Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Miles&Points > Global Airline Alliances > SkyTeam
Reload this Page >

Layover minimum timeframes

Community
Wiki Posts
Search

Layover minimum timeframes

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 22, 2022 | 11:27 am
  #1  
Original Poster
5 Years on Site
 
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
Nupey10 is offline  
Old Feb 22, 2022 | 5:22 pm
  #2  
Moderator: Hyatt, American Express; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Community Builder
Active Streak: 30 Days
All eyes on you!
10 Years on Site
 
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
Originally Posted by Nupey10
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
If you have an ExpertFlyer subscription you can look up the minimum connection time for an airport, bearing in mind the FlyerTalk adage that "minimum connection time" and "sensible connection time" are not always the same thing.

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
Zorak is offline  
Old Feb 22, 2022 | 8:10 pm
  #3  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
50 Countries Visited
5M
100 Nights
15 Years on Site
 
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).
Goldorak is offline  
Old Feb 22, 2022 | 8:14 pm
  #4  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
50 Countries Visited
5M
100 Nights
15 Years on Site
 
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.
Goldorak is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.