When booking a connecting flight, airlines will provide options, often with varying connection times. But how do they decide which connections are feasible? The answer lies in a concept known as Minimum Connection Time (MCT)—the shortest amount of time deemed reasonable for transferring between flights.
The MCT is built into the system when you book a single ticket. If a connection doesn’t meet the MCT, it won’t appear as an option during booking. However, MCT rules don’t apply to self-connecting passengers—those traveling on two separate tickets. This often happens when booking a positioning flight to reach your main departure city. (Learn more about positioning flights here.) Self-connecting passengers typically need more time to pick up baggage, check in for their next flight, and re-clear security, which is why MCT doesn’t apply to them.
Different MCT Scenarios
Airports establish industry-standard MCTs, which must be approved by IATA. Once the new MCT is established, it becomes the default value for that airport and is used across the industry. Here’s how MCT varies depending on the type of connection:
- Domestic to Domestic: These connections typically have the shortest MCT since you’re staying within the same country and avoiding customs.
- Domestic to International: MCT increases because you’ll often need extra time for security checks and possibly passport control.
- International to Domestic: You’ll need enough time to clear customs and re-check your luggage in many cases.
- International to International: These connections can vary widely. At some airports, you may stay in a transit zone, while others require you to clear immigration.
MCTs can be as short as 30 minutes for domestic flights, while international connections might require up to 120 minutes. So, you already have at least four different MCTs for each airport. However, airports may set their own industry-standard MCT, overriding the default time if they feel it is warranted for reasons such as:
- Clearing customs or immigration
- Moving between terminals
- Collecting baggage
- Checking in for the next flight
- The distance between the arrival gate of the first flight and the departure gate for the second flight
Airlines can also request exceptions to the airport’s MCT, providing a competitive advantage. The shorter the connection time, the quicker the total journey, which can boost the flight’s visibility in search results. Airlines with extensive networks can often provide the fastest MCTs, making their connections more appealing.
For example, if you’re flying with KLM through Amsterdam or Emirates through Dubai, your transfer time might be shorter. I remember having a very short connection at Frankfurt Airport. Before the trip, I was told online that 50 minutes was plenty of time, and it was.
Factors Influencing MCT
Several factors influence an airport’s or airline’s MCT:
- Airport Layout: Large hubs like Atlanta (ATL) or Charles de Gaulle (CDG) may have longer MCTs due to the time required to navigate between terminals.
- Customs and Immigration: For international connections, you’ll need time to go through passport control, customs, and potentially security screening.
- Baggage Transfer: If your luggage needs to be transferred between flights, this can affect the minimum time required.
- Peak Travel Times: During busy hours, airports may increase MCTs to account for longer lines and delays.
To complicate matters further, airlines can even request an exception to their exception. For instance, an airline might ask for a shorter-than-usual MCT but still adhere to the airport’s MCT for specific flights.
Tips for Managing Your Connection Time
In general, passengers don’t have to worry about MCT, as airlines won’t sell you a ticket with a connection shorter than the required time. That said, it’s still wise to use common sense when booking a connecting flight. Even if your connection meets the MCT, it’s often best to allow extra time for unforeseen delays. Personally, I’ve often booked a longer connection over a shorter one to avoid the stress of rushing to catch a flight if I’m delayed. Lounge access also makes more extended layovers bearable.
If you’re willing to book a short connecting flight on a single ticket and miss a connection due to a delay, remember that airlines typically rebook you at no additional cost. If you’re traveling internationally, be aware of the extra time required for customs and immigration, especially at busy airports.
Final Thought
Understanding MCT can help you make smarter booking decisions and reduce the stress of connecting flights. Whether you’re navigating a sprawling international hub or catching a domestic flight, knowing how much time you need can make all the difference in your travel experience.
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