Travel Mistakes You Might Be Making Without Even Realizing It

22. Booking Tight Layovers Without Buffer Time

When booking flights, it’s tempting to choose the shortest layover possible to get to your destination faster. But those 45-minute or one-hour connections that look efficient on paper can quickly turn into a traveler’s nightmare. Delays, long taxi times on the tarmac, immigration lines, and terminal changes can all eat up precious minutes—and suddenly, your “tight” layover becomes a missed connection. This is especially risky when switching airlines that don’t share luggage agreements or if you’re flying internationally and need to re-check bags or go through customs. Missed connections often lead to long rebooking lines, additional fees, or even having to spend the night in an airport hotel at your own expense. It’s far better to build in a buffer—especially if you're traveling through large, complex airports like JFK, Heathrow, or Charles de Gaulle. For domestic flights, allow at least 1 to 1.5 hours; for international connections, aim for 2 hours or more. If you're changing airports entirely (hello, London!), give yourself at least 4–5 hours. Having a cushion not only reduces stress but also gives you time for unexpected delays or even a snack break. Remember: it's better to wait at your gate with a coffee than run through terminals hoping to catch your flight.