A connection can make a trip cheaper or open up routes that would not otherwise exist. The trick is choosing a gap that is long enough to be safe but short enough not to eat your day.
Same-country connections
At a compact regional airport, around an hour is usually workable. At a sprawling hub, give yourself at least an hour and a half.
Crossing borders
If you must clear immigration, collect and re-check luggage or move between terminals, plan for two to three hours. Some large airports deserve even more.
One booking or separate tickets?
When every leg sits on a single booking, the carrier generally takes responsibility for getting you onward if a delay causes a missed connection. Separate tickets usually carry no such protection, so build in a much larger buffer.
Making a long stop worthwhile
Some airports sit close to the city. With six hours or more – and the right entry permissions – a short walk around town may be possible. Leave plenty of time to clear security again.
Unsure whether a connection on your itinerary is realistic? Send it to us and we will give you an honest view.