4 Best Tips For Connecting Flights
If you don’t just fly from one big airport to another, you will probably have to change planes at some point during your trip. This is because most big airlines have a “hub and spoke” model that uses certain airports as hubs for connecting flights to other destinations. This means you can fly from almost anywhere to almost anywhere else with just one stop, but it also means there’s a chance you might miss your connection.
Although you can never eliminate the risk of missing your connection, there are ways to reduce the chances of it happening. Here’s how you can do that.
1: Know The Minimum Connection Time Required
When you book a flight with connecting flights, each airline has a specific minimum amount of time required for you to transfer between flights at each hub they serve. This means that when you book your flights together through the airline’s website, or a travel agency, the airline’s system will automatically ensure you have enough time to transfer between flights based on their minimum requirements.
If you miss your connecting flight for any reason, the airline must put you on the next available flight without any extra fees.You do not have to buy a flight ticket before applying for a visa. Also you can buy a dummy flight ticket for visa that you can book without paying the full price of the travel ticket and once you get your visa you can purchase the actual flight ticket.
2: Stick To One Airline On A Connection
If you need to book connecting flights, booking them on a single airline or airlines with a partnership is best. This is because, at big hub airports, airlines usually ensure that their and their partner gates are close together. In case they are not, they offer inside-security people movers or shuttles to the gates they use. However, sometimes, even if you have a valid interline ticket, you may need to leave security at one terminal and then go through security again at another terminal to connect your flights to some big hub airports. A single airline may use two terminals at some airports, making it even more complicated.
3: Avoid Two-Ticket Trips When Connecting Flights
It’s best to avoid booking flights requiring two separate airline tickets. This is because the minimum connecting times for flights only apply to itineraries with one ticket. The second airline may cancel your reservation if you miss your connection due to a delayed flight.
This could mean buying a whole new ticket for the next available flight. You may be able to convince the airline to let you board a later flight for free, but this is not guaranteed.
If you’re checking in baggage on a two-ticket itinerary, you’ll typically only be able to check it in up until your first connecting point. After exiting security:
- Get your baggage.
- Please take it to the second airline’s desk.
- Re-check it in.
- Go through security again.
This can take much extra time, so give yourself enough time to finish it.
4: Commit To The Carryon
One of the common problems travelers face is the delay or misplacement of their checked luggage. This is even more likely to happen if you have multiple flights. If you check your bags at your beginning airport and miss your connecting flight, your luggage may travel to the next airport.
To avoid this type of issue, it’s a good idea to travel with carryon luggage that you can keep along with you at all times, especially if there’s a chance your trip might be disrupted. Of course, keeping track of your kids and your bags simultaneously can take a lot of work. The good news is that the new four-wheel spinner carry-ons are easy enough for a 4-year-old to handle.
