There are even regional jet connections allowable at 25 minutes, though 30 and 35 minute connections are common. While many of these connections are doable, inbound aircraft can get slowed down in alleyways or while waiting for gates. So the last few minutes can be the difference between making a connection or not.

In 2026, a 30-minute layover at Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) is extremely risky and generally considered insufficient for a successful connection. CLT is a massive hub for American Airlines, and while the terminal layout is somewhat compact, the sheer volume of connecting passengers (often 60-70% of the airport's traffic) leads to significant "gate congestion." Most airlines begin boarding 30-45 minutes before departure and close the boarding doors 15 minutes prior to takeoff. This means a "30-minute" window actually only gives you 15 minutes to deplane, navigate through the crowds, and reach your next gate before the doors shut. If your first flight experiences even a minor 10-minute delay due to weather or tarmac traffic—which is common at this hub—you will almost certainly miss your connection. For 2026, travel experts recommend a minimum of 90 minutes at CLT to account for cascading delays and the physical distance between concourses.