Will you make your connection on time? Check before booking your flight.

Connecting flights have become common for many travelers today. However, one of the most important questions people often hesitate about before booking a ticket is whether the time between the first flight and the next one is enough to make the connection.

Even frequent travelers can feel uncertain, as several factors affect the ability to transfer smoothly, such as airport size, immigration procedures, and possible delays of the previous flight.

This blog will guide you through the key points to check so you can choose connecting flights with confidence and reduce the risk of missing your next flight.

1. Minimum recommended connection time

In general, passengers should allow sufficient time between flights as follows:

• Domestic flights: at least 60 to 90 minutes
• International flights: at least 120 minutes
• International to domestic connections: at least 150 to 180 minutes

Each airport has its own Minimum Connection Time (MCT). Passengers should always check the specific MCT of the airport where they will transfer before making a booking decision.

The minimum connection time at Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport is approximately 90 minutes. However, you should allow extra time in certain situations.

2. Check the distance between terminals and boarding gates

Some airports are very large or have multiple terminals. Changing gates may require using an airport train, shuttle bus, or walking long distances, which can take more time than expected.

If you are traveling through an AOT airport, you can check terminal maps and routes using the Airport Map feature and track real-time flight status via the SAWASDEE by AOT application to plan your connection time more effectively.

3. Review transfer procedures carefully

On certain routes, passengers may need to go through additional steps, such as immigration control, security screening, or collecting and rechecking their baggage. Therefore, it is important to confirm in advance whether your journey includes a Through Check-in or separate tickets.

If your baggage is checked through to your final destination, the transfer process will be much faster and more convenient. On the other hand, booking separate tickets involves a higher risk. If the first flight arrives late, you may miss the next flight.

4. Allow extra time for unexpected situations

Passengers should allow buffer time for unexpected circumstances such as flight delays, unfavorable weather conditions, or heavy passenger traffic during peak travel seasons. It is recommended to select connecting flights with a reasonable time gap and avoid very tight connections, even if the booking system allows them.

5. Passengers who need special assistance should allow more time

Travelers who use wheelchairs, elderly passengers, or unaccompanied minors should allow an additional 30 to 60 minutes for their connection and inform the airline in advance so that appropriate assistance can be arranged.

6. Choose flights operated by the same airline or alliance

Booking both flights with the same airline or within the same airline alliance provides greater peace of mind. Airlines usually calculate suitable connection times in advance, and if delays occur, passengers may be rebooked on the next available flight at no additional cost. This differs from separate ticket bookings, where passengers must bear the full risk themselves.

General transfer procedure

Upon arrival at the airport, passengers should follow the signs for Transfer, Transit, or Connecting Flights and proceed according to the airport’s procedures without exiting the transit area.

For passengers connecting at Suvarnabhumi Airport, more detailed instructions can be found at the links below:

• Click to read: Passenger Transfer Process at the Main Passenger Terminal, Suvarnabhumi Airport
• Click to read: Transfer Procedures at SAT-1 Terminal, Suvarnabhumi Airport