Layover Buffer Calculator
Is your connection long enough to actually make it?
Enter your values
Enter the scheduled layover in min.
Choose one of: Domestic to domestic, Domestic to international, International with immigration and customs.
Enter the terminal transfer time in min.
Enter the expected arrival delay in min.
Choose one of: Carry-on only, Checked through, Must collect and re-check.
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.
- Spare time
- -5 min
- Risk
- Not enough time — rebook
- Time you actually need
- 85 min
- Breakdown
- deplane 15 + transfer 15 + checks 25 + boarding 30
- Recommended minimum layover
- 130 min
Quick answer
A safe connection needs deplaning, terminal transfer, any immigration and re-screening, and boarding time — plus a buffer for arrival delay.
Spare = layover − (deplane + transfer + checks + boarding)
At a glance
| What it does | Is your connection long enough to actually make it? |
|---|---|
| Category | Travel |
| Inputs needed | Scheduled layover, Connection type, Terminal transfer time, Expected arrival delay, Bags |
| Main output | Spare time |
| Formula | Spare = layover − (deplane + transfer + checks + boarding) |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Layover Buffer Calculator
- 1Enter your scheduled layover in minutes.
- 2Pick the connection type — immigration and customs add the most time.
- 3Add the transfer time between terminals and a realistic delay allowance.
Inputs explained
- Scheduled layover(min)
- Enter the scheduled layover in min.
- Connection type
- Choose one of: Domestic to domestic, Domestic to international, International with immigration and customs.
- Terminal transfer time(min)
- Enter the terminal transfer time in min.
- Expected arrival delay(min)
- Enter the expected arrival delay in min.
- Bags
- Choose one of: Carry-on only, Checked through, Must collect and re-check.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Scheduled layover95 min
- Connection typeDomestic to international
- Terminal transfer time15 min
- Expected arrival delay15 min
- BagsChecked through
Results
- Spare time-5 min
- RiskNot enough time — rebook
- Time you actually need85 min
- Breakdowndeplane 15 + transfer 15 + checks 25 + boarding 30
- Recommended minimum layover130 min
Frequently asked questions
What is a minimum connection time?
Each airport publishes an MCT, often 45 minutes domestic and 90 minutes international. Airlines will sell tighter connections on a single ticket, but the risk is yours in practice.
What if I miss the connection?
On a single ticket the airline must rebook you. On separate tickets you have bought a new flight, which is why separate-ticket connections need 3+ hours.
What do I need to enter into the Layover Buffer Calculator?
Just 5 values: scheduled layover, connection type, terminal transfer time, expected arrival delay, bags. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.
How does the Layover Buffer Calculator work out the answer?
A safe connection needs deplaning, terminal transfer, any immigration and re-screening, and boarding time — plus a buffer for arrival delay. It applies the formula Spare = layover − (deplane + transfer + checks + boarding) and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Layover Buffer Calculator free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.