I would go with the 65min connection and a travel insurance that covers for flight delays.

Jagjetfly, Several airlines now have legal connection times ranging from 45mins to 60mins at their hubs. CX-HKG, LH-MUC/FRA, SQ-SIN come to mind.

If the airline sells a 65 min connection, I'd buy it, particularly on one ticket. I'm afraid jagjet is wrong when she cites 3 hours for most airlines. MCT is an airport, not airline, thing and depends on the situation (domestic to international, change of terminal, etc). In this case, same alliance, same terminal, modern airport I'd be comfortable with 65 mins.

Further to vbh's post - the SQ to SQ MCT at SIN is only 50 mins.

Even shorter at HEL. 25-35 for domestic and 35-40 for International.

Go for the shortest transfer time. Travel insurance is a necessity for all trips, but make sure you have it especially for this trip.

If you miss the connection and it's due to an airline delay, they might put you up in a hotel if need be?

I would also go for the short layover. It might be a good idea to book one adult and one child with FF miles, and the other adult and second child with a paid ticket - if possible. If you do miss the connection, it might be easier to get to your destination by splitting up. It is also a good idea to book this directly with AA and NOT go through a third party site.

Personally I would skip the insurance. While it is "only $40", it adds up over time. In my last 20 international trips I have only been stranded overnight once (snow at destination). That would have been $800 in insurance to pay for one $150 hotel room. Everyone has their own personal risk tolerance.

I would go with the short layover as you're not really losing anything, if you don't make the flight you'll be put on the next available flight and if you have to stay overnight the airline will put you up and give you vouchers for food so you can't loose really.

Thanks to all! All the positive responses on the short layover make us feel more comfortable about this choice. By the way, is there anything we should be doing to ensure that if we did not catch our flights and are put on the next flights that they won't split our family up?

Ymafree, do remember that you will be put on the next 'available' flight. That maybe the next flight or one in several days time. It's all about your attitude to risk. If you have to be arrive on time you may better to book the longer layover, if arrival time and day is not important, then the shorter layover is fine so long as you understand the risks.

I'm not to sure there is anything you can do to make sure you don't have to split up, hopefully most planes will have 4 spare seats but they may not be together. I am sure they will try and seat you together if they can.

Good luck.