Minimum layover times for connecting european flights?

For minimum connect times at major airports see:

http://airtravel.about.com/od/airports/a/mincnxworld.htm

".,.if you book a ticket with a connection with less than the minimum connection time, the airline is not obligated to help you out because it was already a "hot", or illegal connection - just another reason why it's important to be aware of minimum connection times."

If you are flying with same airline on the connecting flights, you should be fine. I do think the airline would set up a "hot" or "illegal" connection. Last year we had an 1 hr 40 minute stopover in Heathrow, which is extremely busy, and had to change terminals and go through customs, and we made it. I had talked to a travel agent before and he advised us not to worry.

We have made some amazingly short connections in FRA; and our bags made it, too. Recently, a 1 hr.15 min layover was reduced to less than an hour by a late departure from Zagreb. As long as you're on a single ticket, if the airline allows the connection, they will take care of any problems. I will say, however, that those almost-missed times were not fun. Once we literally had to run across one terminal to another. The flight was already boarding when we got there. When booking our upcoming trip, which does have a FRA connection, I opted for the flight that has a 3 hour layover vs the one with a 1+ hour.

Our SAS connection at CPH was a scheduled 50 minute layover, 5 more than SAS' CPH 45 minute legal minimum.

Our Valentine Day departure from HEL left on time with the SAS ground crew turning the aircraft around in under 30 minutes. Lost 5 or 10 minutes de-icing, landing 11 minutes late at 11:46.

Made our 12:25 departure with time to spare including a WC stop and CPH passport control.

Checked bags including two ski bags and to maxed out duffle bags for three of us made it to SFO and were some of the first out a couple of minutes clearing US immigration.

A "like" to SAS. Passengers and checked baggage can make a scheduled 50 minute connect in winter conditions with time to spare.

If your return trip connects in Toronto, you will go through US border procedures there before boarding your domestic flight. Be sure to line up for the correct inspections, not the section for travellers staying in Canada.

Tight, but doable. I prefer at least 2 hrs as twice now, the original flight was delayed making me sprint across the airport to switch planes (did I mention the part about dropping my passport on the way...) anyhow, it also gives time for a potty break and a light snack as well. If Customs/Immigrations are involved, that's a whole nother matter!

I fly either Houston or Chicago to Europe with a change in Frankfurt a couple times a year. I have made the Frankfurt connection in as little as one hour when my arrival was late. I said I have done it, I didn't say it was a good idea. It's not totally unusual for the flight to arrive late and I don't like shoving and running. I want two hours minimum on every flight except for short hops like Budapest to Frankfurt which I am good with 1.25 hours on the way there or 1 hour on the way home (less concerned about getting home on time).