MCT — Minimum Connecting Time

MCT — Minimum Connecting Time

MCT is the fundamental safety parameter for connection bookings. It defines the minimum time a passenger needs to transfer from an arriving flight to a departing flight. Connections booked below this threshold automatically generate warnings in GDS and PSS systems.

How MCT Is Determined

MCT values are specific to each airport and transfer type. Key criteria include: transfer type (Domestic→Domestic, Domestic→International, International→Domestic, International→International); terminal transit time (same terminal or different terminal?); security and passport control requirements; baggage re-check requirement; walking distance to the gate.

Transfer Type Codes

MCT and Connection Guarantee

When a connection is booked above MCT on the same airline, the carrier is obliged to rebook the passenger on the next available flight if the connection is missed. This guarantee does not apply to self-connect itineraries across different airlines.

IATA's Role

IATA maintains the MCT database (within the SSIM framework) and shares it with Global Distribution Systems. Amadeus, Sabre and other GDS platforms perform MCT checks at the time of booking.