What is a good connection time? Travel advisers say there's a lot to take into account when booking connecting flights, but a general rule of thumb is 60-90 minutes between domestic flights and at least two to three hours for international itineraries.

The amount of time needed for a connection in 2026 depends on whether your flights are domestic or international. For a domestic-to-domestic connection at a medium-sized airport, 1.5 hours is usually the "safe" minimum. However, for international connections—especially those involving a change of terminal or clearing customs (such as arriving in the U.S. or London Heathrow)—you should allow at least 2.5 to 3 hours. If you are "self-transferring" (booking two separate tickets on different airlines), you should budget at least 4 to 5 hours, as you will need to collect your checked bags, exit the secure area, and re-check in at the front desk. In 2026, many major hubs like Singapore Changi or Dubai suggest 2 hours as a standard buffer to account for the physical distance between gates. Always check the Minimum Connection Time (MCT) for your specific airport, but remember that the "safe" time is always longer than the "legal" minimum to account for the frequent minor delays of modern air travel.