Tr Transfer: A Smooth Airport Transition

When travelling, you may hear the terms 'transit' and 'transfer' used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. In general, 'transit' refers to a temporary stop en route to your destination, without needing to switch flights, planes or airlines. On the other hand, a 'transfer' involves changing from one flight, plane or airline to another. For instance, if you are flying from Colombia to Munich and only stopping in Atlanta to change planes, you are transferring in Atlanta. However, if you are on a flight that lands in Atlanta to refuel, you are in transit.

Domestic to International transfers

When transferring from a domestic to an international flight, the process can vary depending on the airport and the specific circumstances of your journey. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your way through the airport:

Before Your Trip:

Firstly, it is important to understand the terms associated with your journey. If you are travelling from a domestic point to an international destination with a transit stop in between, you are considered a transfer or transit passenger. Usually, if your transit stop is less than 24 hours, you fall into this category.

Secondly, check if your flights are with the same airline or different airlines. If you are travelling with the same airline, they will handle the entire process, including your baggage. If you are travelling with different airlines, you will need to check the baggage policy of each airline, as you may have to collect and re-check your baggage during the transfer.

During Your Trip:

Arrival at the Airport:

Upon arrival at the airport, make your way to the correct terminal for your international flight. If the terminal you arrived at is not the same as your departure terminal, you may need to use a shuttle bus or another form of transportation to get to the correct terminal.

Check-In and Security Screening:

Proceed to the international departure lobby or check-in counter to complete the check-in process for your international flight. Remember that security screening criteria for international flights are often different from those for domestic flights, so you will likely need to undergo security screening again, even if you have already done so at a different airport.

Immigration and Customs Procedures:

Depending on your specific location and the regulations of the country you are in, you may need to undergo immigration and customs procedures. For example, if you are arriving at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on an international flight, you must complete U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) entry procedures. On the other hand, if you are departing from Narita International Airport in Japan, you will need to undergo immigration procedures at the terminal where your international flight departs.

Baggage Handling:

If you are travelling with different airlines and they do not have an interline baggage agreement, you will be responsible for collecting and re-checking your baggage during the transfer. However, if you are travelling with the same airline or airlines with an agreement, your baggage will automatically be transferred to your final destination, and you won't need to collect it during the layover.

Boarding Your International Flight:

After completing all the necessary procedures, make your way to the boarding gate for your international flight. If you have a long layover, you may be able to rest, shop, or even explore the city, depending on the airport's regulations and your visa status.

Important Considerations:

• Always check the specific regulations and procedures of the airport(s) you are travelling through.
• If you have a tight connection, inform the airline staff if you are running late. They may be able to facilitate a faster transfer or inform the flight crew to wait for your arrival.
• If you are travelling with different airlines, carefully manage your baggage and allow enough time for check-in and security procedures.
• Ensure you have any necessary visas or documentation for your international transfer.

By following these steps and staying informed about your specific journey, you can efficiently navigate your way through the airport and ensure a smooth domestic-to-international transfer.

International to International transfers

International-to-international transfers can be complex, and the specific procedures may vary depending on several factors, including the airports involved, the airlines, and the nature of the connecting flights. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate international-to-international transfers:

Understanding Transfer and Transit Procedures:

Firstly, it's important to understand the difference between a transfer and a transit passenger. A transfer passenger is someone who has a confirmed ticket for their entire journey, including the connecting flight(s), and their total transit time at the intermediate airport(s) is less than 24 hours. If you're transferring from one international flight to another as part of a single journey, you fall into this category.

Navigating International-to-International Transfers:

Now, let's delve into the specifics of international-to-international transfers:

• Disembarking from the First Flight: When you arrive at your transit airport on the first international flight, you will need to disembark with your cabin baggage. If you have a connecting flight with the same airline or an airline with a codeshare agreement, you can proceed directly to the boarding gate for your next flight without any additional procedures.
• Boarding Pass and Passport Control: If you don't have a boarding pass for your connecting flight, you'll need to visit the "Transit Check-in" counter to obtain it. After that, you can proceed to passport control if required by the airport or the country of transit.
• Baggage Handling: One of the critical aspects of international-to-international transfers is baggage handling. In most cases, if you're transferring from one international flight to another with the same airline or an airline with a codeshare agreement, your checked baggage will be automatically transferred to your next flight. However, it's always a good idea to confirm this with your airline.
• Security and Customs: Depending on the airport and country regulations, you may need to go through security and customs checks during your international-to-international transfer. This usually involves passing through security checkpoints and, in some cases, border security checks for your baggage.
• Lounge Access and Layover Activities: Some airlines offer lounge access during long layovers, providing passengers with a comfortable space to wait. Additionally, certain airports or airlines may offer tour programs or other activities for passengers with extended layovers, allowing them to explore the city or experience local attractions.
• Boarding the Next Flight: After completing any necessary procedures and enjoying the amenities available during your layover, proceed to the designated boarding gate for your next international flight. Ensure you arrive at the gate on time, as specified by your airline.

Important Considerations:

When dealing with international-to-international transfers, keep the following in mind:

• Visa Requirements: Some countries may require a transit visa even if you're only changing flights at an airport. It's crucial to check the visa requirements of the country where your transfer will take place to avoid any issues during your journey.
• Baggage Policies: Different airlines have varying baggage policies, especially when it comes to international transfers. Always review the baggage rules of the airports and airlines involved to ensure a smooth transition and avoid any inconvenience.
• Transfer Duration: The duration of your layover can impact your experience and options during the transfer. Longer layovers may provide opportunities to explore the city or access certain amenities, while shorter ones might require you to stay within the transit area of the airport.
• Airport and Airline Specifics: Each airport and airline has its own set of procedures and regulations. Familiarize yourself with the specific guidelines of the airports and airlines involved in your journey to ensure a seamless transfer experience.

International-to-international transfers can vary widely depending on your specific itinerary, so it's always recommended to check with your airline(s) and the relevant airports for detailed information regarding your particular transfer.

International to Domestic transfers

International to Domestic Transfer with Customs Control and a Single Ticket:

• When disembarking from the aircraft, take only your cabin baggage with you.
• Go through passport control to enter the country.
• Proceed to the domestic terminal.
• After arriving at your final destination, collect your checked baggage from the airport at the arrival point.

International to Domestic Transfer with Customs Control and Multiple Tickets:

• After disembarking, collect your checked baggage from the international arrival hall.
• Go to the domestic terminal and the relevant airline's counter to complete check-in procedures for your next flight.
• Once you arrive at your final destination, collect your baggage from the airport at the arrival point.

International to Domestic Transfer without Customs Control:

• Complete your passport procedures and enter the country.
• Collect your checked baggage from the international terminal.
• Proceed to the domestic terminal.
• Complete check-in procedures, deliver your baggage, and head to the boarding gate.

It is important to note that the specific procedures may vary depending on the airport and country. Passengers should also be aware of any visa or passport requirements and ensure they comply with baggage policies, especially when transferring between different airlines.

Domestic to Domestic transfers

When transferring from a domestic flight to another domestic flight, you will need to collect your luggage and check in for your next flight. This is because your baggage will not be automatically transferred for you.

If you are travelling with Qantas or Virgin, you can check in your luggage at the Domestic Transfer Desk in the International Terminal. You can then take the free Terminal Transfer Bus to the Domestic Terminal. If you are flying with a different airline, you will need to transfer to the Domestic Terminal with your luggage and check in for your domestic flight there.

It is important to note that the process for luggage when transferring between flights differs between airlines, so it is recommended to check with your airline if moving between terminals. Additionally, if you are transferring from an international flight to a domestic flight, you will need to go through passport control, collect your luggage, and pass through customs and quarantine before transferring to the Domestic Terminal.

For example, if you are travelling from Sydney to Melbourne in Australia and both flights are with Qantas, you can check in your luggage for your next flight at the Domestic Transfer Desk in the International Terminal of the Melbourne Airport. You can then take the free Terminal Transfer Bus to the Domestic Terminal to board your next flight.

It is also worth noting that some airports have different terminals for domestic and international flights. For instance, Brisbane Airport has two terminals: the Domestic Terminal (also known as Terminal D or T2) and the International Terminal (also known as Terminal I or T1). These terminals are four kilometres apart, and passengers can transfer between them using a free transfer bus service that takes approximately 10 minutes.

Transit visas

A transit visa is a type of travel visa that allows you to pass through a specific country while travelling to a third destination country. For example, if you have an Indian passport and are travelling to Canada with a layover in a Schengen country, you will need a Schengen transit visa. Transit visas are typically required for international transfers, and passengers should check the visa requirements of the country they are transiting through. Failure to obtain a necessary transit visa may result in being denied entry and sent back to the country of origin as an INAD passenger.

When transferring to an international line during a transit flight, passengers will need to collect their baggage and pass through security checkpoints to deliver their baggage to the airline they have their connecting flight with. It is important to review the airport's baggage rules to avoid any issues with the connecting flight.

In the case of the United States, travellers in transit generally require a valid C-1 visa. Similarly, when transiting through the United Kingdom, passengers may need a Visitor in Transit visa if they are changing flights, going through border control, or staying for less than 48 hours. However, a Direct Airside Transit visa may be required if not going through UK border control.

Frequently asked questions