The booking system will happily sell you a 35-minute connection. That doesn't mean you should buy it.
Minimum connection times are a minimum
Airlines set a shortest allowed connection time for each airport, and booking systems won't sell you anything shorter. But that minimum assumes everything goes right: your first flight lands on time, the next gate is close, and nobody is slow getting off the plane. That's a lot of ifs.
Some rules of thumb
These aren't rules, just starting points, and every airport is different.
- Small or mid-sized airport, everything on one ticket: about an hour is usually workable.
- A big hub like Atlanta, Chicago or Dallas: aim for 90 minutes or more. Terminals can be far apart, and you may need to ride a train between them.
- International connections, or anywhere you have to clear customs and recheck bags: give yourself a lot more, often two to three hours.
- Winter, or thunderstorm season: add extra. Delays pile up.
One ticket versus two
If both flights are on a single ticket and the first one is late, so you miss the second, the airline is generally responsible for getting you on the next flight. If you booked two separate tickets and the first runs late, you're on your own for the second. That's the biggest reason to be careful about stitching together separate bookings with a tight connection in the middle.
Don't go too long either
A six-hour layover is a slog, and it has its own risks. If it's overnight, think about whether you'd rather have a proper break somewhere. Sometimes a slightly pricier itinerary with a shorter, saner connection is worth the extra money.
A simple test
Ask yourself: if my first plane is thirty minutes late, would I still make the next one? If the answer is no, look for a different flight. We're happy to compare options with you, with the layover times spelled out.