As someone who flies twice a month, I’ve experienced just about everything the airline industry can throw at travelers. From weather delays to mechanical issues to the unexpected announcement that your flight crew is nowhere to be found—I’ve seen it all.
I’m writing this article while waiting for my connecting flight to board. I’ve counted 20+ travelers running to their gate. After months of giving this advice to family and friends, I felt that our readers needed this travel PSA. STOP booking short connections.
Trust me when I tell you that the travel landscape has drastically changed in recent years. While there are many factors beyond our control when it comes to flying, one thing we can manage is how we book our flights.
Let me be clear: booking flights with short connection times is a gamble you don’t want to take, especially in today’s turbulent travel environment.
The State of Air Travel Today
Let’s talk numbers. According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, flight delays are at their highest in years, with nearly 25% of flights arriving late. Crew shortages, exacerbated by the pandemic, are still wreaking havoc on schedules.
In June 2024 alone, over 2,000 flights were canceled due to a lack of available crews. Pair that with unpredictable weather patterns and ongoing air traffic control issues, and you’ve got a recipe for travel chaos. I saw it first-hand this summer.
Now, imagine navigating this mess with a 45-minute layover. The airline’s website might have assured you it’s a “legal connection,” but trust me, just because it’s possible doesn’t mean it’s advisable. Didn’t anyone ever tell you, ‘Just because you have the right to do something doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do’?
The Hidden Dangers of Short Connections
First, let’s talk about airport size. If you’ve ever flown through Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte Douglas (CLT), or Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), you know these airports are sprawling metropolises in their own right.
DFW spans nearly 27 square miles, and ATL sees over 107 million passengers a year.
A 45-minute connection at one of these hubs might seem like plenty of time on paper, but in reality, it’s a race against the clock. Add in delays or last-minute gate changes, and suddenly, you’re sprinting through terminals, praying to make it before the doors close.
Even if your initial flight is on time, consider the time it takes to deplane, navigate to your next gate (which could be in a completely different terminal), and board your connecting flight.
If you’re lucky, you might have a few minutes to grab a bottle of water, but often, there’s no time for anything but stress.
The Emotional Toll
Let’s not forget the emotional and physical toll short connections can take. The stress of running through an airport, unsure if you’ll make your next flight, is something I avoid at all costs. Why? Because I’ve done it. And if you miss that connection? Good luck getting rebooked on another flight that day.
Even if you manage to secure a seat on a later flight, your entire travel day is now filled with unnecessary stress, and your carefully planned itinerary is derailed.
Picture this: You could be sitting at the airport bar, sipping a margarita while you leisurely wait for your next flight. Or, you could be that person drenched in sweat, shoes in hand, sprinting to catch a connection that’s slipping away minute by minute.
Either way, you’ll probably end up drinking that margarita—but if you’re rushing, you’ll be drinking it to calm your nerves rather than to enjoy your vacation.
The Golden Rule: Two-Hour Minimum
How long is a good layover time? My golden rule? Never book a connection with less than two hours between flights. Yes, that might mean a longer layover, but trust me, it’s worth it. That extra time gives you a buffer for delays, a chance to relax, and most importantly, peace of mind.
I’d rather spend an hour people-watching or grabbing a bite to eat than frantically trying to make a tight connection.
Think of it as travel insurance for your sanity.
Avoid Short Connections
Airlines might tell you that a 45-minute connection is feasible, but as a seasoned traveler, I’m telling you it’s not worth the risk.
Give yourself the gift of time—a two-hour layover—and you’ll be sipping that margarita for all the right reasons.
So the next time you’re booking a flight, remember: It’s better to be safe than sprinting.
Read More: 20+ Airport Mistakes You Might be Making and How to Fix Them
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