Airports are notorious mazes that travelers sometimes want to avoid. Choose a connecting flight that is timed enough so that you don't have to sprint through the maze like an Olympic runner. If you've booked a connecting flight with limited time, learn how to make the transfer as smooth as possible.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Planning Ahead of Days
Step 1. Check your itinerary
Booking information generally does not include whether you will change planes at each stop. Look for the following information to track your trip:
- Direct flights will list the same flight number for each stage of your journey. Generally this means a single plane, but now many "direct" flights require you to change planes. Contact the airline to confirm.
- Connecting flights use a different flight number for each stage. You have to change planes.
Step 2. Find the airport map
Most airport websites have printable maps. Put this map in the bag you carry on the plane to save time searching for the gate. Inflight magazines generally have a map of the airport printed on the back page, but this map may only have information about the main airports.
If there are separate maps for each terminal, print them all out. You may need to switch terminals
Step 3. Estimate the connection time
You can sometimes find this information on airport websites or from travel agents (if you use one). If official figures are not available, get a rough estimate:
- When switching from domestic to domestic flights, take about 60 minutes. A 45-minute stopover is risky, but can be done if the first flight is short and the second flight is run by the same airline.
- Take about 2 hours if landing in another country, or if changing from a domestic flight to an international flight. Stopovers shorter than 90 minutes are very risky.
- Add 30 minutes if you have items that need to be checked at the gate (prams), if you have limited mobility, if you travel at busy times, or if your airport stopover has stormy or cold weather.
Step 4. Plan a short connection
If your connection is shorter than the recommended time, take steps to keep things running smoothly. You can rebook flights for a fee, or take these less drastic steps:
- Choose an aisle seat as close to the airplane exit as possible, so you can get out first.
- Consider bringing only a carry-on bag, so you don't have to take the luggage. (Only for domestic to international transfers.)
- Download a smartphone app to track flight delays while in the air.
Step 5. Confirm your baggage logistics
For domestic flights, your baggage is almost always delivered to its final destination. For some international flights, especially flights that land in the United States or Canada, you will need to collect your baggage and reload it. Just to be sure, check with the airport staff who checked your baggage for details.
- If you make separate payments for both flights, you will generally have to collect your baggage on connection.
- Many countries in Europe are in the "Schengen zone." Flights between two countries in the Schengen zone do not require you to go through immigration, and generally do not require you to collect your baggage. But you still have to pass through the security post.
Step 6. Find out the visa requirements
If you're passing through a foreign country on your way to a different destination, you may still need a "transit visa." Find the nearest embassy office for a second country, and consult their website for information.
If you are flying through the US, check this website for more information. If your country is on the Visa Exemption Program list, you do not need a visa
Step 7. Ask for wheelchair assistance if necessary
If you or your travel companion has limited mobility, consider requesting a wheelchair during connection. Contact the airline from which you purchased your ticket to arrange this.
- If you forgot to do this in advance, ask the flight attendant on the first plane as soon as possible. If you wait too long, a wheelchair may not be available when you arrive.
- In some countries, it is polite to tip a porter pushing a wheelchair. The recommended amount is US$10 at US airports, or £2 in the UK.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing to Get Out
Step 1. Listen to the announcement while on the plane
The pilot or flight attendant/stewardess will sometimes announce a gate change at the end of the flight time, or when the plane enters the gate.
Step 2. Collect the things you brought with you
If your connection time is tight, collect all your belongings before the seat belt sign flashes in preparation for landing.
Step 3. Gather your documents
Issue your boarding pass for the next flight, as well as your passport and immigration form if traveling internationally. Place this document in a safe but easy-to-reach place, such as a handbag or coat pocket.
Step 4. Ask to move closer to the front
If your flight is delayed and you can't seem to connect, ask the flight attendants to help you change seats at the last minute before landing. Switching from back to front on the plane can save you about 10-15 minutes.
- You can also ask your fellow passengers directly, but remember that you are asking for help. Be polite, and don't do this if your connection time is loose.
- Landing preparations can start 30 minutes before landing. Don't wait until the last minute to ask, or you'll be stuck in place.
Part 3 of 3: Chasing the Next Plane
Step 1. Find your gate number
The first thing to do after getting off the plane is to find the next gate. Do not assume that the gate number on the boarding pass is correct, as planes change gates frequently. Instead, look for a television monitor that says Departures. Look for the flight number that matches the number on the boarding pass, and write down the gate number.
If you are in a hurry, ask the flight attendant who is standing near the gate as soon as you get off the plane. Often they can give exact gate numbers and directions
Step 2. Pick up luggage if necessary
Generally you don't need to collect your baggage unless you are taking an international flight, or buying two tickets separately. If you believe you need to collect luggage, do so as soon as possible. Baggage collection is often located opposite the security checkpoint, so it can take a long time to collect and reload.
After collecting your baggage, check back at the ticket booth for the airline operating your next flight
Step 3. Go through immigration and security if necessary
If you have just completed an international flight, follow the signs to immigration. The immigration area is generally divided into two, one for citizens, and the other for non-citizens. Stand in the line that matches your passport. You may also need to go through security screening, depending on airport policy.
- If there's a long line and you're running out of time, politely ask airport staff if you can skip the priority queue so you don't miss your flight. They won't always allow it, but it's worth a try.
- Remain calm and cooperative, even if the officer asks you to undergo additional checks. A rude or pleading response will generally slow down the process.
Step 4. Locate your gate
Even if you have plenty of time, walk straight to the gate. Don't be afraid to ask for directions through the information desk, or at the airport staff.
If you are connecting from an international flight to a domestic flight or vice versa, you may change terminals. If you need to use the shuttle, the journey can take about 10-20 minutes
Step 5. Relax
If you have free time, you don't have to sit all the time near the gate. Most airports have restaurants, shops, and even art exhibitions. Make sure you keep track of the time and know how to get back to the gate.
Carry your luggage with you at all times
Step 6. Return to your gate with enough time left
Boarding times are generally listed on your boarding pass. Otherwise, return to the gate 30 minutes before departure time.
Step 7. Call the airline if you miss your flight
If you miss your next flight, call the airline immediately. The airline's contact info is usually listed on the boarding pass as well, but for speed, contact the local representative at the airport you are arriving at. You can find this number on the airport's website, or by asking at the information desk.
If you don't have cell phone service, ask to borrow a phone at the information desk. If you can't find the phone, visit the ticket booth for the previous airline
Step 8. Arrange a plan with your airline
If you miss a flight due to an airline error, such as a previous flight being delayed or an unusually short connection time, the airline is responsible for getting you to your destination. This doesn't apply if you book your flights separately, or if you miss your flight by mistake - but most airlines are willing to compromise a bit. Feel free to ask the following calmly and politely:
- Free standby for the next flight. Many airlines can grant this for any reason, if you ask no later than 2 hours after your scheduled departure. Standby passengers can only board the next flight if there is an empty seat, or if someone agrees to give up their seat.
- If your trip is urgent, check with the airline for the possibility of getting a standby seat. If the odds are slim, ask for a guaranteed ticket at a reduced price for the next flight. (Not always available.)
- Vouchers for food and hotel rooms, if you are forced to wait all night. (Not applicable if the airline did nothing wrong.)
- Free phone calls to contacts at your destination, if you don't have a cell phone or cell phone service.
Tips
- If you are flying from one US airport to another, find the average flight delay time for both places on the Bureau of Transportation Statistics website. Add "average delay in arrival" to your recommended connection times.
- "Direct" flights generally require you to change planes if one flight has more than one flight number, or takes you to different continents. On short direct flights, you can stay after the plane stops.
- If you are traveling across international borders, the flight attendant/stewardess will provide you with a customs form onboard. Fill out this form before landing to save time.
- If the waiting time is very long or if you are getting bored, ask at the ticket booth if you can be placed on the standby list for an earlier flight. Generally this is only possible if you have a few hours of waiting time.
- Many airlines have elite clubs or more expensive tickets that allow you to speed up the connection. For example, you can get off the plane first or have the opportunity to queue in the priority security line. It's worth a try if you fly frequently with two or three stops.
