What is a Minimum Connection Time, and is it the same for all airports?

What is Minimum Connection Time (MCT)?

The Minimum Connection Time (or MCT) is the minimum amount of time, under standard conditions, recommended for an able-bodied passenger to transfer from one flight to another. This value is set by the airport itself, not the airline, and can vary from airport to airport.

Which factors are taken into account?

The MCT is calculated assuming both flights are on time. It factors in the distance between gates, possible immigration procedures, security checks, and other airport-specific arrangements a passenger might encounter when moving from one flight to the next.

Since there’s no universal standard that fits all airports, for more information, check the MCT of your transit airport.

Things to consider for self-transfer trips

When traveling on a self-transfer itinerary, keep in mind that the airlines you’re flying with don’t coordinate with each other for check-ins, baggage handling, or potential delays. This means you might need to go through immigration and security again, and the time it takes can vary depending on the time of day, the airport’s layout, and the season.

If you prefer a stress-free experience or want to reduce the risk of missing your next flight, consider booking a longer layover.