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.
Layover or not, remember when flights are delayed, in some circumstances, the airline has obligations to you. Make sure you understand how to claim Delta flight delay compensation, or with any airline for that matter.
>>Read: Can you take batteries on planes?
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.
>>Read: What to Pack for a Trip: Travel Packing Checklist for Carry-On Only
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 London’s or 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.
>>Read: Can you take disinfectant wipes on a plane? Plus how to disinfect your airplane seat!
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Is your layover long enough to leave the airport?
Really long layovers can be interesting if they’re long enough to leave the airport and explore the city for a few hours. But you have to calculate in the amount of time it takes to get to and from the airport, back through security, maybe even passport control in both directions, and cushion in case of delays. There’s a lot more to consider if you want to do this, so be sure to read my article about leaving the airport during a layover before making your decision.
So how long do you need?
It’s really hard to put an exact number on how long you need for your layover. At a minimum, I’d say you should plan for one hour for domestic layovers and two hours for international layovers.
But this is not a hard, fast rule!
If you have to go through security again on a domestic layover, you might need more time.
Busy airports could require more time whether it’s a domestic or an international layover.
Long lines at customs and immigration could add lots of time to your layover.
Use your best judgement. No one can predict the exact amount of time you’ll need for your layover, but hopefully the tips you’ve read here will help you plan the best layover possible.
I always recommend allowing plenty of time for your layover. Better to have more time than you need so you don’t risk missing your connection.
>>Read: Can you bring hand sanitizer on a plane?
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. But remember, even that might not be enough time.
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
- Ask these 5 Questions to Maximize a Long Layover
Ali Garland is a travel packing expert who loves to explore the world. She has 20 years of experience traveling with only carry on bags. On Travel Made Simple, she shares her best tips for packing less, dealing with layovers, and more tips that will help you have the best vacation. Originally from the US, she now lives in Berlin with her husband and their Yorkie. Read more 
Laura
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
Ali Garland
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.
Steven
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?
Ali Garland
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.
Andy
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.
Ali Garland
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!
Andy
July 24, 2016 @ 9:41 am
Thanks so much.
MarkD
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?
Ali Garland
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.
MarkD
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.
Ali Garland
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.
shannon
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?
Ali Garland
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!
Anil
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
Ali Garland
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!
KSHITIJ
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?
Ali Garland
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, look for nearby hotels so you aren’t far from the airport, or even see if there’s a hotel in the airport.
Subir
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!
Ali Garland
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!
Subir
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!!
Ali Garland
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!
Dawn
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!
Dawn
May 8, 2016 @ 8:50 pm
Actually, 1 hour 40 minutes!
Ali Garland
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.
Dawn
May 10, 2016 @ 3:18 am
Thank you!!
HATIM
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
Ali Garland
May 5, 2016 @ 4:59 pm
Perfect!
HATIM
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)??
Ali Garland
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!
HATIM
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
Ali Garland
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.
megi zurba
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
Ali Garland
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.
Steele Yung
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.
Ali Garland
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!
Steele Yung
April 23, 2016 @ 3:25 am
Thanks a lot. Best wishes,
Steele Yung
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.
Ali Garland
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.
Rene
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
Ali Garland
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!
Rene
April 12, 2016 @ 6:21 pm
Thanks for the information. It will definitely help in my decision.
Sally Beatty
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
Ali Garland
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!
Sally Beatty
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.
Ali Garland
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.
Sally Beatty
April 9, 2016 @ 9:57 pm
Good to know! Thanks again Ali!
Fizza Mahdi
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!
Ali Garland
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!
Maddie
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?
Ali Garland
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!
Ethan Baker
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?
Ali Garland
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!
Hugo
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
Ali Garland
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!
Hugo Schyns
March 7, 2016 @ 5:07 pm
Thank you Ali !
Eventually I chose a “safer” option via JFK (Delta).
Thanks for the tip !
Ali Garland
March 8, 2016 @ 4:30 pm
You’re welcome, enjoy!
Rico Pango
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 🙂
Ali Garland
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!
Rico pango
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?
Ali Garland
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.
Becca
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!
Ali Garland
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!
Yashas
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 !
Ali Garland
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!
Pablo Macias
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!!!
Ali Garland
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!
Jessica Lawrence
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?
Ali Garland
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!
Jessica Lawrence
January 28, 2016 @ 4:10 pm
Thank you!
Kelly
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
Ali Garland
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!
Georgina
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!
Ali Garland
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!
isha
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
Ali Garland
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!
Ashley
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!
Ali Garland
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!
Ashley
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.
Ali Garland
December 21, 2015 @ 9:10 am
I’m glad you made it!
Janice Walmsley
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
Ali Garland
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!
Brittany Murphy
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!
Ali Garland
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!
Joe Branch
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?
Ali Garland
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!
Jatin
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
Ali Garland
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!
Briony
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.
Ali Garland
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!
Robbi
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!
Ali Garland
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!
Robbi
October 18, 2015 @ 12:37 pm
Thank you Ali for the response! i’m looking forward to this trip 😀
BobG
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.
Ali Garland
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!
BobG
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.
Ali Garland
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.
BobG
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.
Ali Garland
September 19, 2015 @ 12:40 pm
Thanks!
Wilfredo
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!
Ali Garland
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/
Wilfredo
September 9, 2015 @ 9:24 pm
Thank you very much, Ali.
James
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!
James
August 28, 2015 @ 7:27 pm
I forgot to mention we will have checked bags on the NZ flight.
Ali Garland
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!
James
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!
Ali Garland
August 31, 2015 @ 2:35 pm
You’re welcome! Enjoy your trip!
Annabel
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?
Ali Garland
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!
chris
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!!
Ali Garland
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!
chris
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.
Ali Garland
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!
chris
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?
Ali Garland
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.
chrs
August 15, 2015 @ 3:06 pm
Thanks so much. very helpful
Ali Garland
August 15, 2015 @ 5:52 pm
No problem!
Beth
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!
Ali Garland
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!
Dakota
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
Ali Garland
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!
Dakota
June 11, 2015 @ 7:09 pm
Thanks for the help =)
Dakota
June 11, 2015 @ 7:14 pm
Also the layover at LAX to Sydney is 1:35 forgot to mention that in my first post
Ali Garland
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.
Ali Garland
June 12, 2015 @ 11:38 am
No problem!
David
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.
Ali Garland
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.
Pam S
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?
Ali Garland
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!
Patricia
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).
Ali Garland
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!
Raffaele
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 😉
Ali Garland
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.
Raffaele
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
Ali Garland
May 20, 2015 @ 2:31 pm
Glad to help! Have a great trip!
Genil Speer
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!
Ali Garland
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!
sally beatty
April 3, 2015 @ 2:25 pm
Thank you Ali! Appreciate your wonderful advice.
Ali Garland
April 6, 2015 @ 12:08 pm
Thanks, and no problem!
sally beatty
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
Ali Garland
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!
sally beatty
April 1, 2015 @ 11:36 pm
Thank you Ali!!! Boy, you really are good at this. Appreciate your insight very very much! Thanks again.
Ali Garland
April 2, 2015 @ 1:03 pm
Aw, thanks Sally, always happy to help!
sally beatty
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!!!
Ali Garland
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.
Dipesh
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
Ali Garland
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.