Embrace the layover: It's time to give up on booking short connections to save airline miles - The Points Guy (2023)

Missed connections can be a nightmare, and we’re in a terrible season for delayed and canceled flights. If you want to avoid the stresses of standby and the possibility of sleeping in an airport, it may be better to spend a little extra money or points for a nonstop flight, or give yourself more time to connect.

After a couple of terrible experiences lately, I’m working hard to avoid any connections where the timing would be at risk. Here’s a look at what happened, how to avoid missing a flight when changing planes, and why stretching out your layover for hours or more could be fun.

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3 bad connections on 2 trips

Embrace the layover: It's time to give up on booking short connections to save airline miles - The Points Guy (1)

Like countless other Americans, my family is back in the swing of regular air travel to see family and friends and visit new places. We are a vaccinated family and still choose to wear masks when indoors with people we don’t know — like in airports, planes and trains — and have been able to avoid COVID-19 despite a handful of family trips.

LAX to RIC

Our first connection nightmare happened on the way to my sister’s wedding in Richmond, Virginia.

Our long trip from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in early June included a layover at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Unfortunately, JetBlue had pilot availability issues, and we ended up in the airport a few hours longer than expected. After landing at Richmond International Airport (RIC) after 3 a.m., we had a serious problem finding an Uber or Lyft, let alone one big enough for my family of five. Had we landed in Richmond on time, this likely would not have been an issue.

On the way home, we were scheduled to connect at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) when heading back to LAX. This time, American Airlines sent me an email that our flight was delayed enough that we would miss our connecting flight and had to pick from different options.

Of course, all were the next day, meaning an extra hotel night. I found a deal right by the airport, but it was still an expense and a missed school day we were not planning on. We went home through New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), where we struggled to get seats together so our 2-, 4- and 6-year-olds could all sit with a parent.

LAX to YYZ

The worst happened to my wife and kids on the way to meet me in Toronto.

While I could find a deal for a nonstop flight for one on the way to a work trip, options were more limited for my family to meet me when the event ended to kick off a family vacation.

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When I made it to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), all the horror stories I read proved true, including long lines and waits for bags. I warned my wife about the luggage delays at Toronto’s main airport but didn’t expect Air Canada to flub her trip, traveling alone with our three young children.

While everyone was overly polite, Air Canada handled the situation poorly.

An operational delay leaving LAX left my family missing a connection and getting stuck in Vancouver International Airport (YVR) overnight. I offered to book them a hotel, but my wife didn't want to be far away from the gates because they were on standby for the next flight to Toronto. Due to bad advice from a friendly Air Canada agent in Vancouver, we lost a day of our family trip. Had we booked a longer connection, there's a good chance my family would have made the connection to YYZ.

I got an apology email from the CEO, but that didn’t make up for my family’s experience. From that point on, I vowed to book longer connection times and find nonstops whenever possible, even if they require a few more points or miles to book.

Related: Missed your flight? Here’s what to do

Recommended minimum connection times

Embrace the layover: It's time to give up on booking short connections to save airline miles - The Points Guy (2)

Every airport and airline has different minimum connection time requirements. Here’s what the official rules are when booking:

  • American: Reported to be 25 minutes.
  • Delta: 30-minute minimum connection time.
  • Southwest: At least 30 minutes if you have checked bags.
  • United: 30-minute minimum for domestic, 60 minutes for international.

Remember that these are the bare minimums. With Southwest, for example, boarding starts 30 minutes before flight time, and seats are first come, first served. A late connection could mean getting stuck with middle seats.

Consider the airport, too. Making your way from one end to another at JFK, O’Hare or Dulles may require a very long hike, while you can get across Portland International Airport (PDX) in just a few minutes. If you’re possibly changing terminals or need to transit from one airport to another, add time for walking, trains, buses and shuttles.

Related: 8 tips for strategically booking your first stopover

What to do with your long connection

Embrace the layover: It's time to give up on booking short connections to save airline miles - The Points Guy (3)

Likewise, every airline has its own rules on maximum connection times as well. For example, a standard connection on Delta can’t be more than four hours. That is plenty of time to avoid a missed connection, plus some buffer time to enjoy your travel experience.

If you’re looking for a long connection and enjoy travel, consider any of these fun activities to make use of your layover:

  • Visit an airport lounge: Spending time in an American Express Centurion Lounge or a favorite Priority Pass lounge is a great way to enjoy an airport. In most cases, you’ll find at least a light meal and a selection of complimentary adult beverages.
  • Dine at top airport restaurants: You may be surprised that some airports feature luxury and fine dining. Top stops include Root Down at Denver International Airport, The Palm at JFK, One Flew South in Atlanta and The Salt Lick BBQ in Austin.
  • Planespotting: AvGeeks are happy sitting by a big window watching the planes come and go. Long stopovers at big and busy airports are perfect for planespotting hobbyists. TPG writers are partial to the In-N-Out parking lot by LAX.
  • Visiting a new city: If you have enough time, hop on a train into town. I once had a 10-hour layover in Frankfurt and used the time to explore the city center with my wife. Just make sure to plan your transit to and from the airport properly.
  • See local family or friends: The more you travel, the more friends you make around the world. Ask local friends to meet you outside security at the airport or anywhere else convenient.
  • Overnights/stopovers: Depending on the airline and hub, you may be able to add an overnight or multiday stopover. Years ago, I set up a five-day layover in London. I got out of the airport to visit the city for nearly a week without adding to my flight costs.
  • Work on your computer: If you’re someone who gets most of their work done on a laptop, airports are often perfect for work. You can find a quiet corner with internet and an outlet to get work done, so you don’t have to bother when arriving at your destination.

Related: The votes are in — TPG readers pick the best airports around the world

Best credit cards for long connections and delays

Embrace the layover: It's time to give up on booking short connections to save airline miles - The Points Guy (4)

If you don’t have lounge access and want to get past those doors, one of these cards could be right for you:

  • The Platinum Card® from American Express: The Amex Platinum has arguably the best luxury travel benefits of any mainstream travel rewards card. It includes access to American Express Centurion, Priority Pass Select, Plaza Premium and Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta) lounges.
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve: Chase's top travel rewards card offers an excellent rewards program and a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. Chase will soon open its own network of Sapphire lounges with planned locations in Boston, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, New York, Phoenix and San Diego.
  • Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: A newer entrant to the premium travel category with lounge access, the Venture X card from Capital One includes Priority Pass, Plaza Premium and Capital One lounge access. Right now, the bank has its own lounge at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and planned additions in Denver and Washington, D.C.

Want to learn more? Check out our detailed guide to the best cards for airport lounge access.

Related: A complete guide to Capital One’s airport lounges

Bottom line

Airports can be fun, but not when you’re unexpectedly visiting for hours more than originally planned.

Building in longer connections can make travel less stressful and open up time to enjoy amenities and benefits. From a few drinks in the airport lounge to a full-day adventure in a new city, there’s no reason you can’t put a long layover to good use. But no matter how you use it, you'll fare better on a reasonably long planned layover than an unexpected overnight layover.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

FAQs

What does short connection mean when booking a flight? ›

When you only have a very limited time to make your connecting flight, this is called a short layover (or a tight connection). A layover is different from a stopover, which is normally over 24 hours and may allow you enough time to explore the place you're stopping.

How much time should you give for a layover? ›

Two hours. Mayers recommends two hours as a standard buffer between flights to be safe. This gives you a cushion in case things go wrong during your journey. You'll definitely want at least a two-hour window if you've booked a “hacker fare,” as opposed to flying with the same airline your entire trip.

What happens if your layover is too short? ›

The airline will simply put you onto the next available flight, free of charge. No need to worry uselessly.

Do layovers give you more miles? ›

Nonstops and direct flights earn point-to-point miles; connecting flights earn the sum of the miles from the individual segments. The latter, according to the laws of geometry, will always be greater than the former.

Should I tell flight attendant about short layover? ›

Definitely tell the flight attendants about your connection, and ask nicely if there's anything they can do to help you make it. They might make an announcement asking passengers who do not have a tight connection to remain in their seats while others deplane first, or they might be able to reseat you up front.

Is a 1 hour layover enough time? ›

If you can't avoid connecting, don't book the shortest layover, because you'll be building in stress and the possibility of missing your flight. A 1-hour layover is not enough anymore. Thirty minutes, not a chance. In most cases, 3 hours is safe.

How much time should I allow between connecting flights? ›

Naturally, this will require much more than the above-mentioned MCT and it is your responsibility to make sure that you have enough time to do all that. The rule of thumb is to allow a minimum of 3 hours between flights if they are not part of the same ticket.

Is a 5 hour layover enough to leave the airport? ›

How long does a layover need to be to leave the airport? Because layovers are your choice, you can leave whenever you like, but seasoned travelers, including McGee, seldom leave airports for less than six hours. After all, airports themselves aren't usually in bustling, interesting areas.

Can I get off plane at layover instead of destination? ›

“Hidden city ticketing,” or booking a flight with the intention of getting off at the layover city rather than the final destination, is perfectly legal, but there are some factors to consider before making it a habit. According to Business Insider, hidden city ticketing is a sneaky way to save money.

Can you leave airport during short layover? ›

The short answer is yes. It is possible to exit and reenter the airport. Whether or not you should depends on a range of factors, including if you're traveling internationally or domestically and how much time you have between flights.

Is a 45 minute layover too short for checked baggage? ›

Recommended minimum connection times

American: Reported to be 25 minutes. Delta: 30-minute minimum connection time. Southwest: At least 30 minutes if you have checked bags. United: 30-minute minimum for domestic, 60 minutes for international.

Can I intentionally miss a connecting flight? ›

While not illegal, intentionally skipping segments on an itinerary does almost always violates airlines' contracts of carriage.

What's the difference between a layover and a connecting flight? ›

What is the difference between a layover and connecting flight? While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. A layover is the time you spend at the airport between two flights. A connecting flight is the next flight in your itinerary that you're waiting at the airport to take.

Which airlines points are worth the most? ›

Frontier Airlines offers the most rewarding domestic airline program, in terms of the value of miles earned. Both Alaska and Frontier still grant reward miles based on the number of miles flown versus flight cost.

Is layover same as stop over? ›

The main difference between a stopover and layover is length of time. Stopover rules vary by airline, but are essentially longer layovers — at least 24 hours in length. Layovers, meanwhile, are connections less than a day in length depending on if you're flying domestically or internationally.

Should I tell the flight attendant I have anxiety? ›

If you are yearning to speak with someone about your anxiety, don't be afraid to walk into the flight attendant cabin and tell them exactly what is going on. Be honest about your experience- you have anxiety and you are currently experiencing an anxiety attack.

Why do airlines make layovers so short? ›

This helps keep costs down and ensures that passengers can get to their destination on time. Additionally, having shorter layovers gives travelers more flexibility when booking flights since they don't need to worry about long waits between connections.

What should you not say in a flight attendant interview? ›

Convey Your Personality. Much of the cabin crew interview process naturally focuses on you and your personality. If a potential employer asks about your hobbies, avoid mentioning anything that might hamper your job performance during a layover.

Is a 45 minute layover long enough? ›

Security-clearance programs are available at select U.S. and international airports. As a rule of thumb, on domestic routes, you need a minimum of 45 minutes between flights. That's because you don't have to go through security, customs, and immigration.

Is an hour layover risky? ›

A one hour layover should allow you to make your connection on a domestic flight without any issues in the majority of cases. If there is a substantial delay to your original flight then you might run into some trouble but even then a lot of times you can still make your connection.

Is 60 minutes enough for a layover? ›

For peace of mind, particularly when connecting in a large city, try to schedule a layover of at least 60 minutes. If you have gate-checked items or are traveling with someone with special needs, extend your connection time to 90 minutes if possible.

Is 1 hour 25 minutes enough for connecting flights? ›

If your incoming flight is on schedule it should be plenty of time. If you miss your connection the airline will rebook you on another flight. Usually your luggage will automatically be transferred.

Is 40 minutes enough for connecting flight? ›

If the airline you are traveling has issued a ticket with 40 minutes connecting time, yes indeed that's sufficient. Different airports have different minimum connecting times or M C T.

What happens if you are late for a connecting flight? ›

What happens if I miss my connecting flight? Airlines will rebook you on the next available flight if you miss your connecting flight due to something that's not your fault (flight delay or bad weather).

Can you leave the airport during a 7 hour layover? ›

Yes, in the vast majority of cases you can leave the airport during a layover in the US and even when traveling internationally. However, whether or not you should leave the airport is an altogether different question.

Do airlines provide hotel for overnight layover? ›

Most airlines only provide free hotel accommodations for passengers that have a layover between 8-12 hours or overnight. However, each airline is different, so be sure to check your carrier's website. Some airlines like Air Canada, Hainan, and XiamenAir allow for layovers over 6 hours.

Is a 2 hour layover enough to leave the airport? ›

2 hours is not enough time to leave the airport regardless of whether you are travelling domestically or internationally. Most airlines recommend you check in for your flight 1:30–2 hours before your flight. You don't want to be stuck in the screening line with 30 minutes before your departure.

Can I skip first flight and take layover flight instead? ›

No, you cannot skip the first leg of any itinerary. As stated above, after you've skipped a flight, all remaining flight legs on your itinerary will be canceled by the airline. It may seem silly, but this is a common mistake many infrequent travelers make.

Can you get in trouble for using Skiplagged? ›

Yes, even the Skiplagged website itself warns against using this method often. Airlines could suspend your frequent flyer account and seize your miles like United has threatened, or worse. Some travelers who have used and abused this tactic have been sued.

What is a throwaway ticket? ›

Throwaway ticketing is purchasing a ticket with the intent to use only a portion of the included travel. This situation may arise when a passenger wants to travel only one way, but where the discounted round-trip excursion fare is cheaper than a one-way ticket.

Will my bags make a 30-minute layover? ›

There is never any guarantee that bags will make a connection, but a longer layover does increase the chances. A 53-minute connection will work under normal circumstances, but your chances would be far better will an additional hour or so, especially if your first flight is slightly delayed.

Is 90 minutes too short for a layover? ›

No, a layover of 90 minutes is not enough, to be absolutely safe you should get a layover is 2–3 hours long to give yourself enough time to go through customs, also with some international flights you will have to go to C baggage claim fee you're checked bag if you checked a bag, then you will have to recheck your bag.

Who pays if you miss a connecting flight? ›

Missing a Connection with the Same Airline

If you miss your connection booked with the same airline that your were on for your first flight, and the issue is due to a delayed take off or anything else that's in the hands of your airline, it's the airline's responsibility to rebook you on the next available flight.

How do I avoid missing connecting flights? ›

How to Never Miss Your Connecting Flight: 6 Tips to Follow
  1. Avoid Booking Several Different Airlines on One Itinerary. ...
  2. Intentionally Book Long-ish Layovers. ...
  3. Don't Forget About Customs. ...
  4. Avoid the Final Flight of the Day. ...
  5. Try to Book Seats in the Front of the Plane. ...
  6. Download and Study a Map of the Airport.

Can I intentionally miss 2nd leg of connecting flight? ›

But by skipping a leg of a connecting flight, you're breaching the airline's Conditions of Carriage, which gives them the right to cancel all of your frequent flyer points and any other bonuses. It's the only REAL penalty that airlines sometimes (but still very rarely) enforce.

Is it cheaper to have a layover? ›

Layovers are preferable if you want to save some money and have enough time in your travel schedule. Layover flights are usually cheaper than both direct and non-stop flights. Though you might spend a lot of time landing, disembarking and with layovers, you get to rest and stretch in between your journey.

Do airlines know if you have a connecting flight? ›

The airline is aware of your connection and will sometimes tell you which gate you need for your next flight. They might even offer assistance if you have a short connection time. Crucially, if your first flight is delayed, and you miss your second, they will put you on another flight to your final destination.

What is the longest layover allowed? ›

A layover is a connection that lasts no longer than 4 hours for domestic flights and no longer than 24 hours for International flights. Layovers are fairly common, especially overnight layovers, but usually they aren't long enough to benefit you.

What is the best airline to fly? ›

Based on BTS data from July 2021 to June 2022, two airlines topped an 80% on-time percentage. Hawaiian Airlines took the top prize with 86%. Delta Air Lines landed just behind Hawaiian with an 84% on-time percentage.

Should I have 3 credit cards? ›

If your goal is to get or maintain a good credit score, two to three credit card accounts, in addition to other types of credit, are generally recommended. This combination may help you improve your credit mix. Lenders and creditors like to see a wide variety of credit types on your credit report.

What airline is best for loyalty? ›

Winner: Alaska Airlines

After winning in 2022, 2021 and 2020, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan takes top honors for the fourth year in a row — but the competition is narrowing.

Can a passenger leave the airport during a layover? ›

Yes, you can leave the airport during domestic layovers. For instance, if you're a US citizen and have a layover within the country, it is legal and safe to leave the airport. Be aware that you'll probably be getting two boarding passes if the domestic layover is more than an hour.

Is it better to have a short or long layover? ›

Two hours. Mayers recommends two hours as a standard buffer between flights to be safe. This gives you a cushion in case things go wrong during your journey. You'll definitely want at least a two-hour window if you've booked a “hacker fare,” as opposed to flying with the same airline your entire trip.

How long of a layover is enough to leave? ›

The recommended layover time for domestic flights is normally one hour. However, as previously stated, you may require longer if your flights are booked with two different airlines, if you are traveling to a very busy airport or if you require special assistance.

What happens if my flight is delayed and I miss my connection? ›

If you miss your connection booked with the same airline that your were on for your first flight, and the issue is due to a delayed take off or anything else that's in the hands of your airline, it's the airline's responsibility to rebook you on the next available flight.

What happens if you miss a connecting flight due to not enough time? ›

What happens if a flight is delayed and you miss your connection? If you miss your connection due to a delay, usually the airline is responsible for providing you with a replacement flight to your destination. They will have to book you on the earliest possible flight available.

What is the shortest connection time for flights? ›

For domestic flights in the U.S. minimum connection times range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, and for international connections, from 1 to 3 hours.

How long is enough between connecting flights? ›

Although it's difficult to say exactly how much time should be left between connecting flights, you should always try to have at least an hour for domestic connecting flights and at least two hours for international connecting flights.

Do airlines compensate for missed connections? ›

If you are connecting on a different airline, airlines are not required to provide compensation if a delay on the first flight causes you to miss your connection. However, if your first flight is delayed for more than 3 hours, you may be entitled to compensation from the airline that caused the delay.

Do airlines wait for connecting passengers? ›

No, if your first flight is delayed and you won't make it in time to catch your connecting flight, the plane won't wait for you. However, if you're travelling on a through-ticket, the airline must rebook you on their next available flight to your destination, provided that there are seats available.

Do airlines know if your connecting flight is delayed? ›

They usually won't. However, if the delay is due to crew, mechanical problems, etc., then they will provide a hotel room for you if you miss the connection. In either case, they'll rebook you on the first flight with an available seat the next day.

Can I just not get on a connecting flight? ›

Skipping the last leg of the flight, however, is perfectly legal, and the only risks are that the connecting airport may change ahead of time, or your bonus points might be canceled for not showing up.

What are my rights if I miss my connecting flight just because my first flight was late do I get any refund? ›

The airline is obligated to offer you a full refund or the difference between the price of the original and the new ticket, if the latter is more expensive. You can also opt for a refund and a flight back to the airport you departed from. The airline is obligated to do this for free.

Is it OK to not take connecting flight? ›

Technically, yes, but if you skip a flight on a multi-flight itinerary, any subsequent flights on your itinerary will be canceled—including your return flights. It's also important to note that if you skip your connecting flights often, the airline may impose penalties such as voiding your frequent flyer miles.

Is 25 minutes enough for a connecting flight? ›

Recommended minimum connection times

American: Reported to be 25 minutes. Delta: 30-minute minimum connection time. Southwest: At least 30 minutes if you have checked bags. United: 30-minute minimum for domestic, 60 minutes for international.

Is 1 hour enough for connecting flights in us? ›

As a rule of thumb, on domestic routes, you need a minimum of 45 minutes between flights. That's because you don't have to go through security, customs, and immigration.

Can you book a connecting flight and get off at layover? ›

Also known as point beyond ticketing, hidden city ticketing is a way to find cheaper nonstop tickets by booking a connecting flight to a final destination beyond yours, but ending your journey at a layover point.

Can you leave the airport while waiting for a connecting flight? ›

Yes, you can leave the airport during domestic layovers. For instance, if you're a US citizen and have a layover within the country, it is legal and safe to leave the airport. Be aware that you'll probably be getting two boarding passes if the domestic layover is more than an hour.

Can I get my luggage during a layover? ›

On flights with layovers, your luggage will usually be transferred between the flights, so you only need to deal with your carry-on during the layover. However, you should confirm this with the check-in desk or call the airline beforehand.

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