For a same-terminal domestic connection on one ticket, usually yes. For international connections, terminal changes, or if you need to clear immigration or re-check bags, one hour is risky. Never attempt a 1-hour connection on separate tickets.
The airline publishes a minimum connection time (MCT) for each airport and terminal pair. If your itinerary is sold as one ticket, the airline believed the connection was legal — but legal isn’t the same as comfortable.
One hour is fine when: it’s domestic, same terminal, one ticket, no bag re-check, and your inbound flight is reliable.
One hour is risky when:
- The connection is international or changes terminals.
- You arrive into a country that makes everyone clear immigration and re-check bags (e.g. the US, or a first EU entry with EES).
- Your inbound is a late-afternoon flight prone to delays.
- The airport is huge (long walks at LHR, CDG, FRA).
Never on separate tickets: if the first flight is late, the second airline owes you nothing. Allow three hours for self-connections.
Use our layover planner to see realistic buffers for 30 hub airports.
Related questions
What is a layover, and how is it different from a stopover?
A layover is the time between connecting flights on one ticket — usually under 24 hours. A stopover is a deliberate stay of more than 24 hours (often days) at the connecting city, sometimes offered free by hub airlines. Full answer →
Do I have to go through security again on a layover?
Not if you stay airside in the same terminal. You will re-clear security if you change terminals without an airside link, leave the airport, or arrive internationally into a country (like the US) that makes everyone clear immigration and customs. Full answer →
What happens if I miss my connecting flight?
On a single ticket, the airline rebooks you on the next available flight at no charge, and may owe meals or a hotel if the delay was its fault. On separate tickets you're on your own — you'll buy a new ticket. Full answer →
What is a self-transfer (self-connecting) flight?
A self-transfer is when you book two separate tickets and connect yourself — collecting and re-checking bags, and re-clearing security. It's often cheaper, but if the first flight is late, no airline will rebook you. Allow at least three hours and consider insurance. Full answer →
Airline, airport and government rules change without notice. Treat this as a starting point and confirm with the airline or authority for your specific trip. Request a correction if something is out of date.