What is a layover / connection time calculator?
A layover (or connection time) is the gap between when your first flight lands and when your next flight departs at the same airport. This calculator works out that gap in minutes and hours, then tells you whether it is long enough to clear the airport's minimum connection time (MCT) — the shortest interval an airport considers safe to change planes.
How to use it
Enter your scheduled arrival time and your next departure time using a 24-hour clock (hours 0–23, minutes 0–59). Then enter the minimum connection time you want to compare against. If your departure is on the next calendar day, just enter its clock time — the calculator automatically adds 24 hours when the departure appears earlier than the arrival.
The formula explained
Both times are converted to minutes past midnight: \(\text{arr} = \text{arr\_h} \times 60 + \text{arr\_m}\) and \(\text{dep} = \text{dep\_h} \times 60 + \text{dep\_m}\). The layover is \(\text{dep} - \text{arr}\); if that is negative, 1440 minutes (24 hours) is added. The connection is marked sufficient when \(\text{layover} \ge \text{MCT}\), and the buffer is \(\text{layover} - \text{MCT}\).
$$\text{Layover} = \big(D - A\big) \;(+\,1440 \text{ if } < 0)$$ $$\text{where}\quad \left\{ \begin{aligned} A &= 60\cdot\text{Arr. Hour} + \text{Arr. Min} \\ D &= 60\cdot\text{Dep. Hour} + \text{Dep. Min} \\ \text{Buffer} &= \text{Layover} - \text{Min. Conn. (min)} \end{aligned} \right.$$
Worked example
Arrival 14:30, next departure 16:15, minimum connection time 60 minutes. Arrival = 870 min, departure = 975 min, so layover = 105 minutes (1h 45m). Since 105 ≥ 60, the connection is sufficient with a 45-minute buffer.
$$A = 14 \times 60 + 30 = 870 \text{ min}$$ $$D = 16 \times 60 + 15 = 975 \text{ min}$$ $$\text{Layover} = 975 - 870 = 105 \text{ min} = 1\text{h } 45\text{m}$$ $$\text{Buffer} = 105 - 60 = 45 \text{ min} \;\;(105 \ge 60)$$
FAQ
What minimum connection time should I use? It varies by airport and whether it's domestic or international (often 30–90+ minutes). Check your airport's published MCT or your airline's guidance.
Does this handle overnight connections? Yes — if the departure time is earlier than the arrival time, 24 hours are added automatically.
Does it account for terminal changes or customs? No. It only computes the scheduled time gap; add extra margin for immigration, baggage re-check, and terminal transfers.
