Is 1 hour 40 enough for connecting flights?

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.



In 2026, 1 hour and 40 minutes is generally considered a "safe" connection time for domestic flights within the same terminal or airport, but it is "cutting it close" for international-to-domestic transfers. For a Domestic-to-Domestic connection at a hub like Atlanta (ATL) or Charlotte (CLT), 100 minutes gives you a comfortable cushion even with a minor 20-minute delay. However, if you are arriving in the U.S. from an International flight, 1 hour 40 minutes is very risky. You must clear Customs and Border Protection, collect your checked bags, re-check them, and go through TSA security again. In 2026, even with Global Entry, a 2-hour minimum is the "gold standard" for international arrivals. For 2026 travelers, the "pro-tip" is to check the "Minimum Connection Time" for your specific airport; if the airline allows you to book a 1h 40m connection, they are legally responsible for rebooking you if you miss it, but they won't pay for your hotel if the delay was due to weather, so having that extra 30-minute buffer is always the wiser move.

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

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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.

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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.

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What is the recommended layover time for international flights? International flights require longer connections as you will often have to go through immigration and customs upon arrival. For international layover flights booked on one airline, two hours is often recommended to make your connection.

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Laurel Brunvoll, owner and president of the boutique luxury travel agency Unforgettable Trips, agreed that 90 minutes is a good floor on connection times, even if an airline sends you an itinerary with as little as 40 minutes between flights.

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Generally speaking, most airlines will make some kind of efforts to wait for delayed passengers on a connecting flight, though this is not necessarily guaranteed. In some cases, airlines may be able to hold a connecting flight for a period of time, but it is not something that is typically guaranteed by any airline.

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If you miss your connection booked with the same airline that your were on for your first flight, and the issue is due to a delayed take off or anything else that's in the hands of your airline, it's the airline's responsibility to rebook you on the next available flight.

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In a passenger context, MCT is defined as the shortest time interval required in order to transfer a passenger and his luggage from one flight to a connecting flight, in a specific location or metropolitan area.

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As a rule of thumb, on domestic routes, you need a minimum of 45 minutes between flights.

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Overall, passengers usually have to re-clear security for connecting flights, though there may be some exceptions depending on the airport and flight itinerary. To make this process easier, checking with the airline or airport ahead of time is recommended.

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You'll need to clear customs and immigration. Next, you'll recheck your luggage for the domestic flight. Finally, you'll need to go through Transportation Security Administration screening. This may include a physical inspection of your luggage and personal items with a metal detector or a full-body scan.

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Mayers recommends two hours as a standard buffer between flights to be safe. This gives you a cushion in case things go wrong during your journey. You'll definitely want at least a two-hour window if you've booked a “hacker fare,” as opposed to flying with the same airline your entire trip.

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We recommend that you allow the following minimum connection times: 1 hour for connections within the same Heathrow terminal. 1 hour 30 minutes for connections that require travel between terminals at Heathrow.

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If you know your flight connection will be tight, ask for help from the flight attendant. They may be able to move you up or help clear the aisles if you have to make that run. It's also a good idea to let your fellow passengers know that you're trying to make a tight connection, so they can let you pass.

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Domestic flights - Yes. Keep in mind you will have to go through security again, which may cause you to miss your flight depending on how long your layover is. I've had many friends who needed to smoke between flights and left the airport to do so.

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The minimum connection time at Doha Hamad airport starts at 45 minutes. This is valid for international connections of Qatar Airways. Most flights to USA and Canada require at least 1 hour, but there are also flights requiring 1 hour 25 minutes.

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Frankfurt's minimum connection time is 45 minutes, and Lufthansa will sell you “legal”, i.e., protected same-ticket-booking connections, on that basis.

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AIRLINES OWE YOU NOTHING IN CASE OF A MISSED CONNECTION IF YOU BUILT A MULTI-TICKET ITINERARY YOURSELF. If you have combined two separate purchases and you miss your connection, you will have to buy another ticket to replace the one you missed, at your own expense. It's as simple as that.

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What happens if a flight is delayed and you miss your connection? If you miss your connection due to a delay, usually the airline is responsible for providing you with a replacement flight to your destination. They will have to book you on the earliest possible flight available.

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While skiplagging isn't illegal, American Airlines filed a civil lawsuit earlier this month against Skiplagged.com, accusing the company of unauthorized and deceptive ticketing practices and tricking customers into believing they've gained access to a secret loophole.

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When arriving at the connecting airport all you have to do is to go to your next gate and wait for the next plane, your next flight. There might be a security check in the terminal at the connecting airport. But mostly you don't have to do anything about your luggage. It's being taken care of by the airport personnel.

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If you are not in the plane by the time the doors are closed, you will not be flying on that plane. They do not wait for anyone these days; they have people on standby and will give your seat to someone else if you did not check in.

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Yes, but you need to go through the security check point again. Prepare travel documents and boarding pass.

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