Is My Flight Layover Long Enough?

I don’t know about you but running through an airport to try to make a connecting flight is not my idea of a fun vacation.  Also, the thought of missing my flight and being stranded at an airport gives me anxiety. 
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When booking airfare, many clients look at the layover time to see if it is too long but many do not consider if the time is long enough.  Here are a few factors you should keep in mind when selecting a flight layover length:

1. How large is the airport where the connection will be made?  Larger airports have many more gates and much more ground to cover.  They also tend to be more crowded and this can create bottlenecks and barriers. 
2. Are you changing airlines for the next flight?  Most airlines use the same terminal for all their flights so if you are on the same airline, chances are your gates will be within the same terminal. If you are changing airlines, it is likely that you will need to also change terminals which will add delay to your flight connection. Also double check to see if you are on the main airline or a regional version-- for instance in Houston United Express will fly into a different terminal than United Airlines much of the time.
3. How fit is your traveling party?  If needed, will the guests traveling with you be able to move quickly through the airport to get to the next gate?  
4. Do you have gate checked items such as strollers or wheelchairs?  These are often unloaded last so you may have to wait for these items before you can head to the next flight. 
5. Where are you seated on the first plane?  Remember, flights debark from the front so if you are seated further back you will need to wait longer to exit the plane.  
6. Is your flight international or domestic?  If flying internationally, you may have extra security checks and procedures before going to your next flight.  Many airports also have a dedicated international terminal so you may have to switch terminals if one leg of your flight is domestic.  Be sure to think about these requirements when selecting your flight time. 
7. Are you traveling during a holiday or other peak travel season?  The busier the airport, the more obstacles you will need to overcome.

As a rule of thumb, we recommend at least a 1-hour layover for domestic flights and at least 1 hour and 30 minutes-2 hours for international flights.  If you some of the above items apply to you, we advise you add at least 30 minutes to these estimates.  For peak travel time periods, very large airports or airline changes, we suggest you add at least 45 minutes to our suggested times. 
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As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when selecting a flight time.  At Whitney World Travel, our travel advisors are experienced with selecting flights and can help you make the right choice for your vacation.   Let us help you plan your perfect layover time to create the most stress-free travel experience possible.