Who determines minimum connection time?

What is an MCT and who controls it? An MCT is set by the airports (not airlines) and is considered to be the minimum amount of time required to transfer from an incoming flight to another flight (international or domestic) by an able-bodied person given the circumstances involved in that transfer.



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The recommended layover time for domestic flights is normally one hour. However, as previously stated, you may require longer if your flights are booked with two different airlines, if you are traveling to a very busy airport or if you require special assistance.

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Allowing yourself at least a 60-minute layover for domestic flights and a two-hour layover time for international flights can often be a much more comfortable and stress-free journey than booking a flight with a very tight connection.

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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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If a delay in your first flight is the reason you're missing your connection, don't worry too much. Usually, most airlines will rebook you on the next flight, and that too for free. Although, you might have to fly on standby depending on seat availability.

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If your itinerary was purchased as one ticket (as in: you have only one itinerary and one confirmation number), and the connection time was too short and you miss the second (or third) flight, you can rest easy, no matter what happens. The airline will simply put you onto the next available flight, free of charge.

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Making your connection in an hour depends on the airport and the distance between your arrival gate and the departure gate as well as whether the flight is international or domestic. Also, if you are on a full flight and sitting at the back of the plane, it could take you 5 - 10 minutes just to deplane.

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I would not recommend a layover of less than an hour at any airport anywhere. I don't care how small, big or efficient the airport may be. There are just too many things that can go wrong and delays happen all the time. If you have a connecting flight remember that you may make the flight but your luggage may not.

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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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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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Do you have to go through security again for connecting flight? Yes, passengers usually have to re-clear security for connecting flights. It is recommended that travelers allow enough extra time before their connecting flight to pass through security and customs again.

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If there's a flight delay and you miss your connecting flight, the marketing airline is responsible for booking you into the next available flight for free. It's the airline you've bought your flight from. You should contact the airline you made the booking from.

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What is a legal connection time? In the U.S. there's no overarching rule about minimum connection times. Airlines are free to set their own guidelines and sell connecting flight itineraries with whatever time between flights they feel is reasonable.

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In conclusion, a 45-minute layover can be a tight connection, and there is a risk of missing your connecting flight if there are any delays or issues. Factors such as the airport size and layout, gate distance, potential delays, airline connections, immigration, customs, and security checks.

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Two to three hours is the minimum recommended time for an international layover, but more might be needed. Sally French is a travel rewards expert who joined NerdWallet in 2020.

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