Enter the distance, average speed, boarding time, and customs and security time into the calculator to determine the minimum connection time.

Minimum Connection Time Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the minimum connection time. 

MCT = (D / S) + B + C

Variables:

  • MCT is the minimum connection time (minutes)
  • D is the distance between the two gates (meters)
  • S is the average speed of the passenger (meters/minute)
  • B is the boarding time for the connecting flight (minutes)
  • C is the customs and security time (minutes)

To calculate the minimum connection time, divide the distance between the two gates by the average speed of the passenger. Add the boarding time for the connecting flight and the customs and security time to the result. This will give you the minimum time required to make the connection.

What is a Minimum Connection Time?

Minimum Connection Time (MCT) is the shortest allowable time required to connect between two flights at a specific airport. It is set by airlines and airports to ensure passengers have enough time to disembark from one flight, navigate through the airport, go through any necessary security or customs checks, and board their connecting flight. The MCT can vary depending on the airport, the airlines involved, and whether the connection is domestic or international.

How to Calculate Minimum Connection Time?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Minimum Connection Time (MCT) using the given formula:

  1. First, determine the distance between the two gates (D) in meters.
  2. Next, determine the average speed of the passenger (S) in meters per minute.
  3. Next, determine the boarding time for the connecting flight (B) in minutes.
  4. Next, determine the customs and security time (C) in minutes.
  5. Finally, calculate the Minimum Connection Time (MCT) using the formula MCT = (D / S) + B + C.
  6. After inserting the values of D, S, B, and C into the formula, calculate the result.

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge:

Distance between the two gates (D) = 500 meters

Average speed of the passenger (S) = 1.5 meters/minute

Boarding time for the connecting flight (B) = 10 minutes

Customs and security time (C) = 15 minutes