There’s often a trade-off between cheaper flights and feeling relaxed. Booking last-minute business fares may mean scoring a lower price by accepting a connecting (“layover”) flight. But that connection shouldn’t subject you to sprinting through airports or sleeping upright in plastic seats.

As a general rule: leave plenty of time to account for delays, immigration/customs/security lines, and other airport annoyances, but don’t book a day-long connection just because you can. This guide breaks down how long you should let your flight layovers be. And we’ll explain how BCFlights makes researching ideal itineraries and seat assignments easy, so you can fly productively and comfortably.

Minimum Connection Times vs. Layover Recommendations 

Every airport and flight route lists a minimum connection time (MCT). That’s how little time the airline will allow you between flights. Air Canada bluntly states: “flights with an inadequate connection time can’t be booked.”

Official minimum connection times can be quite brief. One industry guide cites minimum domestic connections of just 30 minutes. Other experts recommend international-to-international flights can sometimes be as quick as 90 minutes.

Here’s the kicker: minimum connection times are often unrealistic. While it’s technically possible to catch that 30-minute sprint to your next flight, any disruption or confusion and you’ll miss your plane.

So while it’s helpful to know minimum connection times when planning, you’ll almost always want to budget more time. Traveler recommendations range from 2 hours if you need to clear customs to 1-1.5 hours if not. A travel book helpfully suggests layovers should be about 90 minutes “unless you have to change terminals.” Another recent guide warns 45 minutes is “only pushing it” except at very efficient airports.

So don’t book flights with the shortest connections possible. Use absolute minimum connection times (MCT) as the bottom boundary. Try to find flights with layovers closer to 1-2 hours (domestic) or 3-4 hours (international) when possible.

Domestic vs. International Connections 

Ideally, layover times will depend on whether you’re making a domestic connection or international connection:

Domestic layovers

Depending on your circumstances, you can often get away with very short connections. If you fly on a single airline or partner group, 60-120 minutes should be sufficient. Some airlines list minimum connection times as low as 30-45 minutes at their hubs, but may not recommend it. Most travel experts suggest padding any domestic connection by at least 1-2 hours.

International layovers

Don’t book short international connections. If you land in a country where you need to go through passport control/customs immigration, you’ll need time to get your bags, clear passport control, then re-check bags for your onward flight. Allow at least 2-3 hours for international layovers that require you to clear customs. You may be able to squeak by with an hour if you’re transiting within the same country, but an hour feels very little padding. Buffer times of 3-4 hours or even higher are by far the safest play for international connections. If you have access to expedited customs, you’ll save time but shouldn’t bank on flying through Immigration quickly.

Of course, airport logistics also matter. A sprawling airport where flights land on opposite sides means you’ll need more time than airports where everything is centralized. And connecting on multiple airlines (especially unrelated carriers) often means more time since your next flight may be at the far end of the airport. In general: domestic connections can be short if you’ve given yourself enough wiggle room. But for international connections, allow at least 3-4 hours if your schedule allows. If your layover is shorter than 2 hours on an international flight, consider booking a different flight.

Short Layovers: Make Every Minute Count

It might be unavoidable if you’re chasing the absolute cheapest fare. Maybe your company only books you 1-2 hour layovers because they’ve got tight budgets. Or maybe you want to fly business class but 1-2 hour layovers are the only way to afford it.

In that case, keep these tricks in mind for surviving short layovers:

Fly smarter

Book flights on the same carrier (or alliance) and try to stay within a single terminal. That way you don’t need to re-clear security and your bags are automatically transferred to your next flight. Plus, booking business class helps since you board first on your incoming flight and will likely deplane before everyone else. If you have airline or airport lounge access, check policies ahead of time. Some allow you to stay in the lounge if your next flight isn’t for another hour or two.

Pack only a carry-on bag

This should almost always be true when you travel internationally or can at least save you from waiting at baggage claim on your first flight. You can also leave the plane quickly and head to your next gate while bags are being loaded. (Plus you don’t have to worry about lost luggage!)

Sit near the front

Request an aisle seat near the front of the cabin. That way you’re close to the exit when it’s time to disembark. Bonus tip: When you check your bag and seat, mention your tight connection to the gate agent. Many airports have policies to watch for connecting passengers and may expedite you through the process. Some airlines even have an agent waiting at the jet bridge to escort you to your next flight if you arrive late.

Take a look around

Learn the airport. Lookup terminal and gate information for your flights beforehand and know how to get between them. Does the airport offer a train between terminals? Are there any known quick lanes for passport control/security lines? Planning your route before you depart can save precious time later.

Skip lines with shortcuts

If you have TSA PreCheck (US)/CLEAR, use it. Not only will you pay a fee for these, but they can drastically reduce the time you spend in security lines. Same goes for using Global Entry/mobile passport through immigration. Lastly, small things like keeping your boarding pass and passport easily accessible will save time when you need to move quickly.

Grab something to eat/drink

If you only have an hour or two you don’t want to spend it roaming the terminal. Instead focus on the essentials. Grab a coffee or snack before your gate and find a place to rest near your gate. If you have lounge access, consider sleeping in the lounge or working until it’s time to board.

If you have less than 1 hour

Sticking with minimum connection times is pushing your luck. If flights are only an hour or less between flights, expect to run through airports. It can be done. A couple frequent flyers have made it work with international layovers as short as 30-40 minutes. But they ran through airports. Don’t plan to unless you enjoy running through airports.

Happy medium Layovers (2-4 Hours): Relax and Refresh

Whether 2 or 3.5 hours, layovers this length offer plenty of time to get through most airports. They’re long enough that you shouldn’t have to worry about missing your flight unless there’s significant flight delays. Here’s how to take advantage of a layover that isn’t too short or too long:

Visit the lounge

Lounge access is one of the primary benefits to flying business class in the first place. And airport lounges are ideal for longer layovers. They’re a great place to stretch out, grab a meal or snack, and freshen up. Many lounges offer showers (a hot shower and fresh set of clothes can significantly improve any long flight) and complimentary drinks. If you have access and your layover is longer than 3 hours, spend a couple hours in the lounge sleeping. You’ll be thankful later. 

Eat a big meal

Eat well. Instead of nibbling at snacks your entire layover, find a restaurant or lounge with sit-down service and take the time to eat. Not only will this help reset your body clock and minimize jet lag later, but you’ll find yourself more refreshed after the flight.

Take care of one activity

If you want to pass some downtime doing something other than work, keep it small. Visit a lounge spa for a quick massage. Eat local cuisine at an airport restaurant. Choose one activity to look forward to instead of trying to scope out the entire terminal.

Keep calm

You’ve planned a decent layover. Don’t risk missing your flight by rushing around. Stick to the departure areas or stay in the lounge. Keep track of flight schedules on the monitors. If you want to leave airport security to explore the city, go ahead. Just budget at least 30-60 minutes to return through security.

Need ideas for where to spend your break? Some airports are fantastic for longer layovers. Singapore Changi and Seoul Incheon are famous for offering gardens, cultural exhibits, and quiet rest areas. All airside. European hubs like Zurich and Munich are also great since they’re compact and have excellent dining. If you happen to connect through either airport for 3 hours, consider taking a short walk between terminals. (But ONLY if you have plenty of time to get back through security.)

Long Layovers: Relax or Leave the Airport? 

About 4 hours in, you’ll have a decision to make. Use your layover time or sleep it away? If you’re leaving the airport, you may as well grab a novel:

Leave the airport

Say you have an 8-hour layover. You could theoretically spend the entire time in the airport. But why?! If you live near a major airport you may fly through that city multiple times and never explore. If your layover is 5-8 hours and the airport is in a major city, consider leaving the airport. Visit a major landmark or museum. Take public transportation downtown and explore. 

Keep in mind: research visa requirements

Many countries require visas to enter their airports on layovers. But even more require you to leave the airport and collect a “transit visa” to explore. Another thing to consider is travel time. If you leave the airport, allow 1-2 hours to return. Make sure you know exactly how you’ll get back to the airport. Use Google Maps to pinpoint transit routes. Or pack an extra day bag with spending money, passport, and your essentials. You don’t want to get caught without the Internet and realize your bank is back in your checked luggage.

Sleep

Whether you stay in the airport or not, long layovers offer the perfect opportunity for a nap. Find yourself with a 6+ hour layover and nothing to do? Many airports offer pay-as-you-go sleeping pods or even capsule hotels right within the airport. Sleeping overnight in the airport is fairly comfortable. Even catching a 3-4 hour power nap in the airport lounge can rejuvenate you for your next flight. Bonus tip: some lounges even offer sleep rooms and showers. If you have the time, book a day room at an airport hotel and sleep like a hotel guest. The consensus among travel experts: overnight layovers warrant sleeping in a hotel. 

Lounge access policies

Note that some airport lounges will only admit you within a specific timeframe of your flight. They don’t want you lounging all day. If your layover will be significantly longer than your layover suggests, look up your lounge policies or consider buying a day pass.

Remember your backup plan

Whether you venture off into the city or stay buried in a book at the airport, always have a backup plan. Hopefully your city transport app works at the airport. Download transit apps for the city. If you do leave airport security, keep track of your next flight. If your initial flight is delayed, you may need to change plans at the last minute.

One trick for guaranteed long layovers

If you purposely book a long layover because you want to stop in that city or find cheap business class fares, maximize your travel by creating a multi-city itinerary. Fly from New York to Doha, then connect Doha to Bangkok, then fly home Bangkok to New York. Many airlines will price these “custom” itineraries even lower than a traditional round-trip ticket. Airlines may also have flexible cancellation policies if your plans change. Use long layovers to your advantage by taking a free stopover.

Flying Business? These Tips Make Layovers Easier 

Flying business class can give you an edge in navigating layovers. Of course, one of the perks of business class is access to the airport lounge. Take full advantage of this layover opportunity: kick off your shoes, grab some complimentary snacks/drinks, and charge up your devices. Take a shower if you have time. Even if you only spend 30 minutes in the lounge, you’ll start your flight more refreshed.

The benefits of flying business class can help too. Business passengers often receive priority boarding and, in some cases, priority security. You may be able to board late on your first flight and rush off the plane before the crowd. “Priority Pass or airline lounges and elite status mean you can skip the worst of the lines,” recommends one article.

Similarly, book yourself into a comfortable schedule. If you have lounge access or a frequent flyer club membership, longer layovers aren’t so bad. Lounge areas are great places to work, eat, and even nap. If your flight arrives in the middle of the night, airlines will often provide sleeping accommodations for business class passengers, especially at major hubs like Dubai or Singapore.

 

Finally, use that business class booking power. Maybe switch your seating preferences if you’re worried about making your connection. Business passengers can often pay a fee or use miles to select their seat in advance. Opt for an aisle seat ahead of time for your first flight so you can quickly disembark. Then maybe request a forward seat row on your departure flight so you board quickly.

You also have greater access to airline agents when you fly business. If you’re worried about making your flight due to long lines or airline delays, let the gate agents know. Flight attendants are often helpful in guiding you directly to the gate. Keep an eye on your phone too. Airlines will automatically send flight alerts via text or email. If your inbound flight is delayed, they may even email you alternative itineraries.

Plan Your Itinerary with BCFlights 

Booking complex itineraries can be tricky. That’s where BCFlights comes in. BCFlights searches all airlines and routes to match you with the best fares. That includes booking business class flights that accommodate your layover preferences, whether that’s short and cheap or long with a convenient airport lounge.

Partnering with BCFlights means working with experienced travel agents. BCFlights experts know which airports are best hubs for your layovers. They’ll help ensure you fly on airlines with a reputation for on-time arrivals and departures. If your flight does get delayed, BCFlights can assist you in changing flights or booking alternatives. Need special meal requests, lounge access, or extra legroom on your international business flight? Let BCFlights worry about the details while you focus on yourself.

BCFlights can help you find the ideal flights and business class seats to match your itinerary. Booking through BCFlights doesn’t just save you money on business class flights. It lets you fly with comfort in mind.

Conclusion 

How long should you let your flight layovers be? Short if you’re concerned about efficiency and getting where you need to go. Longer if you want to relax and recharge. But no matter how you fly, allow more time than the airlines “suggest.” As a rule of thumb, plan for two hours if you need to clear customs. One hour if you don’t have to. 

Apply the tips above based on your layover length. When given the opportunity, use airport layovers to your advantage. Take short layovers to work. Take longer layovers to relax, and take the longest layovers to explore. But always build in buffer time. And when you’re ready to book those flights, use BCFlights to find ideal routes and business-class seats that fit your schedule.

BCFlights can help you find cheap business class flights…and figure out where to fly through. Whether you’re booking multi-city flights or hoping to find that sweet business fare, fill out a discovery form or give BCFlights a call. You can relax once you book your flight with BCFlights. We’ll work tirelessly to find you the ideal flights, airlines, and seats to fit your travel style. Bon voyage!