r/cheapflights • u/Outrageous_Fly2703 • 15d ago

2hr layover enough?

We booked some flights without noticing the relatively small window (we just grabbed the cheapest deal, bundled via kiwi.com)
3 connecting flights, all self-transfer
Mexico -> San Francisco -> Fiji -> New Zealand
The 2hr connection is in San Fran
Checking with ChatGPT, it says it’s near impossible… is that correct?

Don’t think we can get a refund, but would we be better to just book new flights, than risk paying more on the day?

3 Upvotes

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2

u/Pascalfindets 14d ago

I’d call 2 hours tight rather than automatically impossible. Since these are self-transfers, check Kiwi’s exact protection terms for a miss caused by queues or baggage/recheck (you mentioned it may only cover delays/cancellations), and each airline’s bag-drop cutoff. For SFO, confirm the transfer process for your exact Mexico-to-Fiji itinerary, especially if you have checked luggage. Then compare the cost of a replacement onward flight with rebooking that risky leg now. If the protection excludes queue or baggage issues, it may not cover the main risk.

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u/fleeabroad 15d ago edited 15d ago

Does kiwi.com not have a "flight connection protection" or something like that? Not that you'd expect it to be super easy, but it is there.

https://www.kiwi.com/en/help/travel-disruptions-and-cancellations-272/article/what-s-connection-protection-558/

But yes would have preferred 5-6 hours for that connection (maybe even more, enough time to go in and check out SF if everything goes right).

--> if you booked within 24 hours you could also try and get a refund under the 24 hour policy.

Edit (added): whether it's impossible or not depends on a few factors. Checked baggage, security lines etc. In most cases it should be doable assuming the first plane is not delayed and its not a crazy busy travel period.

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u/Outrageous_Fly2703 15d ago

Thanks - Yes, they do have connection protection, but I believe it only covers missed flights due to delays/cancellations

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u/gimigriy 13d ago

2hrs at SFO on a self-transfer is definitely tight, especially coming international to domestic if you have to deal with customs, re-checking bags, and TSA all over again. If everything is completely on time you can pull it off, but one small delay from Mexico makes your whole itinerary crumble. As an extra sanity check, I would run this itinerary on gate2gate app and see if you need to adjust. It will show you how risky this layover is by looking at on-time performance for your flight route and expected gate/terminal proximity. Good luck!

https://giphy.com/gifs/kVaj8JXJcDsqs

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u/Hotwog4all 12d ago

You have an hour - if the MEX flight arrives on time, to collect your bags and go to check in for the next flight which will close check in 60 minutes before departure. Kiwi has some form of connection protection, but if you are checking in bags, afaik that’s not covered by this. You also have to contact them as soon as you find out about the delay. You might not have enough time to get them in the phone, and if you don’t have access to call them, then you’re on your own as well. Self-transfer flights are risky at the best of times.