Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for providing call clearance in a packet-switched data communications system. The apparatus disclosed detects the request of an originating terminal to end a call and delays the request for a predetermined calculated time period. The period is determined according to the length of the message being transmitted, the number and type of transmission links being traversed and the speed of transmission of the sending and receiving terminals. At the termination of this period the apparatus issues a normal clear request which then disconnects the connection while assuring that any data which may have been delayed reaches the destination terminal.