Cheap Business Class Tickets | VIP Flights

Sometimes when finding cheap flights you have to sacrifice comfort. Perhaps you found a cheap last minute business fare by flying on a connecting ("layover") flight. Just make sure that layover isn't causing you to run through airports or fall asleep in uncomfortable upright positions.

Typically you want to leave yourself enough time for delays/long lines for customs and security. But don't overdo it and book a layover that lasts an entire day. Here's a guide to help you decide how long your flight layovers should be. We'll also show you how VIPflights can help you find the perfect itinerary and seat selection to ensure you fly efficiently.

What is the Minimum Time Between Flights?

All airports and flight routes have a minimum amount of time between connections. This is known as the minimum connection time (MCT). According to Air Canada you can't “book flights with an insufficient amount of time between connections.”

There are some pretty crazy minimum connection times listed. Some state that you can fly between domestic connections with as little as 30 minutes between flights. But there are also reports claiming that international to international can be as little as 90 minutes.

The problem with this is that these minimum connection times are not always realistic. Sure you can make it from one flight to another in 30 minutes. But what if there is a delay or you get confused? You'll miss your flight.

While knowing the minimum connection times can be helpful when booking flights you should leave yourself with more time. It’s best to allow at least 2 hours if you have to go through customs and at least 1 hour (maybe 1.5) if you don't. You should allow yourself at least 90 minutes, if you have to go to another terminal. 45 minutes is only if you're flying at an airport that is very efficient.

Try to avoid booking flights that have the minimum time between them. Know the MCT and try to leave yourself with at least 1 hour between domestic flights and 3-4 hours between international flights.

Domestic Flight Connections vs. International

Your ideal layover time depends on if you're connecting on a domestic flight or international flight:

Domestic

When connecting on a domestic flight you can usually get away with having a shorter amount of time. If you're flying with the same airline (or group of airlines) you can have as little as 60-120 minutes. Some airlines state that you can have as little as 30-45 minutes between connections but may not recommend it. Travel experts say to leave yourself with at least 1-2 hours when flying domestically.

International

Avoid short connections when flying internationally. If you're going to be entering a country you will need to allow time to pick up your bags, pass through passport control and check your bags for your next flight. Leave yourself at least 2-3 hours when connecting internationally. You can probably get away with 1 hour if you're flying within the same country but that's cutting it close. Ideally you want to leave yourself with at least 3-4 hours (or more) when flying international. If you can expedite through customs you'll have more time, but it’s still best to fly with more buffer time.

You also want to consider how far apart your flights may be. Some airports are huge and your flights could land on each side of the airport. Leaving yourself with more time will help. Having to connect with multiple airlines can also cause you to have a longer layover. Your next flight may be at the end of the airport. Overall you can have short connections when flying domestically but just leave yourself some extra time. When flying internationally leave yourself with at least 3-4 hours between flights. If not, find a different flight.

Tips To Help You Get Through Short Layovers

Maybe you can't avoid a short layover if you're trying to find the cheapest flight. Or maybe your company books flights for you with 1-2 hour layovers. You may also want to fly business class but only find 1-2 hour layovers.

No matter the reason here are some tips that can help you get through short layovers:

Have a game plan

Always fly with the same airline/group of airlines. Stay within one terminal so you don't have to go through security again and your bags will be transported to your next flight. Flying business class can also help you since you'll board earlier and have a better chance of getting off the plane before others. If you have lounge access see if you can stay in the lounge. Some lounges allow you to stay in their lounge if you have more than an hour until your next flight.

Travel with a carry-on bag

This will benefit you when you fly internationally or at least won't have to wait for your bags on your first flight. You can hop off the plane and go straight to your next flight. (Not to mention you won't have to worry about your bags getting lost!)

Get a seat near the front of the plane

When checking in, ask for an aisle seat near the front. This will allow you to exit the plane faster. Also tell the gate agent you have a tight connection. Some airports will keep an eye out for you and allow you to skip lines.

Know your airport

Look up where you are landing and where your next flight is departing from. Know how to get from one to the other. Some airports have trains that will take you between terminals. Are there any fast lanes through passport control or security? Have a plan when you leave for your flight.

Use shortcuts to get through lines

If you have TSA PreCheck/CLEAR make sure to use it. You'll be paying for these but they can get you through security faster. Use Global Entry/your mobile passport to get through immigration quicker. Have your boarding pass and passport ready to go when you need them.

Find food/drink

If you only have an hour or two don't waste it walking around the terminal. Grab a drink or food and try to find a comfortable spot to wait near your gate. If you have lounge access, sleep or work in the lounge until your next flight.

If you have less than an hour

Having a minimum connection time will test your skills. You're going to have to run to make it to your next flight. People have made it work with 30-40 minutes on international layovers. But they were running. Don't expect to have that much time and enjoy running to your next flight.

Have a Happy Medium Layover (2-4 Hours)

Having 2 hours (or even 3.5 hours) between flights is nice. You have enough time to get through the airport and won't worry about missing your flight unless your flight is extremely delayed. Here are some tips to enjoy your happy medium layover:

Use the lounge

One of the best perks of flying business is the ability to use the airport lounge. Lounges are great to use when you have a longer layover. You can relax, get some food and use the restroom. Most lounges also offer showers and drinks. Spend some time in the lounge sleeping if you have more than 3 hours between flights.

Have a meal

Instead of eating small bites throughout your layover try to have a nice meal. This will help your body reset when you land and feel less jet lagged. You'll also feel more refreshed after your flight.

Do one thing you enjoy

If you have time to kill and don't want to work. Do something you enjoy. Visit the lounge's spa and get a massage. Try new foods at the airport. Just have something to look forward to during your layover.

Stay calm

You already left yourself enough time to make your flight. So don't rush around the airport and risk missing your flight. Stay close to the security line or in the lounge. Watch the departure boards for your flight. If you want to leave security and visit the city feel free to do so. Just remember to leave yourself with at least 30 minutes - 1 hour to get back through security.

Some airports are better than others to spend time at. Singapore and Seoul are great to visit when you have a long layover. Both offer beautiful gardens, cultural sites and quiet areas to relax. All airside. Many European airports such as Zurich and Munich are great as well. These airports are smaller and offer nice restaurants. If you have 3 hours to spare at these airports you can walk to the other side of the airport. (Only if you know you have enough time to get back through security.)

Should You Leave the Airport During a Long Layover?

Once you reach the 4 hour mark you need to decide how you want to spend your time. Sleep or wake up and explore? If you decide to leave the airport you might want to pick up a book.

Explore the city

If you have 8 hours between flights you can spend all of that time at the airport. But who wants to? If you live near an airport you'll probably fly through that city many times. Take the opportunity to leave and see what the city has to offer. Check out a tourist attraction or leave the airport and use the city's transportation system.

Research visa requirements

Some countries require you to have a visa to enter their airports. Make sure you have enough time to leave the airport and get your "visa" if you want to leave the airport. Also leave yourself enough time to get back to the airport. If you do leave, allow at least 1-2 hours to get back to the airport. Make sure you know how you'll get back to the airport. Look up transportation options or bring a bag with cash, your passport and necessary items. Don't be caught without internet access and realize your debit card is in your luggage.

Sleep

If you decide to stay at the airport and have a long layover take the opportunity to sleep. If you find yourself with 6 hours between flights and nothing to do. You can find sleeping pods in many airports that allow you to rent them by the hour. There are even capsule hotels inside the airport that allow you to sleep overnight. It's pretty comfortable to sleep at the airport. You can also just sleep in the airport lounge for a few hours and wake up refreshed for your next flight. Some lounges even have sleep rooms and showers. If you have the time, rent a hotel room near the airport and sleep. Travel experts will agree that you should sleep in a hotel if you have an overnight layover.

Airport lounge rules

Keep in mind that some airport lounges only allow you to enter so close to your flight. They don't want you sitting in the lounge all day. Research your lounge if you think you'll have a longer layover. Or buy a pass to the lounge.

Have a backup plan

Make sure you have a backup plan if you leave the airport. Hopefully the airport has internet access so you can use your city transportation app. If not, download transportation apps for the city you'll be visiting. If you leave the security checkpoint, monitor your flight. Your first flight may be delayed and you may need to alter your plans.

Book a long layover on purpose

Another tip to know if you have a long layover is to book one. If you want to stop in a city or are looking for cheap business class flights. You can create a multi-city itinerary and fly to that city. For example, fly from New York to Doha and have Doha connect to Bangkok. Then fly from Bangkok back to New York. Many airlines will sell you this type of flight for cheaper than a normal round trip flight. They may also allow you to cancel your flight if your plans change. Enjoy your long layover by taking a free stop.

Tips For Layovers When Flying Business

If you fly business you can make your layovers easier. As mentioned you have the opportunity to use the airport lounge. Use that time to your advantage and relax. Remove your shoes, get some food/drink and charge your devices. If you can take a shower do so. You'll feel better when you get on your flight even if you only spent 30 minutes in the lounge.

Benefits of flying business class

There are other benefits of flying business class that can help you during your layover. You may be able to board earlier or have security benefits. Which allows you to board later on your first flight and run off the plane. By using Priority Pass or airline lounges and having elite status you can skip some of the worse lines.

When flying business try to book yourself some time. If you have access to the lounge or a frequent flyer club you can have longer layovers. Lounges are great to spend time at when you have longer layovers. Work, sleep or eat. If your flight gets in during the night the airline will usually offer you a place to sleep. Especially if you're flying to a city like Dubai or Singapore.

Switch your seat

Another tip when flying business is to use your booking to your advantage. If you know you'll have to run to your next flight, switch your seat. You can usually switch your seat for a fee or with miles when flying business. Switch to an aisle seat on your first flight to get off the plane faster. Maybe switch to a seat row closer to the front on your second flight to board earlier.

Speak to the airline

If you fly business you have more access to airline agents. If you know you have to make your flight but there are long lines or your airline is running behind, speak to them. They can help direct you to your gate. Also monitor your phone for any flight updates. Your airline will text or email you if there are any flight changes. They may even offer you different itineraries if your first flight is delayed.

Book Your Flight With VIPflights

Finding the right flights can be difficult. VIPflights can search all airlines and routes to find you the best prices. Whether you want to fly business class with shorter or longer layovers we can help you find the best flight.

When you book with VIPflights you're booking with travel agents. Our team knows what airports are good to have layovers at. We can also make sure you're flying on an airline that will get you to your destination on time. If your flight is ever delayed VIPflights can help you change flights or book you on another flight. Need a special meal or more space on your international business flight? Let VIPflights handle that for you.

Find the best flights and business class seat selection with VIPflights. Not only can you save money when you book with VIPflights but you can fly with comfort.

The Bottom Line

How long should you leave yourself between flights? If you want to be efficient and get to your destination as soon as possible keep them short. If you want to have some time to relax, make them longer. No matter how you choose to fly, just leave yourself with more time than the airlines tell you. Two hours is a good time to have if you have to go through customs and one hour if you don't.

Use these tips when you have short or long layovers. If you can enjoy your time at the airport during your layover. Have short layovers and work. Long layovers relax. Have a really long layover explore. Just make sure to leave yourself some extra time. And when you're ready to book your next flight let VIPflights help you find the perfect flights and business class seats.

VIPflights can not only find you cheap business class flights, but we can tell you where to fly through. Fill out our discovery form or give us a call today. Once you book your flight with VIPflights you can relax. We will do the work to find you the best flights, airlines and seats. Happy Travels!