Connecting flight: how to choose a ticket, where to check in your luggage, and when it's okay to miss your flight

Connecting flights: how they happen and how to choose a ticket

When planning a route, it is important to consider three things: the type of ticket, the location of terminals and airports, as well as the necessary amount of time between flights. This interval is necessary to go through passport control, security, if necessary, to change terminals or to receive baggage and to check it in again. Even within the same airport, terminals can be located far from each other. And if flights are operated from different airports in the same city, it will take even more time to move.

Types of transfers

There are two types of transfers:

1. Connecting flight (single ticket).

All flight segments are connected by one armor. Check-in and baggage check-in take place once at the departure airport. The carrier will redirect you to the next flight, and your luggage will automatically arrive at your destination. If the first flight is delayed, the airline is responsible and will offer an alternative, usually at no extra charge. This is the safest and most convenient option.

2. Independent transfer (two separate tickets).

Each flight is a separate purchase. You will have to check in again, pick up and drop off your luggage, exit the transit area and go through all the procedures as with a new flight. In this case, you are responsible for the docking. If you are late, the second ticket will burn, and the airline will not offer a replacement. This option may be cheaper, but it requires more time and a backup plan.

How much time should I put in for the transfer

Minimum — from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the route and airport:

• domestic transfer — 1.5-2 hours;
• international transfer — from 2 hours;
• transfer with transfer between terminals — 3 hours;
• airport change in one city takes 4-6 hours.

A short transfer of 45 minutes is allowed only with a single ticket and in one terminal.

One terminal or not

Before buying a ticket, check where exactly the transfer takes place. The arrival and departure terminals at the airport may be different. You may need to cross between them on foot, by shuttle, or even by train. If the transfer takes place in one terminal, it saves time and effort. However, if the arrival and departure flights are from different destinations, it is important to consider the route between them. For example, Terminals B and C in Sheremetyevo are connected by a covered walkway, which can be completed in 5-7 minutes. But the transition from B to terminal D will take longer: you will have to travel by train, while undergoing a second inspection.

Designed by Freepik

Transfer at the airport: how baggage is sent

It is important to sort out the luggage before the flight. It either flies through the route, or it needs to be picked up and handed over again.

What is end-to-end check-in and do I need to pick up my luggage when transferring

End—to-end check-in is when the baggage is checked in to the final destination. You can see it by the tag: if the final city is specified, it means that you do not need to pick up your luggage. This usually happens when you fly on a single ticket.

You will receive your luggage in the following cases:

• if the tickets were purchased separately and you have an independent transfer;
• if you are crossing the border of the destination country and are required to go through customs (for example, in the USA);
• if the docking is long (usually more than a day);
• if the next airline does not accept baggage from the previous one.

In all these cases, you will have to pick up your suitcase, exit the transit area and check in your luggage again.

What should I do if I need to get my luggage

1. Go through passport control (if the flight is international).

2. Get your luggage on the tape.

3. Go through customs.

4. Go to the departure area.

5. Re-check in and check in your luggage.

6. Go through the security check and find the gate (boarding gate).

For convenience, we recommend that you study the airport layout in advance.

Designed by Freepik

Is it possible to leave the airport when transferring

It depends on the time of the connection and the visa regime. If the transfer is short (up to 4 hours), there is no point in going out. If the transfer is long and you want to go to the city, it is important to understand the rules.

Do I need a visa when transferring

If you plan to leave the transit zone and spend time in the city, in most cases you will need a transit or national visa. But it all depends on the rules of a particular country. In the countries of the Schengen area, for example, it is often a national visa that is required, even if you already have a transit visa. Without it, the border guards will not allow you to leave the airport. At the same time, there are countries where a visa is not needed at all, especially if the transfer is short or your nationality falls under the visa-free regime. Some countries have visa-free transit programs for 24, 72, or even 144 hours with the right to enter the city. Therefore, before traveling, be sure to check the visa requirements of the country of transfer — they depend on your passport, route and duration of the connection.

Is it possible to go out into the city when transferring

If the country's visa regime allows, you can. But go out only if you have at least 6-8 hours to get back without haste and have time to go through passport control and security.

If you have a long overnight transfer, instead of sleeping at the airport, you can comfortably spend the night at the nearest hotel. For example, ibis Moscow Domodedovo Airport and Novotel Sheremetyevo are located 5 minutes away from the terminals. The transfer is included in the accommodation: it is enough to book a room, and the hotel transport will pick you up at the airport, take you to the hotel, and then take you back to departure at the appointed time.

What to do when transferring at the airport

At first glance, it all seems confusing — terminals, security checks, boarding gates. But in reality, everything is so complicated. How the transfer from plane to plane takes place depends on the ticket format:

• if the ticket is connecting, the transfer is automatic, the boarding pass is already in hand or you receive it at the transfer desk;
• if the tickets are separate, go to the common area, check in and go through all the procedures as with a new flight.

Sometimes, during docking, a boarding pass is issued only for the first segment. Then you need to find a check-in desk for the next flight in the transit area.

Checklist: how to transfer

If you are waiting for a transfer route, here is what is important to do before and during the trip:

1. Specify the ticket format: connecting or two separate tickets.

2. Check how much time is allowed between flights, and whether it is enough.

3. Compare arrival and departure terminals: whether they are in the same building, whether a crossing is needed.

4. To clarify the status of the baggage: will it be processed before the end or will it need to be received and handed over again.

5. Check the visa requirements for the country of transfer, especially if you want to go out into the city.

6. Check in for flights (in advance online or at the airport).

7. Get and save boarding passes for all segments.

8. Check in your luggage (if required) and specify to which point it is checked.

9. To study the scheme of the transfer airport: how to move from the arrival area to the gate of the next flight.

0. Connect to Wi-Fi and check the status of the next flight.

1. Keep an eye on the scoreboard and be at the boarding gate in advance.

Designed by Freepik

Conclusion

If you understand the route and transfer rules in advance, the flight will be calm and predictable. And to spend the wait comfortably, you can choose the Accor hotel in advance — near the airport or at the end point of the route.