Jazmin Li
A connecting flight is when a traveller changes planes during their journey to their final destination. This means that the traveller is not flying directly to their destination but is making at least one stop along the way. When arriving at the connecting airport, the traveller goes to the next gate and waits for the next plane. The time spent at the airport between two connecting flights is called a layover.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A connecting flight is one that requires passengers to change from one aircraft to another at a hub airport on the way to their final destination. |
| Hub airport | An airport that specializes in serving transit passengers. Famous hubs include London Heathrow, Doha Hamad, Dubai International, and Frankfurt International. |
| Airside connection | The side of an airport beyond customs and passport control, also known as the transit area. |
| Landside connection | A connection that involves passing through immigration, baggage collection, and customs. |
| Transit visa | A visa that allows its holder to travel through a given country en route to another destination. |
| Minimum connection time | The minimum time required for passengers and their baggage to transfer between flights. This is defined by airport authorities and airlines and can vary depending on the flight specifics. |
| Short connection | A connection with a transfer time close to the minimum connection time. |
| Layover | The time spent at the airport between two flights, typically referring to a wait of more than one hour. A long layover is generally considered to be above four hours. |
| Stopover | A break in a journey, specifically referring to the connecting point or airport where a passenger changes flights. |
| Self-connect | When a passenger changes from one flight to another through different airlines, they may need to collect their luggage and perform a full check-in with the second airline. |
| Delayed flights | If flights are booked on a single itinerary and the first flight is delayed, the airline will usually accommodate the passenger on the next available flight. With separate bookings, the second airline may or may not accommodate the passenger. |
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What You'll Learn
Minimum connection time
When booking a flight with a connection, it is important to consider the minimum connection time (MCT) to avoid missing your connecting flight. The MCT refers to the minimum time required for passengers and their baggage to transfer between flights. This time can vary depending on several factors, and it is essential to be aware of these factors to make an informed decision when booking your travel itinerary.
Firstly, it is important to understand that the MCT is not standardised across all airports or airlines. Each airport sets its own MCT, which can range from as little as 20 minutes in highly efficient airports like Helsinki Airport (HEL) to up to 2 hours or more in larger airports with multiple terminals and concourses, such as Tokyo Haneda. Therefore, when booking a flight, it is crucial to research the specific MCT for the airport you will be transiting through.
The type of connection you are making can also significantly impact the MCT. For example, domestic-to-domestic connections typically have shorter MCTs compared to international connections. Additionally, the specific airlines and terminals involved in your connection may have different connection times, as clearing immigration and using different terminals can lengthen the time needed to transfer between flights.
It is also worth noting that airlines are generally not very accommodating if you miss your connection, as their only obligation is to get you to your destination on the next available flight. Therefore, when booking a flight, it is wise to consider itineraries with longer connection times to offset potential issues such as flight delays, slow disembarkment, or long security queues. While longer connection times may not be as appealing as shorter ones, they can significantly reduce the stress and inconvenience of missing a connection.
When planning a trip with connecting flights, it is essential to consider the MCT for each airport in your itinerary. While it may limit your options, it can also benefit you in case of schedule changes or delays. Additionally, when booking a flight, ensure that the connection time offered meets the MCT requirement for that specific airport to avoid any issues.
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Layovers and stopovers
When a flight itinerary requires a traveller to change planes, the flights are called connecting flights. A layover is the time spent at the airport between two connecting flights. During a layover, passengers usually remain in the airport terminal until their new flight is ready to board. Depending on the length of the layover, there may be possibilities to explore the layover city through airport-sponsored events or by going out on your own. Some airlines offer free tours for transit passengers who have to spend at least 6 hours at a layover city.
Layovers are typically multiple flights on the same ticket. They are usually included in the ticket price and don't require any additional spending other than incidental expenses like meals or airport items. Layovers are generally less than 24 hours long, with the longest layovers being up to 24 hours. In some cases, an overnight layover may be necessary, and the airline may allow passengers to claim their bags and head to a hotel before their next leg in the morning.
A stopover, on the other hand, is a longer layover, typically lasting more than 24 hours and often a couple of days. It is an intentional pause in a passenger's selected route, allowing them to explore a city or country as part of their journey. Stopovers usually require at least one night in the connecting city before proceeding to the final destination. They are often chosen by passengers to add an extra destination or experience to their itinerary.
It is important to note that when travelling on two different itineraries, a delay in the first flight that causes a miss on the second flight can be problematic. The second airline may not accommodate with a seat on the next available flight, and a new ticket may need to be purchased. Therefore, when booking separate flights, it is recommended to allow for additional time to go through baggage claim and security between flights.
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Airside and landside connections
When a flight itinerary includes a connection, it means that passengers will need to change aircraft at a hub airport before reaching their final destination. This is usually done to facilitate travel to a wider range of destinations.
Airports are divided into two main areas: airside and landside. Landside areas are those accessible to the general public, including check-in and arrivals, ticketing desks, parking, public transport links, and general amenities. Landside services cater to both travellers and non-travellers.
Airside refers to the secure zone of the airport beyond security, customs, and passport control, where planes operate. Access to airside areas is restricted to authorised airport staff and ticketed passengers with valid boarding passes. Airside areas include duty-free shops, lounges, boarding gates, and aircraft operations areas.
When connecting flights, passengers may need to transition from landside to airside, or vice versa, depending on the specific airport and flight connection. A minimum connection time, defined by airport authorities and airlines, is required for passengers and their baggage to transfer between flights. This time can vary depending on the specifics of the flight connection, such as domestic or international transfers.
In some cases, passengers may need to change airports to catch their connecting flight, especially when seeking cheaper fares. When connecting flights involve changing airports, passengers may need to collect their baggage, go through a full check-in process, and re-check their baggage for the next flight.
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Transit visas
When you see the words "connect in the airport" on your flight booking, it means that you will need to change from one aircraft to another at a hub airport before reaching your final destination. This is known as a connecting flight.
Now, onto transit visas. A transit visa is a short-term visa that allows travellers to pass through a country en route to their final destination without intending to stay in that country. This type of visa is necessary when the country of transit requires it, when you plan to leave the airport during your layover, or when the duration of your layover exceeds a certain period. The specific requirements for a transit visa vary depending on the country of transit and your nationality. For example, if you are travelling to the US and have an Indian passport with a layover in a Schengen country, you will need a transit visa.
When applying for a transit visa, you may need to provide additional documents to establish your eligibility. These documents may include evidence of your purpose of entry, ability to pay all costs during your transit, residence in your home country, and intent to return. It is important to note that every country has different rules for transit visas, so it is advisable to check the specific requirements of your layover country to avoid any inconvenience.
In some cases, you may not need to apply for a transit visa. For instance, if you are transiting through the UK and will not be going through UK border control, you may need a Direct Airside Transit visa instead of a Visitor in Transit visa. Similarly, if you have a valid electronic travel authorisation, EU Settlement Scheme family permit, or certain types of visas, you may not need a separate transit visa.
To apply for a transit visa, you can refer to the website of the embassy or consulate of the country you will be transiting through. The application process typically involves completing an online nonimmigrant visa application, such as Form DS-160, and providing the required supporting documents. It is important to consult the specific instructions provided by the embassy or consulate to ensure a smooth application process.
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Missed connections
Missing a connection at an airport can be stressful, but it is a fairly routine occurrence and airlines are equipped to help you. Here are some tips to deal with missed connections:
When you see the phrase "connect in the airport" on your flight itinerary, it means that you will be transferring from one aircraft to another at a hub airport on the way to your final destination. This typically happens within the same airport, but sometimes you may need to change airports to catch your connecting flight, especially in large cities like London or Washington DC.
What to do if you miss your connection:
- Don't panic: Missing a connection is a common occurrence, and airlines are prepared to help you get back on track.
- Head to the airline customer service counter: While waiting in line, call the airline at the same time. Ask about the next possible flight to get rebooked on, if there are additional connections, and whether it's the same class of service.
- Contact your travel agent or booking platform: If you booked through a travel agent or a platform like Skyscanner, they may be able to assist you in getting rebooked on the next flight.
- Ask for meal and hotel vouchers: If the next available flight isn't until the following day, most airlines will provide you with meal and hotel vouchers.
- Understand your rights and compensation: Depending on the circumstances and the location of your travel, you may be entitled to compensation for missed connections due to flight delays or cancellations. This can include refunds, vouchers, or monetary compensation.
Remember that it's always a good idea to plan for potential delays by allowing for enough time between flights when booking your travel. Each airport and airline may have different minimum connection times, so be sure to check these details before finalizing your itinerary.
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Frequently asked questions
This means that you will need to change aircraft at a hub airport before reaching your final destination.
The time it takes to connect flights depends on the airport and the type of connection. For domestic-to-domestic or domestic-to-international connections, one hour is usually enough time. For international-to-domestic connections, you may need a few hours.
A layover is the time spent at the airport between two flights. A long layover is typically considered anything above four hours.
