How to Use the Minimum Connection Time Checker
MCT (Minimum Connection Time) is the official time an airport publishes as what's needed to safely complete a connection there. Airlines use this figure when building itineraries, but it varies a lot depending on the airport and the type of connection — whether you're staying in the same terminal, connecting between two international flights, or transferring to a domestic one. This checker takes your connecting airport, connection type, and actual booked layover time, then compares it against the official minimum and a recommended safety buffer.
Even at the same airport, a connection that requires changing terminals needs significantly more time than one that stays in the same terminal. Some airports, like Incheon, tend to have relatively generous minimums, while others, like Los Angeles (LAX), set a high bar because of long distances between terminals.
Meeting the official MCT doesn't guarantee you'll make your connection. Delays on your first flight, long immigration or security lines, and other variables can eat into your buffer, so this calculator also shows a "recommended safe layover" that adds 30 minutes on top of the MCT. If your booked connection falls short of that, consider a later flight or a longer layover if you have the option.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's the official minimum time an airport publishes to airlines and travel agents as what's needed to safely complete a connection there. Ticketing systems generally won't sell a connection shorter than this, but if your first flight is delayed, that built-in cushion can disappear fast.
Yes. A delayed first flight, long immigration or security lines, or a long walk between terminals can eat up your buffer even when you technically meet the published MCT. If your connection involves a terminal change, it's safer to plan for more time than the bare minimum.