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Is a 40 min layover in Cabo San Lucas long enough?

CSW · Cabo San Lucas International Airport · Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cutting It Close

No, 40 minutes is probably not enough for a layover at CSW (Cabo San Lucas).

Below the realistic domestic-domestic MCT of 45 minutes at this single-checkpoint airport.
Quick Stats
Concourses
1
Max Transit
10m
Avg. Security
20m
Primary Hub
—
Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45min
✗
Domestic → International
60min
✗
International → Domestic
75min
✗
International → International
90min
✗
AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
Tips for 40 min Connections
Build in extra time for immigration and customs if arriving internationally before any onward domestic connection, since this queue can be the biggest bottleneck.
Keep carry-on bags accessible, as the single security checkpoint can back up heavily during the midmorning and late-afternoon charter flight waves.
Confirm your connection is even scheduled through this airport, since most itineraries here are point-to-point rather than true connections.
Aeromexico offers the most realistic connections onward to Mexico City and other domestic points, so allow generous buffer time given limited flight frequency.
There are no interterminal trains or shuttles needed—everything is a short walk—but processing time, not distance, is what eats your buffer.
Busyness — Connection Risk
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Tight connections are safer outside peak hours. Morning rush (6–9a), midday (11a–2p), and evening (4–8p) are highest risk.
Getting Between Concourses
There is only one terminal building, so passengers walk between gates with no trains, buses, or shuttles required. International arrivals must clear Mexican immigration and customs before reconnecting to any onward flight, and all passengers are re-screened at a single central security checkpoint before entering the gate area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 40 minutes enough for a layover at Cabo San Lucas International Airport (CSW)?

Below the realistic domestic-domestic MCT of 45 minutes at this single-checkpoint airport.

What is the minimum connection time at CSW?

Minimum connection times at Cabo San Lucas International Airport: Domestic-to-Domestic is 45 minutes, International-to-International is 90 minutes. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell.

Can I make a 40 minutes connection at CSW on an international flight?

40 minutes is below the 90-minute international MCT at Cabo San Lucas International Airport. You may need to rush and could miss your connection. There is only one terminal building, so passengers walk between gates with no trains, buses, or shuttles required. International arrivals must clear Mexican immigration and customs before reconnecting to any onward flight, and all passengers are re-screened at a single central security checkpoint before entering the gate area.

How much time do I need for a layover at CSW?

We recommend at least 1 hour for a comfortable connection at Cabo San Lucas International Airport. This gives you enough buffer for security (typically 20 minutes) and transit between terminals (up to 10 minutes).

What happens if I miss my connection at CSW?

If you miss a connection, go directly to your airline's ticket counter in the main terminal, as there is no dedicated transfer desk; rebooking options may be limited given relatively low flight frequency outside peak season.

Other Layover Durations at CSW
25 min30 min35 min45 min50 min55 min1 hr1¼ hr1½ hr1¾ hr2 hr2½ hr3 hr4 hr
40 min Layovers at Other Airports
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AD PLACEMENT — BEFORE FOOTER