Originally Posted by
Often1
MCT is just that "Minimum." It simply represents a carrier's willingness to accept the risk of a misconnect.
It is not necessarily and often is not the SCT (Sensible Connect Time) for you. That is a judgment you must make.
Personally, this is a judgment I want to be able to make for myself. There are times when I have a tight schedule on both ends of a journey and I am willing to risk the misconnect. There are then times when I have the leisure to travel at a nicer pace and do so. But, I want to be the person making the decision.
This also becomes a reason not to check luggage. Perhaps you can save money, have an extra day somewhere or whatever if only you spend an extra 10 minutes packing efficiently. No reason a 7-10 day trip can't fit into carry-on.
IAD is quite likely on of the worst entry points into the US - and that is saying a lot. The whole system with shuttle buses, immigration, collecting bags, customs and going through security again with less than understanding TSA agents. Even with the improved immigration set-up this can take litterally hours. FTers and other seasoned travelers know this - but for the average person booking a flight, the suggested connections are highly misleading IMHO.
MCT should be an achievable connection, provided your incomming is not late - and that you keep a certain pace. MCT should not be given depending on that you sit in the first 10 rows, understand that you need to remain in front of the shuttle, have GE and do not have bags.