How to navigate connecting flights

Key takeaways

• A single flight to your destination is called a direct flight. If you switch planes on the way, the second (or third or fourth) leg is called a connecting flight.
• Booking your entire journey on one itinerary guarantees the airline is responsible for getting you to your destination if a flight delay causes you to miss your connection.
• Double-check the time between flights when booking. Airlines can sell connections that are often too tight for comfort. Choose flights with at least a 60-minute buffer.
• Gate assignments change frequently. Checking your connection status mid-flight saves you from sprinting to the wrong terminal.
• When flying into the U.S., you must claim your luggage at the airport where you first land, even if the tag says otherwise.

Enjoy the stop along the way

In a perfect world, every flight would go directly to your destination. But that’s not always possible. Sometimes you need to take a connecting flight, which is where you hop from one airport to the next to get where you want to go. It’s important to get a full grasp of what a connecting flight and layover will mean for your trip before booking, because the flight plans that airlines suggest might not always be the best choice for your needs.

Why you might choose a connecting flight

A lot of the time, people choose a flight plan with a connection because there’s no other option. But there are a few scenarios where you might prefer a connection or layover.

• Saving money: Flights with a connection are typically a bit cheaper than the direct option, which can leave you with more money in your pocket when you get to your destination. You’ll need to assess whether the added time spent en route and the potential stress of a connection are worth the savings.
• Regional limitations: If you’re leaving from a smaller airport, you’re going to have fewer direct options available. And the same holds true if you’re trying to get to a smaller airport. Direct flights are most common if you’re traveling a short distance or between major hubs.
• Prioritizing comfort: You can only stretch your legs so much when you’re in the sky. For long-haul flights, consider whether a break in the middle to refresh would do you some good. Layovers can provide great opportunities to stretch, hydrate, move around or enjoy a meal with a little more elbow room.
• Taking advantage of a stopover: You haven’t really been to a city unless you’ve ventured beyond the airport. Some international airlines offer stopovers at no additional cost, allowing you to add an extended, intentional break to your journey. The stopover will typically be 24 hours or more, so you’ll have ample time to leave the airport and explore your connecting city before continuing your journey.
• Meeting up with your travel companions: If you and your friends or family are leaving from different airports, you could meet at one person’s departure airport or a hub accessible to everyone. That way you can fly together for at least some of the trip and simplify ground transportation and check-in at your final destination.

What to pay attention to when booking a connecting flight

The more connections you have, the more room for error in your journey. Here are some factors to keep in mind when you’re booking your travel plans so you can stay prepared for any delays that come your way.

• Number of stops: There are lots of different events and scenarios that can cause a flight delay. And every delay can cause ripple effects. By limiting yourself to just one connection, you’ll have better odds of making it to your destination without complications.
• Time between flights: Sometimes airlines will offer you a connection that’s too close for comfort. If a delay happens on your first leg, you’re more likely to miss your connecting flight. Aim for a minimum of one hour between domestic flights and two hours between international flights for a less stressful experience.
• Check on-time stats: When booking, you can typically look at the statistics of a specific flight on the airline’s website. That way, you can see how often a delay happens and use that information to decide whether to pad your connection or choose an alternate route.
• Weather: Bad weather is the primary cause of most flight delays and cancellations. Thunderstorms, snow, ice, fog and high winds can all cause your flight to be delayed or diverted. Try to avoid connecting airports known for snow in the winter, like Chicago, and spots known for hurricanes in the summer, like Miami.
• Major hubs: Pay attention to where the connection occurs. The bigger the airport, the more rebooking options you’ll have. If you miss your flight because of a delay, your airline has to put you on the next available flight, which will come sooner at a major hub.
• A single itinerary: A good rule of thumb is to book your journey through one company, yielding a single confirmation number. Because of airline partnerships and alliances, you may still end up with flights on multiple carriers, but the primary carrier will be responsible for ensuring you get to your final destination. If you piece together your own itinerary and book through multiple websites, it’s not guaranteed that your airline will put you on another flight without a charge.