Most airlines recommend arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and at least three hours before international flights. But do you need that much time for connections between international flights?
Layovers of just 30 minutes can be feasible for domestic flights, especially at small airports where the next flight might be just one gate over. But international layovers are typically far more complicated, and even two hours can be insufficient.
Here’s how to book flights with an international layover, and how much time you really need.
Ways to book a flight with an international layover
Let’s say you’re flying from Houston to Hanoi, Vietnam. There might be no direct flights between those two cities, but you could get there via layover.
The most common, least risky way to book international flights necessitating a layover is by searching for flights between your departure and arrival cities. Even with no nonstops available, the airline automatically determines your layover and puts both flights on one reservation. This strategy is ideal for a few reasons:
If you miss your second flight because the first was delayed or canceled, airlines will generally rebook you at no additional cost so you’re not just stranded in say, Hong Kong, on the way from Houston to Hanoi.
Checked bags are less likely to get lost, as they’re usually checked to the final destination.
You won’t need to know how long you need between flights because airlines won’t let you book less than the minimum connection time, or MCT, anyway.
Minimum connection times vary by airport and sometimes even terminal. For example, the lowest MCT is just one hour (for flights within its tiny terminal 3), according to the latest customer guide for Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. But for certain flight combinations, the airport requires 2.5 hours, minimum.
On the other hand, booking two separate flights is sometimes considered a clever money move. You might find an amazing deal from Houston to Hong Kong — even if airfares to Hanoi (your final destination in this example) are exorbitantly high.
In that case, you might nab that Hong Kong deal. From there, you could separately book a budget airline operating within Asia to go onward to Hanoi.
But such savings are often not worth it, largely because neither airline is obligated to help you if one flight disruption causes you to miss the other. Instead, you'll likely be left in a foreign country that you never intended to visit at all.
Here are a few risks to consider when booking on two separate itineraries:
Flight disruptions are common. Only 77% of U.S. domestic flights between April 2022 and April 2023 arrived on time, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
If you miss your second flight, it’s unlikely you’ll get the money back (unless you booked refundable airfares or had Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance).
For flights through Europe, you’ll lose the protections of EU261 (which provides compensation for delays of two hours or more).
What happens during an international layover
Depending on your risk tolerance, even three hours might be insufficient for an international connection. Risk-averse passengers booking two separate itineraries might budget at least a day between flights. That’s because — even if you land on time — there are many steps (and lines) along the way that might hold you up.
Arriving in a foreign country might require you to go through immigration and clear customs, even if you’re only staying there for a brief layover. If you’re flying on two separate itineraries with checked bags, you’ll have to retrieve your luggage and recheck it.
You’ll also need to visit your next airline’s check-in desk to collect your boarding pass if you can’t retrieve it online. Depending on the airport, it might be a hike (or a shuttle) to your next gate. Then, you’ll have to go through security and passport control again.
Make the most of a long layover
Booking international flights on two separate itineraries can sometimes save money, but if things go awry you could end up paying far more to rebook missed flights. Mitigate that risk with a long layover, which doesn’t have to be that bad.
With a credit card that offers Priority Pass membership, you could relax in an airline lounge. Amenities vary, but lounges often provide buffets, nap rooms and showers. Or, just build in a few buffer days to really slow down and embrace the long layover.
This article was written by NerdWallet and was originally published by The Associated Press.
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FAQs
Two to three hours is the minimum recommended time for an international layover, but more might be needed.
How much time should you allow between international connecting flights? ›
What is a good connection time? 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.
Is 1 hour layover enough for international connecting flight? ›
For international layover flights booked on one airline, two hours is often recommended to make your connection. For international flights on different airlines, the connection time will need to be even greater as you may have to change terminals between the two flights.
Is a 3 hour layover enough time for international flights? ›
The rule of thumb is that you leave AT LEAST 3 hours from arrival to departure for international flights and 1.5 hours for domestic. You still have to get your bags, clear customs, re-check your bags and then go through security for your next flight. All of this can take a couple of hours.
How long of a layover to leave airport international? ›
How long does a layover need to be to leave the airport? It's fair to say that you'll need at least four to five hours, and ideally several more, to leave the airport, enjoy some quick exploring, and make it back to the airport in time to clear security to make your connecting flight.
Is a 45 minute layover too short internationally? ›
A 45 minute layover is a terrible idea. Even if you make your connection, you will likely be stressed throughout the entire first flight, and may have to rush at the connecting airport. You have to factor in the impact of that stress in addition to the risk of messing up your plans.
Do I have to go through customs for a connecting international flight? ›
If you have a connecting flight but you purchased separate tickets, you will usually need to go through customs and immigration to pick up and recheck your luggage for the next flight.
What happens if I miss my flight due to a short layover? ›
First, don't panic. Missing a connection is a fairly routine occurrence in the air travel system, and airlines are equipped to help you get back on track. In most cases, US airlines will put you on the next available flight for free.
Is 1 hour enough for connecting flights in Paris? ›
To make an international to domestic connection in Paris: 90 minutes.
Do you have to pick up baggage between connecting flights internationally? ›
At the connecting airport, you will need to collect and re-check in your baggage. (Even if your final destination is printed on your baggage tag, it is still necessary to pick up your luggage.)
The standard airline recommendation for international travel is to arrive at the airport three hours before your scheduled departure. In most cases, this should cover every step of the airport process, from checking a bag to clearing passport control and security, ensuring you board on time.
Is 3 hours enough to get through customs? ›
Allow enough time: Customs can be time-consuming, especially during peak travel periods. Make sure you allow enough time to clear customs and get to your connecting flight. As a general rule, it's best to allow at least two hours for international layovers.
How much time do I need for international flights? ›
When you're traveling outside of the United States, we suggest arriving at least 3 hours prior to your departure. You must be checked in at least 1 hour before your scheduled departure. Additionally, we recommend being at the gate and ready to board 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
What is the minimum layover time between international flights? ›
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. She previously wrote about travel and credit cards for The New York Times and its sibling site, Wirecutter.
Is skiplagging illegal? ›
Skiplagging is neither illegal nor immoral, but that won't stop airlines from going after you if you try it out. Private companies have a good deal of leeway when it comes to making and enforcing rules on their premises. So think twice before you try to beat their system…
Can you step out of airport during international layover? ›
If you have an excessive layover time you may be wondering: Can I leave the airport between connecting flights? The short answer is yes. It is possible to exit and reenter the airport.
What happens if you miss a connecting flight because of a delay? ›
In most cases, US airlines will put you on the next available flight for free. (Even some ultra-low-cost carriers, like Spirit and Allegiant, will rebook you on the next flight for free if the missed connection is due to a flight delay.)
Do you have to pick up baggage between connecting flights International? ›
At the connecting airport, you will need to collect and re-check in your baggage. (Even if your final destination is printed on your baggage tag, it is still necessary to pick up your luggage.)
How long will airlines wait for connecting passengers? ›
Besides this, when you purchase a connecting flight ticket with your preferred airlines, then in such conditions, a general thumb rule says that; for domestic flights, the time is around 60-90 minutes, and suppose you have an international connecting flight ticket, then it will take approximately 2-3 hours, and it ...
How much time should you allow for international flights? ›
When you're traveling outside of the United States, we suggest arriving at least 3 hours prior to your departure. You must be checked in at least 1 hour before your scheduled departure.
