Lesser-known rule you MUST check out before booking connecting flights
PLANE travel seems fairly straightforward until you throw connecting flights into the mix – a short layover time at a busy airport can make or break a holiday.
Which is why it’s crucial to check the ‘MCT’ (minimum connection time) at your connecting airport before booking a trip.
What’s the minimum connection time (MCT)
Each airport has its own MCT, based on things like airport layout and security.
Depending on how big the airport is and the time of day and week you’re travelling, it could take anything between 45 and two hours to get through passport control, baggage control and security to your second flight.
Here in the UK, passengers are most likely to be connecting from regional airports through big hubs like Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester to their eventual destination.
Manchester Airport
Manchester Airport said that passengers booking connecting flights through the same airline on a single booking will generally be given boarding passes for both flights when they check in for their first leg of the journey.
They also said that airlines have a duty to get people from A to B, so are obliged to arrange alternative options for those who have missed their original flights.
However, they added that anyone self-transferring is responsible for finding out their airline’s guidance and ensuring they’ve allowed enough time between flights.
Moving between terminal 2 to terminal 1 or 3 around five to 15 minutes, and terminals 1 and 3 take two minutes to walk between.
But airport security takes on average 24 minutes to get through, according to aviation magazine ADS Advance, and passport control takes upwards of 15 minutes.
London Heathrow
Heathrow’s website urges passengers to “allow plenty of extra time to clear baggage reclaim and passport control, transfer between terminals, then check in and clear security for your outbound flight”.
They also state that transferring passengers are “advised to check the terminal transfer guide and plan accordingly as time to travel between Heathrow’s four terminals varies”.
Passengers whose flights land at and then take off from Terminal 3 are told to allow 75 minutes.
The same guidance is in place for flights landing and then taking off from Terminal 5.
Meanwhile, those changing flights between Terminal 3 and Terminal 5 are told to allow at least 90 minutes.
London Gatwick
Gatwick advises that passengers allow an hour if they’re taking off from the same terminal they’re due to arrive in to.
However, if they’re flying from a different one, they should add another half an hour on to their layover time, just to be safe.
They also warn: “Your airline may have different minimum connection time requirements, so make sure you always check these before booking your connecting flight.”
Make the most of longer layovers
Some people like to play it safe and leave it much longer between their connecting flights, which can pay off in certain airports.
Istanbul, Tokyo, Seoul, Doha and Abu Dhabi are among several places where visiting passengers can book free city tours if their layover is a long one, meaning they aren’t doing nothing while waiting around for hours.
Instead, they’re able to make the most of the location of their layover and go exploring – including an extra added bonus to their holiday.
However, if that’s not on offer, then passengers simply have to look into the airport they’re flying from, use their own judgement and hope that everything flies on time.
Meanwhile, this is how to avoid missing your connecting flight.
And this is why flights with stopovers can be better than direct ones.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.