The OTA might take 3-4 minutes and the base another 3-4, so I'd say under 10 minutes from suitcase to observing. But I did not really think of setup time being an issue, whether it's 5 minutes or 25, after a 20 hour flight! Also ... once assembled, it's not likely to be disassembled until I need to get back on a plane again. Mirror box and secondary go in carry-on luggage, the rest in the suitcase. - just no one mention lost luggage!