Expert: K F. - 7/26/2009

Question
Many flights from Toronto to Florida require a layover. Short layovers don't bother me, I'm comfortable racing from gate to gate. The problem arises when booking by phone or online, agents are seldom clear on the minimum time required between flights (layover) on international flights. Sample: Toronto-Cleveland-Miami. They will let you book short layovers (under 1 hr.)and assure you there will be no problem, but then you receive a call or e-mail the next day changing your connection to another flight that is several hours later and you're not allowed to cancel without servere penalties. Is a 59 min. connection layover time not allowed and a 61 min. acceptable? I get the feeling it is a law, not an airline policy.

Answer
It is difficult to say whether or not it is a law or a airline policy.
Because you are flying internationally, a usual recommended layover duration is 1 and a half hours. But Because you are coming from Canada, I think you can cut the time to about an hour.  

Also keep in mind that it maybe because of the change in airlines. For example, if you fly Air Canada and have to change over to like American Airlines, then you will need more time.

The only conclusion I can get to is that the airline or the booking company does not want to rebook you later so they are trying to get you a more so called "acceptable" flight schedule.

Thanks
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