Owais Crawford
A connecting flight is when your journey isn't direct, meaning you need to stop at one or more airports and switch planes before reaching your final destination. This often happens when there is no direct route available or when it's more cost-effective to break up the trip. The time spent at the connecting airport is called a layover. When booking a trip with connections, it's important to check the minimum connection time for each airport, as some are easier to navigate than others.
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What You'll Learn
- Connecting flights are when you change planes during your journey
- Domestic-to-international connections rarely require exiting and re-entering security
- International-to-domestic connections require exiting and re-entering security and going through customs
- One hour is usually enough time for a domestic-to-domestic connection or a domestic-to-international connection
- If your connecting flight is delayed or cancelled, stay updated through airline apps and airport departure boards
Connecting flights are when you change planes during your journey
When booking a connecting flight, it is important to allow enough time to travel between gates at your connecting airport. The time required can vary depending on the size of the airport, the length of time it takes to deplane, and whether you need to go through security or passport control again. Most airports recommend a minimum connection time, but it is a good idea to allow for a little extra time to avoid a stressful connection.
If you are travelling on multiple airlines with separate tickets, you will need to claim your luggage and check it with your new airline during your connection. If you miss a connection due to a delay, the airline is responsible for rebooking you on the next available flight. However, if you have booked separate tickets with different airlines, the missed connection is usually your responsibility, and you will need to book a new flight yourself.
In some cases, if you are travelling with a large group that makes up a significant portion of the transit flight's passengers, the airline may choose to hold the flight for the incoming group. However, this is not common, and it is always best to allow for enough time between connections to avoid any issues.
It is also important to note that when connecting from an international flight to a domestic one, you will almost always have to exit and re-enter security as you will need to go through customs and immigration. This can add significant time to your connection, so it is crucial to plan accordingly.
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Domestic-to-international connections rarely require exiting and re-entering security
When a flight itinerary requires a traveller to change planes, the flights are called connecting flights. These flights are booked on a single ticket, covering all flights in your journey. The time spent at the connecting airport is called a layover.
In most cases, one hour should be enough for a domestic-to-international connection. However, it is recommended to check the airport's website for the minimum suggested time to allow for a connection. Airports vary in their design, with some being more conducive to quick connections than others. For example, London Heathrow requires more time to get from one terminal to another. It is also important to consider whether you need to change terminals or go through passport control, as this can add to the time needed.
When connecting from a domestic flight to an international one, it is rare to have to exit and re-enter security, even when changing terminals. This is because most airports connect international terminals airside, and the same security standards are typically enforced across a country. For example, in the US, the TSA sets the same security rules for every airport, and the same is true of the EU. However, there are exceptions, such as in Australia, where different screening rules apply to planes under 30 seats. Additionally, some airports, such as Singapore Changi Airport, have a decentralised airport security system, with screening done at each boarding gate, requiring all passengers connecting to be screened again.
When connecting from an international flight to a domestic one, you will almost always have to exit and re-enter security as you will need to go through customs and immigration. The only exception to this is if you have gone through preclearance abroad, which is rare. In this case, it will feel like a domestic flight. CBP is expanding its preclearance facilities, so it is worth checking if the airport on your return flight has this facility.
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International-to-domestic connections require exiting and re-entering security and going through customs
When you connect between an international and a domestic flight, you will always have to exit and re-enter security, as you will need to go through customs and immigration. This is because, when travelling internationally, you will need to go through border control/immigration and customs at some point, usually at your first point of entry into that country.
If you are travelling on two different itineraries, meaning you booked two flights through two different systems, and a delay on your first flight causes you to miss the second, the second airline is not obliged to accommodate you on the next flight. In this case, you will need to book another ticket. This varies by airport and the type of connection you are trying to make. If the airport layout requires you to exit and enter a different terminal between flights, which is often the case with international connections, you will need to go through security for a second time, which may take a while.
If you are checking a bag, you will need to allow for additional time to go through baggage claim and security between flights. If you have a through-fare, meaning one ticket that connects through two or more airports, your airline will tag your bags for their final destination. After you pick up your bag and go through customs, you can quickly recheck them without having to stand in a long line.
It is worth noting that, if you are travelling between countries within the Schengen Zone, you will not need to go through customs during your layover, as the Schengen Agreement abolishes border controls at the mutual borders between these countries.
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One hour is usually enough time for a domestic-to-domestic connection or a domestic-to-international connection
When a flight itinerary requires a traveller to change planes, the flights are called connecting flights. In most cases, one hour should be enough for a domestic-to-domestic connection or a domestic-to-international connection. However, it is always a good idea to check the airport's website for the minimum suggested connection time.
For domestic-to-international connections, it is rare that you have to exit and re-enter security, even if you are changing terminals. Most airports connect international terminals airside. However, when you are connecting from an international flight to a domestic one, you will always have to exit and re-enter security as you will need to go through customs and immigration. If you are travelling on two different itineraries (meaning you booked two flights through two different systems) and a delay in your first flight causes you to miss the second, the second airline may not accommodate you with a seat on the next available flight. In that case, you will need to book another ticket.
Additionally, if you are flying on two separate itineraries with checked bags, you will have to retrieve your luggage and recheck it. You will also need to visit your next airline's check-in desk to collect your boarding pass if you cannot retrieve it online. Depending on the airport, it might be a long walk or a shuttle to your next gate. Then, you will have to go through security and passport control again. Most airlines recommend arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and at least three hours before international flights. However, even three hours might be insufficient for an international connection. Risk-averse passengers booking two separate itineraries might budget at least a day between flights.
Ultimately, while one hour is usually enough for a domestic-to-domestic or domestic-to-international connection, it is always a good idea to allow for some extra time to avoid any potential delays or complications.
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If your connecting flight is delayed or cancelled, stay updated through airline apps and airport departure boards
A connecting flight is when your journey isn't direct, meaning you need to stop at one or more airports and switch planes to reach your final destination. This often occurs when there is no direct route available or when it is more cost-effective to break up the trip. When booking a trip with connecting flights, it is important to be mindful of the minimum connection time for each airport, as some are easier to navigate than others.
If your connecting flight is delayed or cancelled, it is crucial to stay updated through various channels. Airline apps and airport departure boards are valuable sources of information. Many airlines provide updates on their apps, websites, or telephone reservation systems. Text alerts are another way to receive timely notifications about flight status changes. Staying informed allows you to make necessary adjustments to your travel plans.
In the event of a delay or cancellation, contact the airline as soon as possible through multiple channels, including phone, app, or in-person desks. This proactive approach ensures you secure rebooking on the next available flight. The airline is responsible for rebooking you on an alternative flight if you booked your journey through a single ticket. However, if you booked separate tickets with different airlines, the second airline is not obligated to accommodate you, and you may need to book another ticket.
Depending on the circumstances and the airline's policies, you may be entitled to compensation, rebooking, or other amenities. Ask airline staff about their policies on providing meals, hotel rooms, or other forms of compensation for long delays or cancellations. Keep in mind that compensation is typically tied to the distance and destination of your flight and how late it arrives. If you decide not to take the flight due to a significant delay, you may be eligible for a refund.
To summarise, staying updated through airline apps and airport departure boards is essential when dealing with connecting flight delays or cancellations. Being proactive and informed empowers you to make the necessary arrangements and secure alternative travel options. Additionally, understanding your rights and entitlements can help you navigate any disruptions to your journey effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
A connecting flight is when your journey isn’t direct, meaning you’ll need to stop at one or more airports and switch planes before reaching your final destination.
The time you’ll need between flights depends on a few things: whether you're flying domestically or internationally, if you need to change terminals, or go through passport control. For domestic flights, airlines usually require at least 30 to 60 minutes.
Stay updated through airline apps, text alerts, and airport departure boards. Depending on the airline and location, you might be entitled to compensation, rebooking, or hotel stays for long delays or cancellations.
A layover is the time you spend in an airport while waiting to make a connecting flight.
If you are travelling on the same ticket, the airline usually takes care of transferring any checked bags to your final destination. If you are travelling on multiple airlines with separate tickets, you will need to claim your luggage and check it with your new airline during your connection.
