Airlines & low-cost carriers
How to choose layover durations when connecting between low cost carriers to allow for delays and queues
When planning connections across low-cost carriers, pick layover windows that cushion for boarding queues, security bottlenecks, and potential gate changes, ensuring you arrive calm, organized, and ready for the next flight.
July 18, 2025 - 3 min Read
When you book connecting flights with different low-cost carriers, your layover choice becomes a strategic decision rather than a mere afterthought. Budget carriers often use remote gates, simplified boarding processes, and compact hub layouts that can produce longer than expected waits during peak times. A practical approach is to target layovers that exceed the minimum connection time by a comfortable margin, accounting for potential security delays, re-queuing at check-in, and possible terminal transfers. This extra time reduces stress and lowers the risk of missing a connection, especially when luggage routing is not guaranteed or when you must reprint boarding passes. Plan with a buffer for contingencies.
Start by researching each carrier’s typical processing times at the airports you’ll transit through. Many low-cost hubs feature single-aisle terminals and automated bag drops, which seem quick until crowded lines form. Add an additional 30 to 60 minutes to your calculated minimum connection time to cover speculative hold-ups, such as crowded security lanes, unexpected gate changes, or the need to switch terminals. If you’re rechecking bags or changing airlines for the second leg, consider a longer buffer. Finally, verify airplane turnaround patterns—some flights arrive late, while others depart on schedule—so you can tailor your layover to expected realities rather than optimistic timings.
Adjust buffers based on luggage and airline transfer rules
A measured approach to layover duration begins with a conservative target that prioritizes reliability over speed. Evaluate the network layout of the airports involved and map out where each transfer is most likely to encounter slowdowns, such as security chokepoints. If the layover involves a gate change, you’ll benefit from extra time to reach a distant terminal or a distant concourse. Weather-adjacent disruptions, daytime surges, and reduced staffing can all extend processing times. By building a cushion into your plan, you also gain flexibility to explore nearby lounges or grab a quick meal without feeling pressured to sprint toward the next boarding. The extra minutes can transform a stressful race into a manageable pause.
When choosing a layover window, consider your comfort with risk and your travel goals. If you have tight connections and limited vacation days, a longer buffer is worth prioritizing. Conversely, if you’re traveling with tight budgets and a strict arrival deadline, you may accept a smaller margin but should stay vigilant about flight statuses. Use real-time tools to track inbound aircraft performance and gate movements, which allows you to adjust in real time. Keep copies of your itineraries, boarding passes, and airline apps ready to streamline any re-route. A deliberately longer layover also reduces the chances of missing the next flight due to a single hiccup.
Think about flight arrival patterns and aircraft turnaround realities
Bag handling requirements can dramatically affect layover length when transferring between low-cost carriers. Some carriers require you to reclaim and re-check luggage even when continuing to a separate airline, which adds transfer time that optimistic schedules often overlook. If you’re flying with checked bags, select layovers that anticipate bag drop queues and potential re-tagging by staff. If you’re traveling light with only a carry-on, you might shave a portion of time, but you should still assume occasional security or boarding delays. Before you book, confirm baggage policies across both carriers and airport teams so you can tailor your layover to the real-world steps you’ll need to complete.
Consider the likelihood of terminal changes and the distance between gates. Some low-cost hubs consolidate services in a single, compact area, while others push travelers across long corridors or multiple levels. When a connection involves a different terminal, the walk or shuttle ride can consume valuable minutes. Evaluate the transfer route on a map, and if possible, choose a layover that keeps you within a short, direct path between arrival and departure points. This deliberate choice minimizes the risk of running late due to transport within the airport, which is a common hidden cost of ultra-low-cost itineraries.
Use tools and services that support flexible, resilient itineraries
Arrival timing often diverges from the published schedule, particularly with low-cost carriers that juggle fuel-saving routes and lean staffing. If your inbound flight is routinely late during certain hours, factor that into your layover. A safety-minded approach is to add an extra hour to your buffer on days when weather or air traffic control delays are more frequent. On the flip side, if you know the carrier tends to arrive early and depart promptly, you can reduce your margin accordingly. The aim is to create a reasonable window that reflects how the airline network actually performs, not how it theoretically operates under ideal conditions.
Use a two-tier buffer strategy to balance risk and efficiency. The first tier accommodates the typical, day-to-day delays—minor security queues, brief terminal transfers, or a slightly late arrival. The second tier protects you from longer disruptions, like severe weather or airspace congestion. If you stay within a robust two-tier buffer, you gain resilience without straying far from your original itinerary. While it’s tempting to chase the cheapest ticket, that savings can vanish if you must reroute or miss a connection, so view buffer planning as part of the overall trip cost. Thoughtful layover selection preserves value and peace of mind.
Practical tips for choosing layovers that work in real life
Leverage airline-provided tools and reputable travel apps to monitor live flight statuses and gate changes. Real-time alerts empower you to adjust connections before you’re overtaken by a surge of late arrivals or last-minute platform changes. When evaluating layovers, check if the booking includes a courtesy rebooking option, reroute assistance, or waived fees in case of delays. If such protections exist, you can safely opt for a shorter buffer with the confidence that the carrier recognizes the complexity of multi-carrier itineraries. The combination of proactive monitoring and protective service reduces stress and increases the odds of a smooth transition between flights.
Confirm your accessibility needs and any mobility constraints early in the planning stage. If you require assistance, crowded terminals and long walks can multiply delays. Some airports offer help services for long connections, priority queues, or guided wayfinding, which can significantly affect your effective layover. By communicating needs ahead of time and selecting routes that minimize walking distances, you create opportunities to complete transfers efficiently. This consideration protects your health and ensures you don’t overschedule yourself, especially when juggling multiple low-cost carriers with varying boarding processes.
The most effective layover strategy blends data, intuition, and a touch of caution. Start by establishing a baseline layover length based on minimum connection times, then stretch that baseline by a practical margin corresponding to airport size, potential delays, and your luggage situation. Always review each segment’s operating carrier policies to understand rebooking options, baggage handling, and customer protections. If possible, select airports known for efficient queues, central terminals, and straightforward transfer paths. Consider non-stop alternatives if a single misstep could ruin your plans. Finally, document your decisions and favorite routes, so future trips benefit from your accumulated experience.
In the end, the goal is resilience with a reasonable price tag. A well-chosen layover reduces stress, protects your schedule, and keeps your travel experience enjoyable even when systems stall. By preemptively assigning buffers, researching airport layouts, and using available tools, you create a reliable framework for navigating multi-carrier itineraries. Remember that layovers aren’t mere gaps in time—they are strategic moments that determine whether your journey feels effortless or fraught with delays. With thoughtful planning, you can connect between low-cost carriers smoothly, even in the face of queues and occasional misadventures.
