Layover and connecting flight tips for Europe trips

Many US-to-Europe itineraries connect through a major hub (like London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or a US gateway city) rather than flying direct, especially from smaller origin airports. Check the minimum connection time for your specific airport — international-to-international connections sometimes require re-clearing security or even immigration, which eats into a short layover fast.

As a rule of thumb, under 90 minutes for an international connection is risky; 2+ hours is more comfortable. If your layover is long (6+ hours), some airlines and airports allow a free short stopover to see the city — worth checking before booking if you want to turn a connection into a mini extra trip.