Is 45 minutes enough for connecting flights?

Is a 45 minute layover too short for checked baggage?

Okay, so you’re asking about a 45 min layover with checked bags, right? Ugh, no way is that enough.

Seriously, it’s a hard NO. Trust me.

Listen, it’s all about timing. Consider:

• Deplaning: Takes, like, forever, especially if you’re at the back.

• Bag claim: Waiting… and waiting… Will it even be there? lol.

• Rechecking: Huge lines, always!

• Security… again?!: Seriously?

And large airports? Forget about it! My aunt missed her cruise in 2019 cuz of a shorter layover than even that!

You need at least 60 mins. No, make that 90 minutes bare minimum, especially in places like O’Hare or Atlanta. Really, you’re safer aiming for 2 hours, you know? Just for peace of mind.

Are checked bags automatically transferred on connecting flights?

Ugh, checked bags. Seriously, the worst. My last trip, Delta, no problems. Same airline, one ticket. Piece of cake. But that Southwest flight to Denver? Disaster. Had to practically wrestle my suitcase off the carousel.

So, it’s all about the ticket, right? One ticket, same airline? You’re golden. Think of it like this:

• One ticket, same airline = automatic transfer. This is usually the case.

• Different airlines = recheck your bag. Always. Don’t assume. They’ll make you do it anyway.

Codeshares? Tricky. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Don’t count on it. Best to just double-check online, or, even better, call them. My cousin got screwed over by a codeshare last month. Lost luggage for days. Never again.

Speaking of last month, I was in a total time crunch. Seriously stressed. I swear airline baggage handling is the most infuriating part of travel. Why is it so unpredictable? I’m considering only carry-ons from now on. More expensive, sure. But way less stress. Less stress = better life, right?

Seriously, though. Do your homework. Airlines are notorious for changing their policies. 2024 is already shaping up to be a chaotic year for air travel. I am so over this. And I really need to pack lighter.

What happens if layover is too short?

It’s late. Thinking about missed flights.

If it’s one ticket, the airline will rebook you. They have to. Phew.

But, what if you booked flights separately? That’s…different.

• You’re on your own. You eat the cost of the missed flight. Yeah, you buy a new ticket. Another expense.

It happened to me once. London to New York, via Reykjavik. Cheap flights, right? I thought so.

• I missed the connection. I lost money. Stupid, I know.

What made me miss the flight?

• Delay in London. Of course.
• Security in Reykjavik. Slow. Too slow.
• Me, being naive. Very.

It’s a hard lesson. One I won’t repeat. Maybe.