if you have to fly through there, give yourself plenty of time, I’d say at least 3 hours. It could end up being too much time, but I’d rather have time to waste as opposed to missing a flight. I hope this helps, and have a great trip!
February 21, 2016 @ 8:55 am
Hi Ali,
I’ve been super paranoid about connecting flights ever since I booked my ticket. It is my first time teavelling internationally alone, so I’m a bit nervous.
I’m flying from Boston to Toronto on Air Canada and then Toronto to Seoul on Korean Air. Do you think a 3 hour layover enough time to get through customs and security at Pearson?
Thank you!
February 22, 2016 @ 10:03 am
Hi Becca! I think 3 hours should be long enough. Toronto has a great guide for determining what you have to do on your layover there: http://www.torontopearson.com/Connecting.aspx# You’ll have to claim and recheck your luggage, but it sounds like there’s a place to recheck it right near customs, so it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to drop it off, and it should already have a tag on it to go to Seoul. I don’t think 3 hours is short, but if you’re worried, check out my tips for short layovers here. Have a great trip!
February 22, 2016 @ 4:23 pm
Hi Ali,
Im flying to Los Angeles LAX thru Cathay Pacific, i already have a ticket. Then i have to go to Las Vegas thru Southwest Airlines. According to my Cathay ticket, im arriving at Terminal B, but i dont know which terminal Southwest is. How much time should i alot in LAX before i buy my LAX to las vegas ticket? My arrival in LAX is 8AM on a Sunday April 10.
Thank you very much 🙂
February 23, 2016 @ 10:06 am
Hi Rico! When you land in LAX, you’ll have to go through immigration/passport control and customs. (Based on your mention of Cathay Pacific, I’m assuming you’ll be coming from outside the US.) You’ll also have to pick up your checked luggage and make your way to the Southwest counter to check it again. You might be able to check in for your Southwest flight online before you get on your Cathay Pacific flight, which means you can at least print your boarding pass, but I don’t think it’ll save you much time at LAX, unless you’re traveling with only carry-on luggage. You’ll also have to go through security again before you can get to your next gate. Personally, I’d probably allow for about 3 hours. It might be too much, you might only need 2 hours, but LAX is a huge and busy airport, so there could be long lines at passport control and/or security. Plus you might want to stop for a quick breakfast after your long flight. So it’s whatever you’re comfortable with, but 3 hours should be a safe estimate. Also keep in mind that if your Cathay Pacific flight is delayed, Southwest won’t be much help because your flights will be on separate itineraries, so the more time you allow for something unpredictable like a flight delay, the better off you’ll be. Check out http://los-angeles-lax.worldairportguides.com/ where you can find info on the airport and which airlines use which terminals. And be sure to read through my tips for dealing with short layovers here. Enjoy your trip!
February 26, 2016 @ 5:10 pm
Thanks for the tip 🙂 will be taking 5 hours too be really sure.. Is it safe to assume to also take 3 hours if we go back to la from utah then cathay to hongkong? Or is it different when leaving the US?
February 27, 2016 @ 10:27 am
I think 3 hours would be plenty of time. Flights leaving the US aren’t really much different than domestic flights within the US. The ticket agent will check your passport, and sometimes the gate agent will check it as well, but there’s no official passport control checkpoint like in most other countries. If you have checked luggage, you’ll have to claim it in LAX and recheck it for your Cathay Pacific flight, but since you won’t have to deal with any customs/immigration procedures in that direction, you should be fine.
March 1, 2016 @ 8:04 pm
Hi Ali,
I will fly from SFO to RIC via DFW (departure 00:50 at SFO, arrival 11:25 at RIC). Both flights with AA. The layover is 1h10 at DFW: do you think it’s enough for me and for my checked baggage ?
Thank you very much,
Hugo
March 3, 2016 @ 10:41 am
Hi Hugo! I think 1 hour 10 minutes should be ok, but that’s about the minimum I’d be comfortable with at a bigger airport like DFW. Your bags should be fine too. According to this http://www.worldairportguides.com/dallas-dfw/terminals.php your gate options are narrowed down to terminals A, B, or C if you’re flying on American Airlines. Also, you don’t exactly have time to waste on your layover in DFW, so check out my tips for short layovers here. Have a great trip!
March 7, 2016 @ 5:07 pm
Thank you Ali !
Eventually I chose a “safer” option via JFK (Delta).
Thanks for the tip !
March 8, 2016 @ 4:30 pm
You’re welcome, enjoy!
March 13, 2016 @ 10:14 pm
Hi, I am flying with my family to Rome this August. We are currently looking at flights and one of the options is to fly from Philadelphia to Rome with a 45 min. layover in Montreal. Do you think that this is enough time or should we look at other flights with 5+ hour layovers?
March 14, 2016 @ 12:10 pm
Hi Ethan! Canada is like the US in that they require all passengers, regardless of their final destination, to go through customs and immigration and claim and recheck luggage. So I don’t think 45 minutes is a long enough layover in Montreal. I’d look for a direct flight or one that connects somewhere inside the US or one that has at least 2-3 hours for a layover if it’s in Canada or somewhere else in Europe. Good luck and enjoy Italy!
March 17, 2016 @ 5:08 am
Hi! I’ll be flying for the first time alone this coming May and I’m really nervous about it especially considering I’ll have a 48 minute layover. I’ll be traveling from SAV to ATL, with my layover in ATL, and then to SAN through Delta Airlines. I read all your tips above and plan on using every single one to the best of my ability, but wanted to know if you were familiar with ATL and have any advice you could give me on that specific airport. I know it’s very large and I’m worried 48 minutes won’t be long enough for me not knowing where I’m going. Also am wondering if once I check in at the first airport (SAV), will I have to check in again somewhere when I arrive in ATL and will I have to go through security again there?
March 17, 2016 @ 11:12 am
Hi Maddie! I actually used to live in Atlanta, so I know that airport well. It is a large airport, but there are signs everywhere, there’s a tram connecting all the terminals, and all gates and terminals are beyond common security checkpoints.
When you check in for your first flight, they will tag your luggage to go to your final destination, so there’s nothing else for you to do with that. They will also print both of your boarding passes, so you don’t need to check in again in Atlanta. (This is all assuming your flights are booked together on one itinerary.)
Once you land in Atlanta, if you don’t already have your gate number, look for the big departures boards and find your next flight. Then look for signs for the other terminals/concourses (A, B, C, etc.) and hop on the tram. They leave every few minutes. Just make sure you get on going towards the right terminal. But that’s it really. You won’t have to deal with security again. 48 minutes should be enough time, but you won’t have time to waste. Probably worth finding your gate before even considering things like food or bathroom. Check out my tips for handling short layovers here, and enjoy your trip!
April 4, 2016 @ 4:30 am
Hey Ali. I’m taking a trip to east Asia this May and looking at flight options. On the way there my layovers are long enough, but for the way back I’m thinking of booking a flight that has a layover in Osaka (KIX) however the layover is only 1 hour 25 minutes. I will be flying from Bangkok to Los Angeles. I was wondering if you’ve been through Osaka and if you have any advice. There is another option with a 3 hour layover in Tokyo, however it’s substantially more expensive. Thanks!
April 8, 2016 @ 2:06 pm
Hi, I have not flown through Osaka, so I don’t have advice specific to that airport. However, since you’re not staying in Japan and you’re only going to have a layover there, you shouldn’t have to deal with customs and immigration, only security screening and finding your next gate. An hour and 25 minutes should be enough time (though you won’t really have time to waste) so if it was me, I might chance that one, especially if the alternative was a lot more money. When you land in Osaka (or Tokyo if you do decide to book that one) look for signs that say “transit” or “transfer” or “connecting flights” and you should be able to bypass customs and immigration. You’ll have to go through security, and then you can go to your next gate, so it shouldn’t take too long, depending on how long the line is at security. Check out my tips for short layovers here. Enjoy your trip!
April 6, 2016 @ 3:30 am
Hi Ali!
I’m so glad I bookmarked this site – you gave very, very great advice when my daughter traveled alone to London last summer – great trip and no airport issues. Thank you!
Hoping to get your thoughts on a flight I’m looking at for a return trip from Nashville (BNA) to Pittsburgh (PIT) on Saturday, May 14. There will be 3 adults traveling.
Based on the time of day we want to fly, the choices are (all Southwest flights)
1) leave Nashville at 6:15PM, arrive at Chicago Midway (MDW) at 7:45PM
change planes, leaving Midway at 8:45PM, arrive in Pittsburgh at 11PM
Wondering if an hour is enough to make the change at Midway??
From what I see on Midway’s site, Southwest uses terminal A and it doesn’t seem like too many gates, although I have no idea how spread out they are: Chicago Midway Airport’s Concourse A serves Frontier Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Porter Airlines, Delta Airlines and Air Tran. It contains gates A1-A19.
And SW claims 100% on time arrival for both legs of the flight.
2) leave Nashville at 4:20PM, fly through Orlando (MCO), arriving at 7:05PM
change to another SW plane, leaving Orlando at 8:25PM, arrive in Pittsburgh at 10:40PM
(So 1 hr 25 min layoff in Orlando)
SW says 1 minute average delay on both legs
3) also all Southwest – leave Nashville at 3:40PM, arrive at Baltimore (BWI) at 6:20PM
have 2 hr 40 min layover, leaving at 9:00pm, arrive in Pittsburgh at 10PM
SW says ~9 min average delay on both legs
Your advice is greatly appreciated!!!
Thank you
Sally
April 8, 2016 @ 2:27 pm
Yay, a return customer! 🙂 I don’t think you can really go wrong with these, but here’s what I see as the differences:
1) At MDW you won’t have to change terminals, and 19 gates isn’t a lot so even if you have to go from one end to the other, it can’t take too long. An hour should be enough time for that, though you won’t have too much time to get food or anything.
2) At MCO it looks like Southwest uses gates 100-129, which is labeled as #2 on this map: https://www.orlandoairports.net/getting-around-mco/ So you won’t have to change terminals/concourses, and I think the amount of time you have is sufficient.
3) At BWI it looks like Southwest uses A, B, and C, so you might have to switch from one to another. But you should have plenty of time to do that. 2 hours 40 minutes seems like a bit much for a domestic layover, but it’s right at dinner time, so at least you would have plenty of time to grab something to eat. http://www.bwiairport.com/en/maps/gatemap
I’d probably choose either #1 or #2 because you won’t have to worry about switching terminals. I think the only reason I’d lean towards #3 is if you really want to make sure you have enough time to find dinner at the airport. Since these are all so similar, I think price would be a big factor too. But like I said, I don’t think any of these is a bad choice.
I hope this helps! Have a great trip!
April 8, 2016 @ 5:46 pm
Thank you Ali! You are a wonderful resource!
Greatly appreciate your insight.
I think #1 is the cheapest by $100, and with 3 of us flying, that adds up.
I was wondering about having just an hour, so am glad to have your reassurance. We’ll just make sure we eat beforehand.
I’m waiting for my new Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card to show up to use when I book – due in today.
After reading about their companion pass program, I’m trying to maximize miles and take advantage of that.
Thank you again. I’m going to explore the rest of your and your husband’s sites too.
April 9, 2016 @ 8:50 pm
Thanks! Glad to help, Sally! The one hour really should be fine, unless your first flight gets delayed, in which case the airline has to get you on another flight anyway since you’re booked on one itinerary.
April 9, 2016 @ 9:57 pm
Good to know! Thanks again Ali!
April 10, 2016 @ 1:18 am
Hi Ali,
I will be going to Saint Maarten on American Airlines from Houston with a layover in Charlotte. I found 2 flights for the ssme price, One layover is 42 minutes and the other is 2 hrs and 40 minutes, which flight would be better
April 12, 2016 @ 9:49 am
Hi Rene! Personally, I wouldn’t feel comfortable with the 42 minute layover. It looks like several terminals handle American Airlines flights, which means you might have to switch terminals. It usually takes at least 10 minutes just to get off the plane, so that leaves you with only 30 minutes, maybe even less, to find your next gate. It could be fine, your next gate could be just a few yards away, but it you have to go a long distance, you might not have enough time. I think 2 hours 40 minutes is a lot more than you need, but I would personally rather have too much time than not enough. On the way back, you will have to go through customs and immigration, plus claim and recheck your luggage, in Charlotte (assuming your return route is the same). The only exception is if Saint Maarten is one of the places in the Caribbean that handles US customs and immigration before you get on the flight. There are a handful of airports in the Caribbean and Canada that do that now, in which case your layover in Charlotte would be just like a domestic layover. So unfortunately, I think the longer layover is better. If you decide to go with the shorter one, check out my tips for dealing with short layovers here. Have a great trip!
April 12, 2016 @ 6:21 pm
Thanks for the information. It will definitely help in my decision.
April 20, 2016 @ 9:24 am
Hi Ali,
How lucky I find this helpful website! I must share it with my friends.
I am going to have a long trip from Hong Kong to Peru. I feel comfortable with my inbound flights LIM/Lima -> EWR/New York -> NRT/Tokyo -> HKG/Hong Kong with layover times 3h45m and 4h35m at Newark and Narita airports respectively. Am I right?
However, I worry about my outbound flights HKG -> NRT -> IAH/Houston -> LIM. I will have layover times 1h35m and 1h55m at Narita and Houston George Bush airports. In particular, at Houston, I will have to firstly get my luggage, bring them through the Customs and Border Protection and then check them back into the airlines to make my next flight. The operators will be Air Japan and United Airlines. It seems nobody asked about Houston airport.
I look forward to having your advices. Thanks.
April 22, 2016 @ 5:56 pm
Hi Steele! You’re right, your layovers for LIM – EWR – NRT – HKG should be plenty of time. You’ll have to go through customs and immigration (plus security) in Newark, and you’ll have to claim and recheck your luggage, even though you’re not staying in the US, but 3 hours 45 minutes should be more than enough time for that.
For your outbound flights HKG – NRT – IAH – LIM, the 1 hour 55 minute layover in Tokyo should be ok. When you land, look for signs for “transit” or “transfer” or “connecting flights” and you should be able to bypass customs and immigration since you’re not staying in Japan. You’ll still have to go through security, but I wouldn’t worry too much about the time on this one. As for the layover in Houston, that does seem a little short. As you mentioned, you will have to go through customs and immigration, plus claim and recheck your luggage and go through security. I have never flown through Houston, so I don’t have personal experience to share, but I did some research, and it looks like United uses terminal E for international flights, so hopefully you won’t have to go very far. It also looks like there are counters to recheck your luggage right after you exit the customs area, so that should help too. Check out this link, and scroll down to where they start talking about international departures and arrivals: http://www.ifly.com/george-bush-intercontinental-airport/terminal-map
I’ve often seen that some airlines only have one flight a day for certain international routes, so this might be your only choice. However, if the airline does have an option for the IAH – LIM leg that leaves a little later, it might be worth seeing if you can switch. If you do end up sticking with the flights as they are, be sure to check out my tips for short layovers here. I don’t think 1 hour 35 minutes is impossible, but if there are long lines at passport control, it could be a problem. Good luck with your flights, and enjoy your trip to Peru!
April 23, 2016 @ 3:25 am
Thanks a lot. Best wishes,
May 13, 2016 @ 5:25 am
I have completed my outbound flights which included a layover at Houston IAH. At IAH, I was not required to claim my luggage and recheck it for my connecting flight. I did not know that until I did not find my luggage at the luggage belt. In response to my inquiry, an airport/airline staff told me so.
May 13, 2016 @ 10:35 am
Steele, that’s really strange. It’s possible IAH has changed their procedures for passengers who aren’t staying in the US, but I’ve never seen that before. Definitely ask the agent when you check in for your return flights if you’ll have to claim and recheck your luggage in Newark on the way back. I think it would be great it every airport would start doing things that way, transferring your luggage if you’re just transiting through the US.
April 30, 2016 @ 1:25 am
We’re going from milano italy to franfurt germany to philadelphia and we have 45 minutes to get from the germany plane to the philadelphia plane is that enough time? the company of the plane is lufthansa
April 30, 2016 @ 10:08 am
Hi Megi! I think a 45 minute layover in Frankfurt, especially since you’re going to an international flight, is a bit short. (I realize Italy and Germany are different countries, so “international” but they’re both in the Schengen zone, so there’s no passport checks.) You’ll have to go through passport control in Frankfurt to get stamped out of the Schengen zone, and those lines can sometimes be long. Then you’ll have to go through security when you find your gate. Plus the international flights are usually in a different section of the airport, and Frankfurt is a big airport. I wouldn’t say it’s impossible for you to make this connection, but it’s cutting it close. I used to live near Frankfurt and used that airport often, and sometimes the passport line took 2 minutes, but sometimes I stood in line for a half hour. You might want to call Lufthansa and see what their policy is if you miss your flight because the layover is too short, and consider changing to an earlier Milan-Frankfurt flight. If you end up sticking with this flight, be sure to read through my tips for short layovers here.
May 5, 2016 @ 1:01 am
HELLO ALI,
Please if you don’t mind me asking, I’m going to Jakarta Airport coming with an international flight to Jakarta soekarno hatta airport. Right after, I will take another flight “DOMESTIC not International” and obviously not the same company and they are not connecting between each other ( it’s a separate booking) from jakarta indonesia to bali indonesia. My question is that I have two options, first is to take the bali flight after 1h 55 MIN layover in jakarta or a second one with 3h 55 min layover. Me and my wife we prefer the first option because we won’t wait a lot in jakarta airport and also because the flights are in the same terminal so we think that 1h 55 min is more than enough to collect our luggage and pass the security. please, I just want to your opinion about this and i would be really grateful for your help. THANK YOU
May 5, 2016 @ 11:39 am
Hi Hatim! If I’m understanding you correctly, you have a flight starting outside of Indonesia, going to Jakarta, then continuing on to Bali, right? You won’t just be passing through security in Jakarta, you will also have to go through customs and immigration, and depending on your nationality, you might have to get a visa on arrival. I have not flown through Jakarta, but I flew directly to Bali a few years ago, and the visa lines were insane. I had to wait in one line to pay for it, and a second line to actually get the visa with the receipt. Both lines together took well over one hour, people pushed and cut in front, and some even paid random guys to get them closer to the front of the line. (I think this was just a scammy way of cutting the line and handing over money to do so.) If Jakarta is anything like that, 1 hour 55 minutes might be cutting it close. And since your flights are separate, you will have to claim your checked luggage, go find the check-in counter for the next flight to get your boarding pass and check your luggage, and then you’ll go through security. And if it takes you too long to get through immigration or the first flight is delayed, the second airline won’t be any help because it was your responsibility to get there in time. I personally would go with the longer layover here because of all the different things you have to do during the layover and the potential for delayed flights and long lines, but it’s really up to your comfort level.
May 5, 2016 @ 3:55 pm
THANK YOU for your answer. Yes, taking into consideration that I’m Moroccan, i will need a visa in jakarta. from what I understand, If it were you, you will go with the second option (3h,55 min)??
May 5, 2016 @ 4:01 pm
Yes, I personally would choose the 3 hour 55 minute layover. I know it’s annoying to have extra time waiting at the airport during a layover, but I’d rather that than to miss my connection. Also, be sure to research ahead of time if you can get a visa on arrival or if you need to apply ahead of time. I only know the visa rules for US citizens. If you go with the longer layover, at least you’ll be less stressed about making your connection, and it’ll give you enough time to find a bathroom and get something to eat if you’re hungry. Enjoy your trip!
May 5, 2016 @ 4:32 pm
Thank you again ALI for the help. Actually we are on visa free countries for indonesia, we don’t have to pay the visa. here are the countries: 11 countries and territories are eligible for a “Visa Free” facility. Those holding valid passports from the following countries will be granted a non-extendable 30-day Visa-Free Short Visit Permit upon arrival at an Indonesian international gateway without charge:
Brunei Darussalam
Chile
Hong Kong SAR
Macau SAR
Malaysia
Morocco
Peru
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
Singapore
May 5, 2016 @ 4:59 pm
Perfect!
May 8, 2016 @ 8:37 pm
HI Ali! I am flying BOS (American Airlines) to Seoul (Korean Air) with a 1 hour 20 minute layover at LAX. Do you thinkt hat will be fine? Thanks so much!
May 8, 2016 @ 8:50 pm
Actually, 1 hour 40 minutes!
May 9, 2016 @ 10:57 am
Hi Dawn! Yeah, I think 1 hour 40 minutes in LAX should be enough since there aren’t any official passport control checkpoints when exiting the US. Your luggage will be transferred from the first flight to the second one, so all you have to do is get to your next gate. But if you’re flying through LAX on the way back to Boston, you will probably need more time than that since you’ll have to go through customs and immigration and claim and recheck your luggage.
May 10, 2016 @ 3:18 am
Thank you!!
May 13, 2016 @ 5:23 pm
This is just a stupendous gold mine on the WWW!!
Not just for the article only, but more for the continuous and generous responses by Ali. What a warm hearted and helpful person you are!!
Now, my query. We are flying from Mumbai to Cleveland in August to drop my daughter in college. We are considering Delta, which has many possible ports of entry – JFK/ LGA/ MSP/ ATL/ DTW. And different layover durations?
My questions are:
1. Does JFK immigration take much longer time than other airports ?(I have heard stories!!)
Is 1.25 hour good enough in JFK? What is the minimum layover duration that is safe and not anxiety producing at this airport given that we will be traveling for almost 24 hours by that time?
2. Is LGA as tardy as JFK?
3. At other airports, what is the minimum layover duration?
Thank you in advance!
May 14, 2016 @ 12:14 am
Aw, thank you Subir, how nice of you to say! I’m glad to help if I can.
One thing to keep in mind is that you will have to go through customs and immigration AND claim and recheck your luggage at the first US airport you land in. JFK isn’t a fun airport to transit through on an international flight because of how their customs area is set up. It’s been a few years since I’ve flown through there, but from what I’ve read, it’s the same: that you claim your luggage in the customs area and then you have to go find the normal check-in counters to recheck your bags, even if you already have your boarding passes. It’s frustrating and more time consuming than airports that have a way for you to recheck your luggage right there in the customs area.
I haven’t flown through all of the airports on your list, but I personally like Atlanta. Lots of people don’t like it because it’s such a big airport, but it’s well organized, there are signs everywhere to direct you to the different terminals, and there’s a tram connecting the terminals that runs every few minutes. (I also used to live there, so that’s the one I have the most experience with…so I might be a little biased!) When you land, there are two directions you can go to get to passport check: one for people staying in Atlanta, and one for people continuing on to another airport. In your case, you would choose the one for connecting flights, go through passport check, then pick up your bags and hand your form over to the customs person, and there’s a luggage drop-off conveyor belt thing right there for rechecking your bags.
No matter which airport you choose to fly through, you probably want to allow for at least 2 hours, if not 3 really, for your layover. I don’t think 1 hour 25 minutes is enough time. It doesn’t take much for that line at passport control to be really long and/or slow, or your first flight could be delayed. I think JFK is the worst choice on your list, and even though I don’t know much about flying through LGA, I probably wouldn’t pick that one either simply because you have better options. MSP isn’t a bad airport, although I’ve never flown through there internationally.
Another good thing about having a little extra time on your layover is it will give you some time to stretch your legs and find some food. Having say 3 hours means you shouldn’t have to worry about getting through all the lines, and you won’t feel so rushed. I’m sure you’ll get food on your international flight, but you won’t get more than a tiny bag of peanuts or something similar on your domestic US flight.
I hope this helps, but let me know if you have any other questions!
May 14, 2016 @ 5:27 am
Thank you soo much, Ali!!
Exactly my feeling. I was thinking of 3-4 hour layover.
I am also a bit of an airport hobbyist, and like to enjoy the airport a bit at leisure.
So yes, will totally pay heed to your suggestion. Looks like it’s going to be Detroit as Atlanta layovers are short for Delta connections to Cleveland.
Meanwhile, I have checked out another option of flying in Qatar Airlines and enter through Boston and take a Jet Blue to Cleveland. Let me see how do the prices go.
Thank you again!!
May 14, 2016 @ 10:24 am
Yep 3-4 hours should be plenty of time in any airport. I think you have lots of good choices there. Enjoy your trip!
June 12, 2016 @ 9:01 pm
Hi,
I’ve booked ticket from Delhi to Seattle. I’ve a layover of 90 minutes at Chicago. I’ll land at terminal 5 whereas my domestic flight is from terminal 3. My Seattle flight is the last for that day and there is no other flight until next morning. I’m planning to cancel this one and get another ticket or is it better to spend night at airport. Could you advise?
June 14, 2016 @ 4:36 pm
That’s a tough one. You’ll have to go through immigration and customs in Chicago, plus claim and recheck your luggage, change terminals and go through security again. Chicago O’Hare is notorious for being a pain to deal with on layovers. I personally wouldn’t feel comfortable with a 90 minute layover there. You could call the airline and find out what their policy is on rebooking you if you miss your connection due to lines at immigration, but many airlines say that if it’s not their fault (their fault meaning the first flight landed late) you have to pay to rebook, which is not cheap last minute. I don’t know if there’s an earlier option from Delhi to Chicago that might be better for you. You could also find out the airline’s policy on putting you on an earlier flight, so if you booked the morning flight to Seattle but you actually make it through the airport quickly when you land from Delhi, what would they charge you to put you on that late flight to Seattle? If you decide to spend the night in Chicago, check out Sleeping in Airports for info on sleeping at O’Hare or for a list of nearby hotels.
June 23, 2016 @ 6:13 am
hi,
First of i am travelling to USA first time.i have booked a ticket from New Delhi to Wichita [mid-continent,wichita,US (ICT)].i have to change 3 flights to reach the city.I’ve a layover of 1h50min. at London(london Heathrow),2nd layover of 11h40min. in Chicago,IIChicago O’hare International, Chicago, Il United States (ORD) .i will reach Wichita Kansas in morning 9:15. Can you advice me what should i do during layover ? ex. regarding baggage’s or check in etc.
last i want to know in every airport i have to go trough immigration process and check in ?
thanks
June 23, 2016 @ 9:01 pm
Hi Anil! In general, the US and Canada are the only countries that make you go through immigration and customs and claim and recheck luggage, even if you’re just transiting through. So at your first layover, in London, you should be able follow the “transit” or “transfer” or “connecting flights” signs and bypass immigration, and your luggage should be transferred automatically from the first flight to the second. Check out the flight connections section of the Heathrow Airport website here and put in your flight info for a little guide that tells you what to do/where to go.
In Chicago, you will have to go through immigration, claim your luggage, go through customs, and recheck your luggage. You’ll also have to go through security before getting to your next gate. But it looks like you have a really long layover there! Depending on what time you land, you might want to consider leaving the airport during your layover and getting a glimpse of the city. Check out some ideas for tours here so you don’t have to stress about the details with such limited time. But if your layover is overnight, you might want to just grab a hotel or buy a lounge access pass and hang out in there for a few hours.
When you get to Wichita, you’ll just have to get off the plane and claim your luggage.
Also, as long as all of your flights are booked on one itinerary, you should get all your boarding passes when you check in for the first flight. However, since you have such a long layover in Chicago, it’s possible they won’t be able to print the Chicago to Wichita boarding pass since it’s so far ahead of when you’ll be checking in. In that case, you just need to look for a ticket counter for the airline you’re flying once you get to Chicago, or within a few hours of departure.
I’m assuming you might be doing the reverse of this at some point, if you live in India? If so, flying out of the US is not as complicated as flying in. You’ll check your luggage in Wichita, and it’ll go all the way to New Delhi. There is no official exiting passport control in the US, but the ticket agent will check your passport when you check in for your flight.
I hope this helps, and enjoy your trip!
June 28, 2016 @ 7:17 am
Mon. Sep. 12 (Arriving Sep. 13) Edmonton, AB to Barcelona, Spain
Edmonton (YEG) to Minneapolis (MSP)
Delta 4116 operated by /ENDEAVOR AIR DBA DELTA CONNECTION
Economy / Coach Class ( V)
Depart 8:30am Arrive 12:10pm
Duration: 2h 40m
Layover: Minneapolis (Minneapolis – St. Paul Intl.) 1h 5m
Minneapolis (MSP) to Atlanta (ATL)
Delta 785
Economy / Coach Class ( V), Boeing 757 (757-300)
Depart 1:15pm Arrive 4:42pm
Duration: 2h 27m
Layover: Atlanta (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl.) 0h 51m
Atlanta (ATL) to Barcelona (BCN)
Delta 26
Economy / Coach Class ( V), AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A330-300
Depart 5:33pm Arrive 8:25am +1 day
Duration: 8h 52m
We booked this without thinking of the issue of our bags.
Would you feel at risk of your bags not making it from Atlanta to Barcelona?
June 29, 2016 @ 5:53 pm
Hi Shannon! The 51 minute layover in Atlanta is a bit tight. Make sure anything valuable and anything you wouldn’t want to be without is packed in your carry-on bag. I’d include at least one change of clothes too, just in case. But I’d be more worried about YOU making the connection than your luggage. International flights often board earlier than domestic flights, and most international flights leave out of the international terminal in Atlanta, so you definitely don’t have any time to waste there. Go to the bathroom on the plane so you don’t have to worry about it in Atlanta, make sure your carry-on is all packed up and ready before the plane lands, see if you can get your seats changed to be as close to the front as possible. Check out my tips for short layovers here. Normally I’d suggest seeing if you could get an earlier flight to Atlanta, but since you’re connecting once before that, it might not be an option for you. Atlanta is a big airport, but if you follow the signs to the other terminals, you’ll get to the train that connects the terminals, and the train runs every couple minutes. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you, and enjoy your trip to Barcelona!
June 29, 2016 @ 1:31 pm
Hi Ali,
I am getting a bit nervous about my flight from Heathrow to Chicago Ohare with a 95 minute layover before departing for Orlando.
Is this enough time to get through customs (UK and Irish passport holders) to change terminals and recheck my luggage with 3 children?
My entire flight is booked with American Airlines (flights were changed after I had booked).
I arrive Saturday morning at 10:45am in October if this makes a difference for passing through the airport?
June 29, 2016 @ 6:03 pm
Hi Mark! Chicago O’Hare is not known for being a quick airport to get through unfortunately. That said, I don’t think 95 minutes is impossible. I tend to think of morning arrivals as a bit easier because there hasn’t been much time for things to get backed up, but it all depends on how many international flights land around the same time. There’s some really helpful info about the procedures at O’Hare here. Have you traveled to the US before? According to that site, if you have an ESTA and you’re NOT a first time visitor, you can use the kiosks, so that could save you time. It also sounds like the luggage re-checking area is just past customs, so you don’t have to go all the way out to the check-in counters. You will have to go through security again before getting to your next gate. Overall, I think this one is borderline. If you don’t feel comfortable with 95 minutes, see if the airline has a later flight to Orlando and if it’s reasonable to switch. If not, or if you just decide to go for it, be sure to read my tips for dealing with short layovers here.
June 30, 2016 @ 9:27 am
Thank you for the quick reply. Unfortunately I am not able to change my flight (non-refundable/ transferable ticket), so I will be using your tips for a short layovers.
Very helpful, thank you again.
June 30, 2016 @ 11:12 am
Yeah, I think it’s pretty tough for most people to change flights. Do the best you can, and hopefully it’ll all work out.
July 23, 2016 @ 7:05 pm
Hi, I have a flight that arrives at KLIA2 at 7pm by Air Asia and one that leaves at 9pm by Air Asia. It’s 2 separate flights but the same airline and same terminal. I have checked luggage. You reckon I can make it? These were the only 2 available flights.
July 24, 2016 @ 9:12 am
Hi Andy! Yes, I think you’ll be fine. That’s not a huge airport. You will have to claim and recheck your luggage since it’s two different flights (Air Asia doesn’t really do connecting flights in most cases anyway) but I don’t think it’ll take too long. If you’re coming from outside of Malaysia or even the Borneo parts of Malaysia, you’ll have to go through customs and immigration which could take some time, so I don’t think you have time to waste, but I do think this is a doable layover. Enjoy your trip!
July 24, 2016 @ 9:41 am
Thanks so much.
August 9, 2016 @ 5:33 am
What is consider a comfortable layover for AUS – ICN and back with either DFW, LAX or SFO as the stopover airports? Would say 2-3 hours? Is over 3 hours too much?
August 9, 2016 @ 6:11 pm
Hi Steven! I’d probably aim for about 2 hours or so for your layover on the way out of the US. Those are all pretty big airports, and you will most likely have to change terminals and maybe even go through security again depending on the airport. For your flight back to the US, I’d probably aim for about 3 hours. It could end up being too long, but you really never know what the lines at immigration are going to be like. You’ll have to go through passport control, claim your checked luggage, go through customs, and recheck your luggage, plus go through security again. And to be honest, if I’m stuck choosing between a layover that seems to long and one that seems too short, 99.9% of the time I’ll choose the one that seems too long. It’s just not worth missing your connection.
August 12, 2016 @ 6:07 pm
Ali,
I am so glad I found your article. From you expertise, would you advise if a 2 hour layover will be way too short?
We are flying back from Italy (out of Venice) back to Pittsburgh. We have a 2 hour layover in Philly. When we booked we had a 5 hour layover, but then American Airlines changed our flights!!!
Is there anyway you would think we would be able to un-check baggage, go through customs, and re-check the baggage in Philly in under 2 hours?
Thanks,
Laura
August 14, 2016 @ 11:27 am
Hi Laura! I don’t think a 2 hour layover in Philadelphia is impossible. Here’s a map of the airport: http://www.ifly.com/philadelphia-international-airport/terminal-map It also has a thing you can use to put in the terminal you arrive at (which will be A since you’re arriving on an international flight) and then the terminal you’re going to, and it’ll tell you how to get from one to the next and how long it takes. It does not account for the time it takes to get through customs and immigration though. I looked around and it sounds like there’s a luggage recheck area just passed customs, so it really shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to recheck your bags. You’ll have to go through security again before continuing to your next gate. I think as long as the lines aren’t super long at immigration or security, you should be fine. Try to go to the bathroom on the Venice-Philadelphia flight before you land, otherwise wait until you get to the gate for your next flight to make sure you have time. Check out the rest of my tips for dealing with short layovers here, but I don’t think this is a bad one.
August 19, 2016 @ 2:49 am
I am flying from Kitchener ,Ontario Canada to Chicago with a 1hr35min layover connecting to Las Vegas will this be enough time to make my connection
August 19, 2016 @ 4:12 pm
Hi Kevin! Honestly that sounds a little tight to me. You’ll have to go through US customs and immigration in Chicago, claim and recheck any checked luggage, go through security, and get to your next gate. Chicago is a big airport with several terminals, and you will almost certainly have to change terminals since there’s a specific one for international flights. I’d recommend asking your airline what their policy is on rebooking your if you miss your connection due to long lines at passport control with an on-time arrival to Chicago. And be sure to check out my tips for short layovers here.
August 25, 2016 @ 10:38 pm
I’m travelling tomorrow morning from agadir to Casablanca through Royal air Moroc and land at terminal 2 and then have to go straight onto next plane again with Royal air Moroc to London Gatwick from terminal 2 so i land in same terminal I land at Casablanca at 11 and the next flight is at 12.05 so only an hour and 5 minute is this possible and I take it they will check my baggage straight through then I take it when I land in casa I just go to connections I’m so nervous as I’m flying with my autistic son
August 26, 2016 @ 10:09 am
Hi Toni! Yes, they should check your luggage all the way through. When you land in Casablanca, you’ll have to go through passport control to get stamped out of Morocco. You might have to go through security depending on how the airport is set up. An hour and 5 minutes is a little tight, but not impossible. You should be able to follow the signs to “connections” or your next gate, and you can’t make a wrong turn and accidentally skip exiting passport control. When in doubt, ask an airport employee for help.
August 26, 2016 @ 4:47 pm
Hello! I’m interested in booking a flight from Tokyo to NYC, with a 75 minute layover in HKG. I’ll most likely have 1 piece of checked luggage and a backpack as my carry on. Is this still pushing it?
August 28, 2016 @ 11:03 am
Hi Noelle! I think you’ll be ok with that layover. You shouldn’t have to go through customs and immigration in Hong Kong since you’re not staying there, only transiting through to another country. When you land, look for signs that say “transit” or “transfer” or “connecting flights” and you should be able to bypass immigration. You’ll have to go through security again, so I don’t think you’ll have time to waste, but I think this is doable. Have a great trip!
September 5, 2016 @ 6:51 am
Hi. We booked a vacation to Costa Rica. We are leaving from Newark Liberty. The best flight is American leaving at 6am to Miami 1hr 1min layover, then on to San Jose, also American. Will we have to go through security in Miami also since we’re not leaving the terminal, just going to another gate. We’ve learned to only take carry-ons too, so no baggage claims. Thank you for any advice. We don’t want to spend the first day of vacation in an airport. PS We don’t have to go through customs to leave the US , do we? Only when we get to San Jose. And of course when we return.
September 7, 2016 @ 7:48 pm
Hi Barry! Correct, if your second flight leaves from the same terminal where the first one lands, you should not have to deal with security. Check out the airport’s map here. It looks like if your flights in D and your next flight takes off in D, you shouldn’t have to go through security again. And no, you won’t go through customs/immigration when leaving the US. The airline agent will look at your passport when you check in for your first flight, and it’s possible someone will look at it again in Miami before you board your second flight. You’ll go through US customs and immigration, plus go through security, at the first US airport you arrive at on your way home, which is where you’ll want a longer layover. I hope that helps, and enjoy Costa Rica!
September 26, 2016 @ 3:54 am
HI Ali….. Thank you for your response. Our return flight is nonstop so that’s pretty easy. We will enjoy Costa Rica, we were on the Pacific side last year and we’re going to the Caribbean side this trip.
September 26, 2016 @ 10:48 am
Perfect! Have a great time!
October 9, 2016 @ 2:42 am
Hi Ali,
I am looking at the following itinerary and would like to get your thoughts
AKL > SYD – 7:30 am-9:15 am (flight duration 3hr40min) on Qantas -Jet Connect
2 hr 15 min layover
SYD > LAX – 11:30 am – 6:30 am (flight duration 14 hrs.) on United
2 hr 30 min layover
LAX > ORD – – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (flight duration 4 hrs) on United
Total 26 hr. 25 min
All flights booked on one ticket through United
1) Is a 26 hr /2 connection itinerary too ambitious? I know stamina differs with individual.
2) Would I have enough time with my connections in both Sydney and LAX ?
3) I know I would have to re-check my bag once I get to LAX, but, would I have to re-check bag after arriving in SYD from the AKL?
4) While this has never happened to me before on an international flight, what happens if my bag is not on my flight once I get to L.A. and I cannot re-check my bag? Would I leave my bag so I can make your connection to ORD or would I miss my flight trying to locate my missing bag?
Last question (I promise). I would like to stay overnight in ORD and catch flight home next day to DCA. I do not want to include flight to DCA on my ticket as a multi-city with United because it would cost too much so I would purchase a separate ticket on United.
If for some reason, my bags got delayed and didn’t make LAX or ORD flight and couldn’t be reunited with me during my overnight stay in ORD, would the airline be able to forward bag to DCA even though the ORD to DCA flight was booked on a separate ticket?
Your comments would be most welcomed. Thanks.
Susan
October 10, 2016 @ 12:03 pm
Hi Susan! I’ll do my best to answer your questions.
1) I personally try to book flights with as few connections as possible. That said, if the price difference is major, I’ll just deal with it. Yes, 26 hours with 2 connections sounds a bit painful, but New Zealand and the US just ARE far apart, so there aren’t many options that save you tons of time. If you can find a decent flight that goes from AKL to the US, that might be better than having to connect through Australia, but you still have to get across that ocean. If this is the best option for you price-wise or it’s with an airline you collect frequent flier miles, it might be the way to go.
2) I think the layover in Sydney is probably fine. I’ve never transited through there before, but most airports have a way for you to bypass customs and immigration if you’re not staying in the country. Look for signs that say “transit” or “transfer” or “connecting flights” when you land, and if you don’t see those, ask someone if you have to go through customs and immigration if you’re transiting. As for LAX, that might be a little tight but not necessarily impossible. It’s a huge airport with a lot of international flights, which means at any time of the day, you could be in line with hundreds of other people trying to get through customs and immigration. It’s a tough call, but if I’d say if there is another option that gives you more time, it might be worth potentially having extra time at LAX. If there really aren’t any other options, take the chance and do what you can to get through everything quickly. Check out my tips for dealing with short layovers.
3) Most countries, other than the US and Canada, will transfer your luggage from one flight to the next. You should check with the airline to be sure, but I don’t think you’ll have to deal with your checked luggage in Sydney.
4) I think you’d have to talk to the airline about what to do if this happens. Normally they’ll forward your luggage to your final destination if it gets lost, so I assume that’s how they would handle it in this case too. I think it would cost them too much to have you stay and wait for the luggage when you already have a ticket for another flight. I’m sure you can ask them about this ahead of time to see how they would handle it if it does happen.
5) I think as long as all your flights are with the same airline, they can still forward it on to your final destination. If you get to ORD and still don’t have your luggage, find a customer service counter and talk to them. You’ll be in the system, so they should be able to look at your flight to DCA and re-tag your luggage if it does get delayed. Probably also worth talking to an agent in LAX about your ORD to DCA flight if your luggage doesn’t arrive in LAX. The sooner they can get a ORD-DCA tag on your luggage, the better. But hopefully you won’t actually have to worry about this!
I hope this helps, and have a great trip!
October 26, 2016 @ 3:58 pm
Hi Ali,
I’ll arrive at JFK on Nov 2nd at 7:00pm coming from Heathrow heading to RDU, will have a 1h 35m layover in JFK, and it turned out that I won’t be able to change the flight unless I’ll be charged for that. Will I be able to make it? Knowing that I’ll spend time in clearing passport and customs check-points.
If it won’t be easy to catch the next plane, it turned out that the next one will be in the next day (about 12 hours apart) do you have recommendation about what I can do these time, it will be my first time in U.S. so I think getting to manhattan won’t be easy for me, also hotels near the airport is quite expensive. Would you recommend staying overnight at JFK?
Please let me know.
Thanks.
October 27, 2016 @ 6:51 pm
Hi Ehab! An hour and 35 minutes at JFK is really tight. If you can’t change your flight without paying a hefty fee and you’re going to go for it on this one, I think you just have to hope for the best and don’t waste any time. No bathroom stops, no food stops, and try to be one of the first off the plane. Check out my tips for short layovers here. If you do miss your connection and get stuck there, you can’t get better than NYC for nightlife…which is the time frame of your layover. You could go explore the city a little, just make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to get back to the airport and through security. There’s info here about public transportation to and from JFK. I think getting a hotel or toughing it out at the airport are your options. If you stay in the airport, you might want to check out the lounges for a little more comfort, though that’s not free either. I personally hate trying to sleep on an airport chair or whatever, but I understand that springing for a hotel for the night, especially in NYC, is not cheap. Sorry I can’t tell you exactly what you should do, but I think you have a few options, even if none of them are ideal. Enjoy your trip!
October 30, 2016 @ 4:14 am
Hi Ali… thank you for your kind reply, that really helps. I’ll try to do my best hopefully I could catch it!
December 8, 2016 @ 4:12 pm
Hi,
I am travelling from Canada to India and have stopover at Helsinki, Finland for 4 hrs. I hold Indian passport.
My friend stays in Helsinki, so can i go to meet her outside the Airport or do I need to have transit visa to move outside the airport. Do Finland offers Transit visa because i have read some where that they didnt .
Please Help!
Thanks
December 10, 2016 @ 11:11 am
Hi Rashi! I’m not a visa expert, but if Finland requires Indian citizens to have a visa to visit, then you’ll need one to leave the airport on a layover. Check the Finland embassy website to see what they require as far as tourist visas. Normally on a layover like yours, since you’re not staying in Finland (or anywhere else in the Schengen Zone) you would look for signs that say “transit” or “transfer” or “connecting flights” and bypass customs and immigration, then go through security and find your connecting gate. That way you would never technically enter Finland or the Schengen Zone. But if you want to leave the airport, you’ll have to go through customs and immigration and get stamped into Schengen. You’ll also have to go through passport control when you come back to the airport to get stamped back out of Schengen. So check the embassy website first, then do some calculations to make sure you have enough time to leave the airport on your layover. Sorry I can’t give you a more definitive answer, but I hope this helps get you in the right direction!
December 21, 2016 @ 9:49 am
Hi Ali,
I am travelling from FLL to MNL this Feb. flying Delta.I will be changing plane for international flight in Atlanta.I have another connection in Japan.My problem is, I only have 1 hr. and 14 min as my layover in Atlanta for the next flight.Is the connection too tight knowing that Atlanta Airport is huge?I will be flying Delta all the way through.I need your piece of advice.Thank You.
December 22, 2016 @ 10:51 am
Hi Odette! I might be a little biased because I used to live in Atlanta and flew in and out of that airport all the time, but I think you’ll be ok. Yes, it’s a big airport, but it’s well connected with a train. When you check in for your flight out of FLL, see if they know the gate number for your ATL-MNL flight, that way when you land, you’ll know where you have to go. If they don’t have the gate number, there are departure boards all over, so you’ll still be able to find it pretty quickly. Follow the signs to baggage claim until you get to the train that connects all the terminals, and you’ll be there in a few minutes. The train runs every few minutes, so you won’t have to wait long. You probably won’t have time to waste, but I think an hour 14 minutes should be fine. Check out my tips for short layovers here.
December 22, 2016 @ 5:04 pm
Hi Ali,Thank you for the quick answer.I won`t be claiming my luggage in Atlanta because it will be picked up in Manila.I think you are right,I will be ok.I am just nervous because this is the first time for me to fly international with less than 2 hrs. lay over.Again,thank you.
December 24, 2016 @ 6:04 pm
I understand! If it helps, flying internationally when leaving the US isn’t really much different from a domestic flight. The agent will check your passport when you check in for your first flight, and it’s possible the gate agent will check it again on the flight that actually leaves the US, but other than that, it’s just like a domestic flight. The US doesn’t have official passport control checkpoints for departures…which I find odd since the rest of the world does it, but that’s just the way it is!
December 23, 2016 @ 5:01 pm
Hi Ali,
I’m travelling from YYZ-EWR-HKG (staying for 2 weeks)-SIN. On the way back, I go from SIN-HKG-EWR (6 hour layover)-YYZ. I would really like to skip the last leg of my flight and stay in New York for a week or two before flying on a new flight back to YYZ (I tried calling and asking them if I could change the last leg, but they said it would cost $400, which is more than the cost to just book a new flight from EWR-YYZ). I know that hidden city ticketing is frowned upon, but I was just wondering if there would be a chance to pick up my checked bags at EWR during the customs/bag re-check and leave? Or would I only be able to do this with carry-on bags.
December 24, 2016 @ 6:12 pm
That’s a tricky one, George! In general, you have to claim your luggage when landing in the US, even if you’re not staying in the US. I’ve heard of one or two airports starting to change this for transit flights, but so far my research has not confirmed anything. I hate to tell you 100%, but I think your chances are extremely high that you will still have to claim your checked bags in Newark. Which means, if you want to skip out on the last leg of your flight, it shouldn’t be a problem. Probably worth calling the airline, or even the airport itself if they have a decent customer service line, and asking for verification that you’ll have to claim your checked luggage in Newark. Obviously don’t mention why you’re asking. I’ve heard of airlines flagging passengers who no-show for one leg of a flight too much, but once shouldn’t be a big deal. I hope this helps!
January 29, 2017 @ 8:44 pm
Hi Ali !
I’m interested in booking a flight from Salt Lake City to Florence on Air France ,with a 1hr and 20 minute layover in Paris (CDG).I’ll have one piece checked luggage and a carry on.Is 1 hr and 20 min good enought in CDG ? There is another option with a 3 hr and 50 min layover. Do you think I would better choose a longer layover ?
Thank you very much!
SC
January 29, 2017 @ 10:49 pm
Hi! I’d probably choose the longer layover. An hour and 20 minutes could be long enough, but CDG is a big airport, you’ll have to go through immigration and customs when you land in order to get stamped into the Schengen Zone, and you might have to change terminals to get to your connecting flight. It’s a tough call because lines could be short, and you might get through really quickly. But if the line is long or you have to get from one end of the airport to the other, you might not have enough time. 3 hours 50 minutes isn’t horribly long, and at least it gives you time to find something to eat. But if you decide to go with the shorter layover, be sure to check out my tips for short layovers here. Either way, I hope you have a great time in Florence!
March 26, 2017 @ 11:04 pm
Hi,
I booked a vacation package from NYC to Mexico. I have a 2 stop flight on United to Cancun and a direct flight on the way back to NYC. My 2 stop flight originally had a layover of 1 hr 30 min in IAD (Washingsinton D.C.), but I see that they just changed the second leg of my flight and now my layover is only 56 min. Do you think that is enough time?
Should I contact United since they changed the flight on me? I am worried about making the connection. I do not want to get stranded in DC for the night.
Thank you.
March 27, 2017 @ 4:54 am
I meant one stop flight! Sorry.
March 28, 2017 @ 8:01 pm
Hi Anna! A 56 minute layover when re-entering the US is tough! You have to go through passport control/immigration and customs, plus claim and recheck your luggage and go through security. If there are lines at immigration, this could take a long time. It’s not impossible, but personally I’d be nervous with such a short layover. I’d recommend calling the airline and asking what your options are and what their policy is if the flight to IAD is on time but you miss your connection. (If the flight is late, it’s usually their responsibility to get you on another flight, but not always the case if the flight is on time.)
April 2, 2017 @ 7:30 pm
Hi Ali,
Thanks for your reply. I meant that the 56 min layover is on my way to Cancun so I would not be passing through immigration. The flight is LGA to IAD -56 min layover- and then IAD to CUN (Cancun).
Do you think that is still doable?
Sorry for the confusion.
April 4, 2017 @ 10:14 am
Sorry, I misunderstood! Leaving the US is a little easier/quicker than entering because you don’t go through customs and immigration. You’ll just have to get off the first plane and find your next gate. You might have to change terminals, which can take some time, but I think you have a better chance with this one.
April 12, 2017 @ 4:38 am
I have 2 hours and 30 mins layover in Orly Airport in Paris.
I will be arriving at 10.55 AM from Venice and needs to catch American Airlines flight at 1.40 PM in Orly Airport in Paris.
I will be checking in my luggage and my kids also will be travelling with me.
Is this time sufficient ?
Thank you and appreciate your time
April 12, 2017 @ 10:32 am
Hi Suresh! Yes, I think that should be enough time. I’m guessing you’re flying to the US (because of American Airlines) so when you arrive in Orly, you’ll have to go through passport control to be stamped out of the Schengen Zone, and you will most likely have to go through security. Your checked luggage should be tagged to go all the way to your final destination, so you won’t have to worry about that in Orly.
April 13, 2017 @ 2:10 am
How do i get my checked luggage be tagged to go all the way to the final destination ?
I am planning to come from Venice to Paris [ Orly ] through easyjet and fly from Paris [ Orly] to New York through American Airlines
The two airlines are different
April 13, 2017 @ 11:11 am
Ok, you didn’t mention that before. That does make a difference since they’re two different airlines. When you get to Orly, you’ll have to claim your checked luggage, go to the American Airlines counter, check in for the next flight, and re-check your luggage with them. Then after that, you’ll go through passport control to get stamped out of the Schengen Zone, and go through security before reaching your next gate.
Here’s some info about Orly: http://www.ifly.com/paris-orly-airport/terminal-map It looks like you might be landing in one terminal and leaving from the other, based on what they say about long haul vs short haul flights. But there’s a frequent shuttle between the two. Check the last paragraph where it describes how to get from one to the other.
I think 2 1/2 hours might be a little tight, but it’s definitely not impossible. Exiting passport control procedures is usually faster than when you’re entering a country, so as long as the lines aren’t too long, that part shouldn’t be too bad. I hope this helps!
April 19, 2017 @ 12:59 pm
Hi. I booked tickets a few weeks ago from NYC to Rome, with a connecting flight to Bari. The layover is 1 hour and 15 minutes. Do you think this enough time? I don’t know Fiumicino airport – does anyone know how close the terminals are?
April 20, 2017 @ 5:27 pm
Hi Carolyn! Here’s some info on which terminals serve which flights: http://www.adr.it/web/aeroporti-di-roma-en-/pax-fco-which-terminal# A 1 hour 15 minute layover sounds a little tight considering you’ll have to go through customs and immigration in Rome, but it’s not impossible. There’s also a basic map of the airport and some more info about terminals here: http://www.ifly.com/rome-leonardo-da-vinci-airport/terminal-map
I don’t think this layover is impossible, so if it’s your only reasonable option, it’s probably worth going for it and hoping for the best. Otherwise, you might want to contact the airline and see if there’s a later option to get from Rome to Bari. If you decide to stick with your original itinerary, check out my tips for dealing with short layovers.
April 28, 2017 @ 12:54 am
Hey Ali,
Came across your site as I’m in the process of researching some things ahead of a Europe trip.
I see that you are pretty busy with replying to posts and such so I will appreciate any advice that you are able to give me.
Basically I found a flight on Norwegian Air’s website that takes us from Newburgh (SWF) to Bergen (BGO) overnight 2035-0955. The layover is 1 hour with the next flight leaving to Paris Orly (ORY) at 1055 AM.
If the airline supplies this flight, do I have to worry about any layover issues?
Thanks again for your time and blessings for you!
April 28, 2017 @ 12:26 pm
Hi Paul! In general, if you miss your connection because the first flight is late and both flights are together on one itinerary, the airline will get you on another flight. If you miss your connection when there is NO delay, they usually put the responsibility on you. So if you land in Paris on time and it takes an hour to get through customs and immigration, therefore you miss your next flight, they might not be so helpful and they might not put you on another flight for free. I’ve never flown through Paris Orly before, so I’m not familiar with it, but it’s smaller than CDG (the main international airport in Paris) so maybe an hour isn’t so bad. Here’s a map and some other info about the airports and how to get around: http://www.ifly.com/paris-orly-airport/terminal-map. And if you decide to take this flight, check out my tips for dealing with short layovers.
May 6, 2017 @ 10:25 pm
Found this blog while researching travel advice for my honeymoon… great info! How would this work for 2 international airports? We’re leaving from Quebec City (YQB) which has to make a stop in Toronto. We live in the US (Newark Airport). Do we need a long layover for passport check, etc.? When do they check our passport – Quebec or Toronto?
We’ve only been on one other international trip, but we got nonstop flights (much easier!) Unfortunately YQB -> EWR is well over $400 one way, even though it’s a 1.5 hour flight. So we’re definitely doing a layover.
May 9, 2017 @ 11:05 am
Thanks Christine, glad to help! So I think I understand correctly, you’re flying YQB to YYZ to EWR, right? You will go through passport control in Toronto to exit Canada. You will also most likely go through US customs and immigration while you’re still in the Toronto airport because it’s one of a handful of places outside the US that has US customs agents. So you will need some time there. The Toronto airport has a great site with info for connecting flights. Check it out here (you have to put in your airline and origin/destination info) and it will tell you what to do, including whether or not you’ll have to claim and recheck your luggage. But I don’t think you want to skimp on time here.
May 19, 2017 @ 7:03 pm
i am thinking about booking a flight from ATL to SIN with a 1 hour and 50 minute lay over in ICN. is this lay over in ICN long enough?
Thanks.
May 22, 2017 @ 12:17 pm
Hi Robert! I think that should be long enough. Since you aren’t staying in South Korea, you shouldn’t have to go through customs and immigration in ICN. When you get off the plane, look for signs that say “transit” or “transfer” or “connecting flights” and you should be able to bypass customs, go through security, and continue to your next gate.
May 22, 2017 @ 9:11 pm
What about an 1 hour and 20 minute lay over in ICN?
May 23, 2017 @ 9:42 am
Hmm…probably doable, but if your choices are 1 hour 20 minutes or 1 hour 50 minutes, I’d probably go with the slightly longer one. It’s not so long that you’ll be bored out of your mind at the airport, it gives you a little time to find something to eat, go to the bathroom and stretch your legs, and it gives you a buffer in case the first flight is a little late or there’s a long line at security. That’s how I’d decide on it anyway.
June 19, 2017 @ 10:44 am
Hi, When we originally booked our flight we had 3 hrs layover at Boston (flying in from Orlando before going off to Heathrow) – now they have changed the flight time from Orlando so we only have 58 mins to change flights in Boston – as we are leaving the US we don’t have baggage to collect or security but even still they shouldn’t be allowed to do this, its very stressful and when I called they don’t seem bothered by it. I’m trying to find out which gate we’ll land at and which gate we fly out of so I’m prepared to run! Any experience of Boston Airport?
June 20, 2017 @ 12:56 pm
Hi Nicola, that does sound frustrating. A 58 minute layover in Boston on your way OUT of the US shouldn’t be too bad though. Here’s some info on the airport’s website about getting between terminals, in case you land in one terminal and depart from another: https://www.massport.com/logan-airport/inside-the-airport/terminals/ I haven’t flown in/out of Boston in many years, but it looks like the distances from one terminal to another aren’t too far. If you can get your seat changed on the first flight so you’re on the aisle and as close to the front as possible, you’ll be able to get off the plane quicker. Finding out your gate ahead of time will help some since you’ll be able to look at the terminal map. This one might be a little tight, but I think you can make it. Be sure to check out my tips for dealing with short layovers, and enjoy your trip!
July 11, 2017 @ 12:16 am
I’m planning on flying from DTW to Medellin, with two connecting to FLL and Bogota. Flight lands at 9:33am in FLL, and flight from FLL to BOG leaves at 10:31am. The flight for BOG lands at 1:15, with a 2:15 hr layover. The flight for BOG leaves at 15:30 going to Medellin. I only have a carry-on bag.
Will I have enough time to both catch the FLL (58 min layover) flight , and the Medellin (having to go through customs) flight….Thx
July 12, 2017 @ 10:27 pm
Hi! The 58 minute layover in FLL is a little tight, but it’s not a huge airport, so I think you’ll probably be ok. The US doesn’t have any exiting passport control or anything, other than the agent who checks you in looking at your passport. When you land, you just have to find your next gate. The 2 hour 15 minute layover in Bogota doesn’t sound too bad either. Yes, you’ll have to go through customs and immigration, and maybe security, but I think you have enough time. You probably don’t want to waste any time, so I usually suggest going to the bathroom on the plane (so you don’t have to deal with it when you get off the plane) shortly before they start landing procedures, make sure anything you’ve taken out of your carry-on bag is packed up before landing, and go straight to customs when you land. Then find your next gate before doing anything else like getting food or whatever. That way you can see how much time you have left if you do want a snack. Enjoy your trip!
March 7, 2018 @ 4:17 am
Hi Ali! Wonderful article, thank you for the post! So, unfortunately I didn’t figure this out until after I bought my tickets (I bought it all in one go-a package deal, so I think it’s an itinerary flight). I’m going to London England this summer for a month for school (will be coming back Sat, July 21st), but my return to the U.S. has me a bit worried. I’ve never traveled internationally or had to book my own tickets alone before, so I thought that an hour and twenty five minute layover would be okay, but now I’m not so sure. On my return, I will be leaving Heathrow airport and arriving at JFK NY airport at 2:50PM (approx. 1 hr after peak time, although still busy-according to my research) in terminal 4 (one of the better ones apparently?) I will have to go through immigration and customs, as well as rechecking my bag (I think). Then, my connecting flight leaves at 4:15PM, also out of terminal 4 (I think I may have to pass through security again to get back in). Will I have enough time to get through? Do they have fast lanes for connecting flights? Or should I contact someone in order to get something figured out (and if so, who?)? And if I do miss my flight, am I responsible to pay for a new one? I’m also traveling with a friend (she has never flown before) and I’m mostly concerned about her. What should I do? Thank you so much!
March 8, 2018 @ 4:00 pm
Hi Liz! You will have to go through immigration and customs in JFK, plus claim and recheck your luggage. You will also have to go through security again before you can continue on to your next gate. An hour 25 minutes is a bit tight, though not impossible. The last time I flew through JFK, there weren’t any fast lanes for connecting flights, but it’s been a few years, so things could’ve changed. You would need to call the airline and ask what their policy is if you miss your connecting flight due to lines at customs (as opposed to the first flight being late) so at least you’ll know your options ahead of time. Often if you miss a connecting flight due to some reason other than the first flight being delayed, it’s your responsibility to rebook another flight. I’m not sure where your final destination is, but you could ask the airline about changing your second flight to something later if that’s possible. Also check out my tips for short layovers here.
June 26, 2018 @ 7:57 pm
Hi Ali,
Thanks for your posts! I’ve tried to review everything that’s been posted here before, so I’m not asking the same questions of you. But I’m still unsure what I should do, so I’m asking! I’m flying into LAX (American Airlines), arriving at 9:40pm, and have a 3 hour layover until my international flight to Taiwan (China Airlines) at 12:45am. I booked the flights separately, so will have to re-check luggage. At that time of night, do you think 3 hours is enough? My biggest fear is that there’s a flight delay into LAX. So, really, I’m wondering what the minimum time would be for a layover at that time of night. AT this point, it may be worth re-booking my trip to arrive at LAX a couple of hours earlier. Thanks for your insight!
June 27, 2018 @ 11:05 am
No worries, Ken, there are too many comments on this post to dig through! This is a tough one. I’m assuming your flight to LAX is from within the US, so you won’t have to deal with customs and immigration when you get there. If you have two separate flights booked, you’ll need to go out to baggage claim and then recheck your bag, but if you’re already checked in for the LAX to Taiwan flight, it might be easier to drop off your luggage since some airlines have a separate line for baggage check when you already have a boarding pass. (I don’t know if China Airlines has this or not.) Then you need to get through security again and to your next gate. I feel like 3 hours should be long enough, especially if your flight to LAX is domestic. I can’t make you any guarantees though, so if you don’t feel comfortable with the 3 hour layover, you should consider booking an earlier flight to LAX. And if your flight to LAX is delayed enough that you miss your China Airlines flight, China Airlines is under no obligation to help you get on another flight. So that’s your real risk. I think 3 hours is probably enough time, IF your first flight is on time. If it’s not too much extra to rebook the first flight, it might be worth it for some peace of mind.
February 26, 2019 @ 2:47 am
In general, is 1 hour 5 minutes a long-enough layover for domestic flight through DEN? April 2, 2019 flight from Grand Rapids MI to St George UT, flying United both legs. Round trip return flights about 10 days later
February 26, 2019 @ 6:22 pm
Hi Tom! For most US airports, I think an hour is long enough for a layover. There are exceptions for some of the bigger airports, but I think you’ll be fine for Denver. It looks like there’s a shuttle train between terminals that’ll save you a few minutes if your gates aren’t in the same terminal.
March 6, 2019 @ 5:11 pm
Hi Ali,
I just saw your article – very interesting. I need some advise: I’m trying to plan my return flight, from Athens to Boston. I can do 1 of 2 things. I can do Athens – Rome – Rome – Boston layover is only 1hour and 55mins. Is that enough time? I know my luggage will be sent all the way to Boston from Athens, but after reading your article I’m afraid if there is a delay from Athens to Rome, I’m kind of screwed. Do you think 1hour and 55mins is enough time in the middle of the summer at FCO? I’m leaning towards Athens – JFK – JFK -Boston, which is a 2hour and 20mins layover, which is kind of longer, but even if anything goes wrong, there are hourly flights from JFK to Boston that i could jump on.
The only reason I’m debating Athens – Rome – Rome – Boston vs the other, is that the one via Rome is about $200 cheaper, but might not be worth all the stress.
Let me know your thoughts….thanks for reading my question!
March 8, 2019 @ 12:20 pm
Hi Eli! I think either layover is fine. I personally might lean towards the Athens-Rome-Boston flight because going then you’re going through US customs and immigration at your final airport, instead of having to do it at JFK and hoping you can get through plus having to claim and recheck luggage. Lines in either airport are unpredictable, but I tend to think exiting passport control in Europe is faster than US border control. You’d do exiting passport control in Rome if you picked that layover, which essentially means waiting in line to get your passport stamped. You’re right about the other option though, it does help that there are frequent flights from JFK to Boston. I think it’s a judgement call. I’m not a fan of JFK, so I’d pick the Rome layover, but if connecting in JFK makes you feel more comfortable, that’s a valid choice. I don’t think there’s a wrong choice here.
March 8, 2019 @ 2:53 pm
Thank you for the speedy response!
Now you made me think of another thing – if I do decide to take the Athens – Rome- Boston, – do you think passport control will be long lines in the middle of the summer, let alone last week of August, when everyone is trying to get back home? Then again, the flight from Athens to Rome is super short, it should only take 45mins, so even if there was a line, I would be fine, since I wouldn’t have to grab my luggage, since it’s heading all the way to Boston, unlike you mentioned JFK customs, and having my luggage with me and having to put it back on the flight…… I’m sorry i haven’t taken a connecting flight in ages – I usually take non-stop whenever I travel, but they stopped servicing nonstop Boston -Athens!arghhhhhh!
March 8, 2019 @ 5:04 pm
Actually now that i think, i might not need to do passport control in Rome, since I’m going it in Athens and it’s part of EU. So I would land and just go through security to my gate…
March 8, 2019 @ 7:53 pm
Actually, you’ll go through exiting passport control in the last Schengen city you fly through, so if you book the Athens-Rome-Boston flight, you’ll go through passport control in Rome. The Athens-Rome flight will be similar to a domestic flight in the US. The line could be long or short, unfortunately it’s really hard to predict.
March 20, 2019 @ 5:29 pm
Hello Ali!
For my journey back to Europe I have to take a flight from Chattanooga (11:00 ) to Boston
(16:29) with a change in Charlotte (1hour 50) then take my plane to Munich at 20:10. I have 2 deferents tickets an compagnies.
Is 3h30 enough with checked luggage and an european passport?
March 25, 2019 @ 11:19 am
Hi Thomas! So if I’m understanding you correctly, you’re flying Chattanooga-Charlotte-Boston with one airline, and then Boston-Munich with a separate airline. If you booked those separately, you’ll have to go claim your checked luggage in Boston, check it in with the next airline, and then go through security again to get to your Munich flight. I think 3 hours 30 minutes is plenty of time for that. There isn’t any formal exiting passport control in the US like there is in most of the rest of the world. The airline employee who checks you in for the Boston-Munich flight will want to see your passport, but that’s about it. So yes, I think you’ll have plenty of time.
March 26, 2019 @ 3:56 am
Hi Ali! Sorry I did not see your article before booking flights. Somewhat worried now. International trip from ATL to IAD with hour and 19 min. layover before connecting flight to GVA. Return trip is hour and 53 min. layover in IAD before connecting flight to ATL. Mainly concerned about shortest layover. Should I be concerned?
March 26, 2019 @ 11:07 am
Hi Bettina! I wouldn’t worry too much about the layover for your flight leaving the US. Your checked luggage will automatically be transferred to your next flight. There’s no exiting passport control, so there really aren’t any extra steps as compared to a domestic flight. You might have to go through security again depending on how the airport is set up and if you have to change terminals. I haven’t flown through IAD, so I’m not sure if there are separate security checkpoints for each terminal. But even if you do have to go through security again, I think that’s enough time, unless there’s a crazy long line. I’d probably go for it if I was doing that flight.
On your return flight, you’ll have to go through immigration and customs, claim and recheck your luggage, and go through security again at IAD. That could take longer, but in general I think your layover time should be sufficient. It’s totally hit or miss whether the lines will be long.
April 11, 2019 @ 8:18 pm
Hi Ali,
Very helpful article! Haven’t booked my flight yet, but would like your advice. Will book an American Airlines flight to Amsterdam this summer from NY with a 1 hour 30 minute layover in Philadelphia. Flying in Business Class. Is that enough time? My other option is to book via London, (I think their layover is longer though) but the taxes & surcharges would be more expensive (although I’m using miles).
Thanks,
Aelita
April 12, 2019 @ 10:29 am
Thanks, glad to help! I wouldn’t worry much about that layover. When you’re leaving the US, you don’t really have to do anything different as compared to domestic flights because there’s no exiting passport control in the US. I haven’t flown through Philadelphia in years, but from a quick search, it looks like all terminals are connected beyond the security checkpoint, so you should be able to get from your first flight to the second without having to go through security again. I’d probably choose Philadelphia over London, but either is probably fine.
May 7, 2019 @ 7:41 pm
Hello,
Flying Air Canada from Calgary to Phoenix with a layover in Vancouver of 1 hour and 35 minutes.
We plan on just doing carry ons. Do we have to go through customs in Calgary and Vancouver? Or just one time in Calgary?
Thank you for your input.
May 8, 2019 @ 6:39 pm
Hi Pete! So your itinerary is Calgary to Vancouver to Phoenix, right? You won’t do any passport control or customs procedures in Calgary because Calgary to Vancouver is a domestic flight. Canada, like the US, does not do exiting passport control, so you won’t have to deal with that in Vancouver. However, Vancouver has US border control, so you’ll actually go through US customs procedures while still in the Vancouver airport. You can read about how it works here: http://www.yvr.ca/en/passengers/navigate-yvr/customs-and-immigration/us-customs-and-border-protection