Air travel often involves layovers, sometimes brief, sometimes extending for hours. A recent Reddit post highlighted a common traveler concern: ensuring sufficient connection time. A user expressed anxiety about their grandmother's 55-minute layover between connecting flights. This sparked a discussion among fellow travelers, sharing advice and personal experiences regarding airport connections.
Many suggested that while tight, 55 minutes could suffice, especially if the grandmother secured a seat near the front of the plane. One commenter pointed out that with both flights using the same aircraft type, there was a possibility of remaining on the same plane, as the layover duration matched a typical turnaround time. However, the grandchild clarified that even with a same-plane scenario, their grandmother would likely have only 20-25 minutes to navigate between gates.
Travel expert Gary Leff emphasized that minimum connection times are airport-specific and depend on various factors. These include whether the connection involves switching airlines, changing terminals, going through security again, or clearing customs and immigration after an international flight. Shorter connection times are generally permissible for flights within the same terminal and on the same airline. However, Leff recommends at least two hours for connections involving immigration and terminal changes. He cautioned that even if a tight connection doesn't lead to a missed flight, it could result in issues like unavailable overhead bin space or insufficient time for a meal or restroom break.
A spokesperson for Logan International Airport stated that the airport itself doesn't set connection timeframes, leaving that to individual airlines, which consider factors like baggage transfer, check-in, and security procedures. They estimated the average minimum connection time to be around 60 minutes for both domestic and international flights. Meanwhile, a representative from Miami International Airport advised a minimum of two hours for connections, especially for international flights.
