Layover minimum timeframes
#1
Original Poster

Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: ATL
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 30
Layover minimum timeframes
Fellow Skyteam flyers.
As I get ready to begin travels this year I see some exciting flights that will not only give a great vacation but some good ones for airline miles and dollars ( MQM & MQD specifically). The problem for me is that some have layover times I'm not sure if will cause missed flights. Is there a thread or somewhere you can point me that will give me some guidelines on minimum layover times to make connecting flights when flying international? And if I can be more specific MEX, CDG, AMS, and ICN. Thanks All
As I get ready to begin travels this year I see some exciting flights that will not only give a great vacation but some good ones for airline miles and dollars ( MQM & MQD specifically). The problem for me is that some have layover times I'm not sure if will cause missed flights. Is there a thread or somewhere you can point me that will give me some guidelines on minimum layover times to make connecting flights when flying international? And if I can be more specific MEX, CDG, AMS, and ICN. Thanks All
#2
Moderator: Hyatt, American Express; FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, AA EXP, UA Silver, Hyatt Glob, Mlife Noir (=> Marriott Amb), invol FT beta tester
Posts: 21,590
Fellow Skyteam flyers.
As I get ready to begin travels this year I see some exciting flights that will not only give a great vacation but some good ones for airline miles and dollars ( MQM & MQD specifically). The problem for me is that some have layover times I'm not sure if will cause missed flights. Is there a thread or somewhere you can point me that will give me some guidelines on minimum layover times to make connecting flights when flying international? And if I can be more specific MEX, CDG, AMS, and ICN. Thanks All
As I get ready to begin travels this year I see some exciting flights that will not only give a great vacation but some good ones for airline miles and dollars ( MQM & MQD specifically). The problem for me is that some have layover times I'm not sure if will cause missed flights. Is there a thread or somewhere you can point me that will give me some guidelines on minimum layover times to make connecting flights when flying international? And if I can be more specific MEX, CDG, AMS, and ICN. Thanks All
You can also do a Google search for "site:flyertalk.com minimum connection time <airport code>" to find FT thread(s) for a specific airport for more directed advice and experiences/suggestions with regard to MCT vs SCT (bearing in mind that Google search results may include old threads, or ones in other airline forums than the one you may have in mind)
There is often a wiki post at the top of a FT thread (on its first page) with a summary of the EF information as well.
The DL forum has some MCT threads for non-US partner hubs, e.g.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delt...ve-thread.html
Minimum Connection Transfer Time at Amsterdam (AMS): The Definitive Thread
Although in other cases such threads are also often found in the FlyerTalk Destinations forum appropriate to the location, e.g. for MEX:
MEX Connection Times and Information international - domestic master thread
Transiting through Mexico City Airport during COVID
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Ultimate/Platinum for life/Club2000, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 25,043
I am not sure why you are looking at this information.
If you travel on separate tickets, MCT never applies as you are on your own, and if you miss a flight, you may have to buy a new ticket at your own expense and likely at a very high price. When travelling on separate tickets, you need to schedule ample time for the “connection” (much longer than any published MCT), to take into account potential delay of incoming flight and the possibility to have to go landside to collect bags and recheck with the next airline. Usually, you have to schedule 3-4 hrs between flights on separate tickets.
If you travel on same ticket, then you don’t have to care about MCT, because any booking engine you will use is taking care of this for you. They sell only legal connections (i.e. connections matching the MCT of the concerned airport).
If you travel on separate tickets, MCT never applies as you are on your own, and if you miss a flight, you may have to buy a new ticket at your own expense and likely at a very high price. When travelling on separate tickets, you need to schedule ample time for the “connection” (much longer than any published MCT), to take into account potential delay of incoming flight and the possibility to have to go landside to collect bags and recheck with the next airline. Usually, you have to schedule 3-4 hrs between flights on separate tickets.
If you travel on same ticket, then you don’t have to care about MCT, because any booking engine you will use is taking care of this for you. They sell only legal connections (i.e. connections matching the MCT of the concerned airport).
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Ultimate/Platinum for life/Club2000, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 25,043
I forgot to say that, in Covid times, it is highly recommended to NOT travel on separate tickets because you are subject to more country Covid rules that ar changing almost every day and you can get yourself in big troubles if you “misconnect” or have to go landside for whatever reason. I know the situation is improving almost everywhere, but things are not yet fully stabilized and it’s better to remain careful when booking flights and choose your routing.

