In most cases, a 30-minute layover for domestic flights and an hour for international flights is considered a minimum, or short, layover. It's common to worry that your layover is too short. And, unfortunately, there isn't an easy way of knowing if your layover will be long enough to make your connection.

A one-hour layover is generally considered too short for international flights and is a high-risk booking. Most airlines begin boarding international flights 45 to 50 minutes before departure and close the gate 15 to 20 minutes before takeoff. If your incoming flight is delayed by even 15 minutes, you have virtually zero chance of making your connection. Furthermore, if your layover involves re-clearing security or passing through passport control (which is common when moving between different customs zones like the U.S. and the EU), a one-hour window is almost impossible to navigate. Even if you physically make it to the gate by running, there is a significantly higher chance that your checked luggage will not make the transfer in time. The only scenarios where a one-hour layover might work are if both flights are on a single ticket, are in a smaller, efficient airport (like Zurich or Helsinki), and do not require a terminal change. However, for major hubs like Heathrow, LAX, or Dubai, travel experts recommend a minimum of two to three hours to account for potential delays, long walks between gates, and the mandatory document checks required for international travel.