How long should a layover be?
There is no universal layover length that works for every airport or every itinerary. A one-hour layover can feel very different depending on whether the flights are domestic or international, whether the traveler must change terminals, whether bags transfer automatically, and whether both flights are protected on one ticket.
This calculator avoids official minimum connection claims because those rules vary by airline, airport, route, terminal, ticket, and operating day. It helps you identify what makes a connection easier or harder before you verify the details.
What changes the risk of a connection?
Domestic-to-domestic connections are often simpler than international arrivals, but airport layout, delays, terminal changes, and boarding cutoff times still matter. International-to-domestic connections can involve immigration, customs, baggage handling, security rescreening, or document checks, depending on the airport and itinerary.
Separate tickets usually increase risk because rebooking protection, baggage transfer, and responsibility for missed onward flights may differ. Checked bags and unknown terminal changes also add uncertainty, especially at large or unfamiliar airports.
Related layover guides
Use these pages after the calculator to understand the tradeoffs behind the result.