Connecting Flights Guide — How to Navigate Airport Transfers

Mastering the Airport Connection

Connecting flights can be the most stressful part of air travel. Tight connection times, terminal changes, and re-screening add complexity. This guide helps you navigate it all.

Minimum Connection Times

Every airport publishes minimum connection times (MCTs). These are the absolute minimums — always allow more when possible:

• Same terminal: 45-60 minutes at most airports
• Different terminal: 90-120 minutes
• International to domestic: 120-180 minutes (immigration + re-screening)
• With checked bags: Add 30 minutes to the above

Hub-Specific Connection Tips

London Heathrow

• Allow 90 minutes for same-terminal connections
• Terminal-to-terminal transfers require a bus (allow 2+ hours)
• FastTrack at connecting terminal can save crucial time

Amsterdam Schiphol

• Single terminal makes connections easy
• Minimum 40 minutes for Schengen-to-Schengen
• Allow 50+ minutes for non-Schengen connections

Dublin

• US pre-clearance means no US immigration on arrival
• Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 transfer takes 10-15 minutes

What to Do If Your Connection Is Tight

1. Tell the cabin crew: They can radio ahead to hold connecting transport
2. Sit near the front: Exit the plane faster
3. Know your gate: Check the airline app before landing
4. Skip the shops: Go directly to your gate
5. Use FastTrack: If available at the connecting terminal, FastTrack saves critical minutes

What If You Miss Your Connection?

Same booking (one ticket)

If your flights were on the same booking, the airline must rebook you at no cost. They should also provide meals and, if necessary, hotel accommodation.

Separate bookings

If you booked flights separately, you are responsible for reaching your second flight. This is why we recommend always booking connecting flights on the same ticket.

Pro Tips

• Download offline maps of your connecting airport
• Keep essentials in your carry-on: Charger, medication, change of clothes
• Check connecting airport lounge options: Lounges with showers are valuable on long connections
• Use the Wait Time Estimator to predict security queue times at your connecting airport