Lois Larson
When travelling with a connecting flight, you will need to change planes at a connecting airport. Depending on the airport, you may need to go through security, collect your baggage, and check in again. Some airlines provide connecting passengers with all their boarding passes when they check in for their first flight, but if not, you can usually pass through security with your itinerary and collect your boarding pass at the airline desk or a self-service machine. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport early, 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time, and research the specific requirements of your connecting airport.
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What You'll Learn
- If you've booked separate flights, you'll need to collect and recheck luggage
- You may need to pass through immigration and security again
- You can leave the airport during a layover, but check visa requirements
- You can usually check in 24 hours in advance using an airline's app
- If you lose your boarding pass, you can print it at a check-in kiosk
If you've booked separate flights, you'll need to collect and recheck luggage
If you've booked separate tickets for your flights, you'll need to collect and re-check your luggage during your layover. This is because separate bookings are not always covered by airline connections or protected transfers. Therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure your luggage gets to the next flight.
Firstly, it is important to note that not all airports are open 24/7, so do your research if you have an overnight layover. You may not be allowed to stay inside the airport during the night or sleep there. It is also important to be aware of the minimum connection times for different airports, as these vary. If you buy separate flights with a layover that is less than the minimum connection time and you don't make it for your next flight, your insurance won't help you.
Secondly, when you check in a bag for your first flight, make sure to ask the person processing your luggage whether it will be checked through to your final destination. If not, you will need to collect your bags during your layover and check them in again for your connecting flight. This may be the case even if your onward flight is with the same airline or one of their alliance partners. Some airlines, like Hawaiian Airlines, advise that customers with a stopover of more than four hours between flights may need to collect their bags between flights.
Thirdly, if you are connecting at an airport that requires you to clear your baggage at the first point of entry and you are connecting to a domestic flight, follow the signs for 'Arrivals/Baggage Reclaim' to collect your bags and check them in again as normal for your connecting flight. It is always a good idea to check your airline's app or website for specific instructions.
Finally, to avoid any issues, make sure you have the correct travel documentation for the country you are travelling to. For example, if your connecting flight arrives in the United States from an international destination, you will need to pick up your bags and re-check them on your next flight. Everyone entering the US from abroad must go through customs, which involves having your luggage screened. The one exception to this rule is if you are travelling from an airport that offers CBP Preclearance, where travellers go through customs at their departure point rather than upon arrival in the US.
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You may need to pass through immigration and security again
When you're travelling, you may need to pass through immigration and security again at a connecting airport. This depends on a variety of factors, including the type of ticket you have, the carrier, the airport, and the country.
If you're travelling on two separate tickets, or self-transferring, you will likely need to check in again at the connecting airport. This means leaving the secure airside area and going through security screening once more. Additionally, if you're travelling on separate bookings, you may need to check in again, as you will receive only the boarding pass for your next immediate flight when you check in for your first flight.
The layout of the connecting airport also plays a role. If the airport layout requires passengers to exit one terminal and enter another between flights, which is often the case with international connections, you will likely need to go through security again. Some airports, such as Amsterdam Schiphol, have different rules depending on the flights' country of origin. Amsterdam has a system of 'clean' and 'dirty' destinations, where travellers from 'clean' countries do not need additional screening when transiting, while those from 'dirty' countries must pass through security again.
Furthermore, international-to-international connections almost always require security checks, as standards can vary across countries. When travelling internationally, you will typically need to go through border control/immigration and customs at your first point of entry into that country. For domestic-to-international connections, it is rare to exit and re-enter security, even if you're changing terminals. However, when connecting from an international flight to a domestic one, you will usually need to exit and re-enter security as you'll go through customs and immigration.
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You can leave the airport during a layover, but check visa requirements
Yes, it is possible to leave the airport during a layover. However, there are several factors to consider before deciding to do so. Firstly, the length of your layover is crucial. If you only have a few hours, you may not have enough time to leave the airport, explore the city, and return in time for your connecting flight. It is important to be realistic about the time needed for exiting and re-entering the airport, travelling to and from your desired destination, and going through security checks.
Secondly, the visa requirements of the layover country are essential to consider. Some countries may require a transit visa even for short layovers, especially if you need to exit the secure area of the airport. It is important to research the specific visa policies of the country you are transiting through, as they vary. For example, countries like the United States, India, and Russia often require transit visas, even if you don't plan on leaving the airport. On the other hand, some nations offer visa-free transit for certain nationalities. Therefore, checking the regulations, consulting embassy guidelines, or seeking information from your airline can help clarify the visa requirements.
Additionally, the handling of your baggage can impact your decision. If your baggage is transferred directly to your connecting flight, you can explore the city with just your carry-on luggage. However, if you need to collect your baggage before going through customs, it may be less convenient to venture out, especially if you have multiple suitcases.
Lastly, consider the potential risks and unexpected delays. Leaving the airport during a layover involves navigating security checks, dealing with possible traffic jams, and ensuring you return in time for your flight. Missing a connecting flight due to delays can complicate your travel plans, so it is essential to be cautious and allow ample time for unforeseen events.
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You can usually check in 24 hours in advance using an airline's app
Checking in at the airport can be a tedious process, and it's always a good idea to be prepared. Most airlines allow passengers to check in online using their app or website, starting 24 hours before the flight’s departure. Airlines such as British Airways, American Airlines, and Southwest offer this option. This means that you can check in for your flight a full day in advance, choose your preferred seat, and even download your boarding pass to your device.
Checking in early can provide several benefits. Firstly, it can give you peace of mind and extra time to navigate the airport, which is especially useful during peak travel times. Secondly, it can improve your chances of securing your preferred seat, especially if you haven't booked in advance or are flying coach. Additionally, checking in early is essential if you plan on checking in a bag. Most airports require baggage to be checked in at least 45 minutes before departure, and some airports may have specific requirements for locks on checked luggage.
However, it's important to note that checking in online 24 hours in advance does not reduce the recommended arrival time at the airport. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at least 1-2 hours before departure, while for international flights, it is recommended to arrive at least 3 hours in advance. Additionally, some airlines may charge additional fees for early check-in, so be sure to check the airline's specific policies.
When travelling with connecting flights, it is important to be aware of the minimum connection time allowed at each airport. If you have booked separate flights, you will need to pick up and re-check your luggage during the transfer. In this case, travel insurance is highly recommended to cover any issues that may arise, such as flight delays or lost luggage.
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If you lose your boarding pass, you can print it at a check-in kiosk
Checking in at a connecting airport can be a confusing process, and it's always a good idea to check your airline's app or website for specific instructions. Usually, you can check in for your flight up to 24 hours in advance.
If you have booked separate flights, you will need to pick up and recheck your luggage at the intermediate point. In this case, it is recommended that you have travel insurance that covers flight delays and luggage issues. Additionally, some airports may require you to clear your baggage at the first point of entry and then check it in again as normal for your connecting flight.
It is important to note that some airlines, particularly low-cost carriers, may be less flexible about printing boarding passes at kiosks and may even charge a fee for this service. To avoid any issues, it is recommended to check the requirements of the specific airport and airline you are travelling with.
Overall, while it is possible to print your boarding pass at a check-in kiosk, it is always a good idea to be prepared and allow yourself enough time to navigate any potential challenges when travelling through connecting airports.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have booked separate flights, you will have to pick up and recheck your luggage at the intermediate point. However, if you are travelling on a single ticket, the connecting flight procedure is very easy. Most airlines will provide connecting passengers with all their boarding passes when they check in for the first flight of their trip.
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover. However, you will have to pass through immigration, and you will need the right to enter the country (e.g. necessary visa/passport). It is a good idea to have a plan to ensure you make it onto your next flight.
If your inbound flight is delayed and you can no longer make your next flight, speak with your airline for rebooking options. You might be entitled to compensation. In Europe, you may receive up to 600 euros for a flight.
