When you only take a single flight to your destination, that’s called a direct flight. If you have to switch planes as part of the booking to reach your final destination, the second (or third or fourth) plane is called a connecting flight.
Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking of booking a flight with connections.
What to keep in mind when you have a connecting flight
Several things can impact how seamless it is to make a connection and what you need to do in the connecting airport to get to your next flight.
Whether the connection is international or domestic
If your connection is domestic – you’re connecting in the same country your first flight started in – you can simply walk to your next gate and board.
However, if your connecting flight lands in a different country from where you started, you’ll likely have to go through immigration and customs before getting on your next flight. These processes can take some time.
Depending on the country, you may also need an airport transit visa. It’s important to find this information beforehand so you can have a smooth experience at the airport.
Amount of time between flights
The time between when you land and your next flight is called a layover. A short layover could mean you’re rushing to your next gate. If you’re delayed, you may miss your connection. A long layover may mean that you don’t have to rush, that connections aren’t impacted if you’re delayed a little or that you can spend a few hours in the airport. You may even have time to leave the airport and visit the surrounding area.
Airlines typically don’t let you book flights with connections that aren’t possible to make. However, it’s important to consider your comfort level with how long or short the layover is.
Whether you’re checking luggage
If you’re traveling with only a carry-on, you don’t have to worry about getting your checked bag during your connecting flight. However, if you check a bag, you may have to pick your luggage up at baggage claim when you make a connection. This is not true for all airlines. Some airlines will check the bag to your final destination. It can be helpful to know this information beforehand. However, airline staff will typically let you know before you leave the plane.
Keep in mind that sometimes you have to check your luggage even if you don’t plan to. This can be due to weight restrictions, a full flight or other factors.
Whether you’re flying with multiple carriers
If you’re flying with the same carrier the whole way, your connecting flight is likely in the same terminal, or the airline has easy transportation to your next terminal. Airline staff can more easily assist you if you have questions about your connecting flight.
If you’ve booked a flight with multiple carriers, you’ll likely need to recheck your bag. You may also have to travel to a different terminal to make your connection. Doing these things can take time, and it may be stressful if you don’t have a long layover.
Gate assignments
Your connecting flight might not have a gate assignment when you take off. If you have an electronic ticket or use the carrier’s app, this information may update automatically. If you don’t have the gate assignment when you land, you can ask airline personnel, check one of the screens at the airport (which typically show flights in the same terminal) or search for the gate online. If you have a particularly long layover, it’s possible a gate still won’t be assigned when you land.
For a smooth experience when booking connecting flights, if you have an eligible Citi card consider booking your tickets through the Citi Travel® site, a travel portal that helps you find flights, hotels, attractions and rental cars.
