Expert Tips and Minimum Connection Times at Airports

Aerial view of American Airlines aircraft at the gates of Terminal C at Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport in 2020.

When it comes to air travel, navigating through airports efficiently is essential to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. One crucial aspect to consider is the minimum connection time, which refers to the shortest duration required between connecting flights.

Understanding these minimum connection times and following some expert tips can make all the difference in catching your next flight without any hiccups. In this article, we will delve into the concept of minimum connection times at airports and provide you with useful tips to optimize your travel experience.

I hope these tips help you plan your travel and reach your connecting flights on time:

• Check with your airline and your specific itinerary for the exact minimum connection times before booking your flights. Different airlines and airports may have different policies and guidelines based on factors such as airport layout, flight duration, and boarding time.
• Avoid booking flights with tight connections, as they leave little room for error and increase the risk of missing your flight. A general rule of thumb is 60-90 minutes between domestic flights and at least two to three hours for international itineraries.
• Consider factors such as weather, security, customs, baggage claim, terminal transfers, and possible delays when planning your travel. It is better to have some extra time between flights than to risk missing your connection and facing additional costs and hassles.
• Choose an aisle seat near the front of the plane, so you can deplane faster and avoid getting stuck behind other passengers4.
• Plead your case with the flight attendant if you are running late for your connection. They may be able to help you by contacting the gate agent, moving you to a closer seat, or arranging a cart or shuttle service at the airport.
• Learn the lay of the land before you arrive at the airport. Check online maps or apps to find out where your gates are located and how to get there. Some airports may require you to take a train, bus, or shuttle between terminals.
• Don’t check a bag if you can avoid it. Carrying only a carry-on will save you time at baggage claim and allow you to go directly to your next gate. If you do check a bag, make sure it is properly tagged and labeled with your final destination.
• Sleep at the airport if you have a long layover or an early morning flight. Some airports may have hotels, lounges, or sleeping pods where you can rest and recharge. Alternatively, you can bring a travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, and earplugs to make yourself comfortable at the gate.
• Make every second count if you are in a hurry. Use mobile boarding passes, online check-in, TSA PreCheck, or Global Entry to speed up your security and customs process. Avoid stopping for food, drinks, or shopping unless absolutely necessary.
• Go to the front of the line if you are about to miss your flight. Politely ask other passengers if you can cut ahead of them and explain your situation. Most people will be understanding and let you go first.

There is no overarching rule about minimum connection times in the U.S., and airlines are free to set their own guidelines based on factors such as airport layout, flight duration, and boarding time.

However, some travel professionals advise against booking flights with tight connections, as they leave little room for error and increase the risk of missing your flight. They suggest a general rule of thumb of 60-90 minutes between domestic flights and at least two to three hours for international itineraries.

The minimum connection times may vary depending on the airline and the airport. Here are some examples of minimum connection times for some of the major U.S. airlines and airports:

• American Airlines: 25 minutes at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• 1 hour 45 minutes for international to domestic connections at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• 2 hours for international to international connections at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
• Delta Air Lines: 30 minutes at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
• 1 hour for domestic to international connections at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
• 1 hour 15 minutes for international to domestic connections at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP).
• Southwest Airlines: At least 30 minutes if you have checked bags at any airport.
• United Airlines: 30 minutes for domestic connections and 60 minutes for international connections at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
• 45 minutes for domestic connections and 75 minutes for international connections at Denver International Airport (DEN)
• 1 hour for domestic connections and 2 hours for international connections at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

These are just some examples and not an exhaustive list. You should always check with your airline and your specific itinerary for the exact minimum connection times before booking your flights. You should also consider factors such as weather, security, customs, baggage claim, terminal transfers, and possible delays when planning your travel. It is better to have some extra time between flights than to risk missing your connection and facing additional costs and hassles.