Calculate exact transit and layover duration between connecting flights and evaluate connection risk against airport Minimum Connecting Times (MCT).
How This Calculator Works
When booking connecting flights across mega-hub airports (such as London Heathrow, Paris CDG, Atlanta, or Dubai), understanding your total layover duration is critical. Airports and airlines establish strict Minimum Connecting Times (MCT)—the legally required interval needed for a passenger and their checked luggage to transfer from an incoming gate to an outgoing flight.
A typical domestic-to-domestic MCT ranges between 35 and 60 minutes. However, international connections often require 90 to 180 minutes to accommodate:
- Disembarkation and walking distances across expansive terminals.
- Inter-terminal train transit or airside shuttle buses.
- Passage through border passport control, customs, and re-screening at transit security checkpoints.
- Boarding gates closing 15 to 20 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
Mathematical Formula
Worked Examples
Example 1: Tight Frankfurt Transfer
Inbound arrival 11:20, outbound flight departure 12:45 on the same day.
12:45 (765 min) - 11:20 (680 min) = 85 minutes (1 hour 25 minutes)
Example 2: Overnight Connection
Inbound arrival 22:30, outbound departure next morning at 08:15.
08:15 (+1 day = 1,440 + 495 = 1,935 min) - 22:30 (1,350 min) = 585 minutes (9 hours 45 minutes)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Minimum Connecting Time (MCT)?
MCT is the officially agreed minimum time required to transfer between flights at a specific airport. Airline ticketing engines will not issue a single ticket with connections shorter than MCT.
What happens if my first flight is delayed and I miss my connection?
If booked on a single ticket, the operating airline is responsible for rebooking you onto the next available flight at no charge and providing food/hotel vouchers if required by law.
Do I have to collect my luggage during a layover?
On most international flights booked on one ticket, bags are checked through to your final destination. However, when entering the United States, all passengers must collect their bags at the first port of entry for customs.
How long before departure do airport gates close?
Most airlines close gate doors 15 to 20 minutes prior to scheduled departure time.
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