Dave Noble said:
I try to minimise connection times since they reduce the journey time. If I was taking a flight from MEL-HKG, I would want a flight from SYD-MEL which keeps the time spent connecting to a minimum
Dave
Agree. Note that some airlines MCTs are ridiculous in some situations (both too high and too low).
For example AC->NZ connection at LAX has 3 hour MCT despite being in the same terminal and no immigration to clear. That very nearly stuffed up an award earlier this year (until I was able to get availability via SFO instead).
Another example, but too small, LH->LH at FRA used to be 45 minutes no matter where came from and where going to. Some connections involve usual air traffic delays (busy period), bus gate, bus drops off in one part of terminal, 3 lots of security to pass through to get to gate for US or TLV bound flight. It is almost physically impossible to do this under 45 minutes (well under allowing for doors close 10 minutes prior). There are other cases (airport/airline) where MCT is 20 minutes, or even less. There is no allowance for any delays, and in some seasons delays are inevitable due to fog or snow.