Do I need to go through security for a connecting flight?
The answer here depends a great deal on your itinerary. For connecting domestic flights, you almost never have to exit and reenter security, though there are some exceptions at airports where the terminals aren’t all connected.
For domestic-to-international connection, it's still pretty rare that you have to exit and reenter security, even if you're changing terminals. Most (but again, not all) airports connect international terminals airside.
When you’re connecting from an international flight to a domestic one, you’ll always have to exit and reenter security as you’ll need to go through customs and immigration (unless you have gone through preclearance aboard, which is rare).
Will a connecting flight wait for passengers?
Not usually. In some rare cases, if you’re traveling with a big group that happens to be a large portion of the connecting flight’s passengers, an airline may choose to hold a flight for the incoming group—and in fact United is testing a program that would help them determine when to do so—but don’t count on it.
What happens if I miss my connecting flight?
This again depends on your itinerary. If you’ve booked the flights on a single itinerary and the first flight is delayed, the airline will put you on the next available flight.
If you’re traveling on two different itineraries (meaning you booked two flights through two different systems) and a delay in your first flight causes you to miss the second, that’s more problematic. The second airline has no knowledge of your first flight—to them, you’re simply someone who didn’t show up. They may accommodate you with a seat on the next available flight, and they may not. In that case, you’ll need to book another ticket.
What’s the minimum time for connecting flights? Is one hour long enough?
This varies quite a bit by airport and the type of connection (domestic or international) you’re trying to make. If the airport layout requires passengers to exit one terminal and enter another between flights (often the case with international connections), that may mean going through security a second time—which may take a while. If you’re traveling on two different itineraries, you’ll need to allow for additional time to go through baggage claim (if you’re checking a bag) and security between flights.
In most cases, one hour should be enough for a domestic-to-domestic connection or a domestic-to-international, but check the airport’s website for a minimum suggested time to allow for a connection. If you’re connecting from an international flight to a domestic one, however, you could need a few hours, as we’ll explain below.
Do I have to go through US customs for a connecting flight?
When you’re traveling internationally, you will need to go through border control/immigration and customs at some point, usually your first point of entry in that country. So, if you’re traveling to the United States from another country, you’ll have to collect your bags, go through customs and immigration, and re-check your bags before heading to your connecting flight, which may be in another terminal.
What is the difference between a layover and connecting flight?
While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. A layover is the time you spend at the airport between two flights. A connecting flight is the next flight in your itinerary that you’re waiting at the airport to take.
Do I have to recheck my luggage with connecting flights?
If you’re traveling internationally to the US, you’ll need to collect your baggage upon your first entry in the US, and go through customs and passport control. You’ll then re-check your bags before continuing through the airport for your connecting flight (you won’t have to pay to re-check them for the domestic legs if you had a free international checked bag allowance or if you already had to pay for your checked bag internationally).
If you’re traveling domestically or internationally on a single itinerary, your bags will typically be checked through to your final destination. If you’ve booked the flights separately though, you’ll need to collect your bags after the first flight and recheck them.
Do I need a boarding pass for a connecting flight?
Yes. You’ll probably get all boarding passes at once when you check in for your first flight, whether you check in online, on your smartphone, or at the airport. For some international itineraries though, the airline will direct you to get your second boarding pass on your layover.
Can I skip my connecting flight?
Technically, yes, but if you skip a flight on a multi-flight itinerary, any subsequent flights on your itinerary will be canceled—including your return flights.
It’s also important to note that if you skip your connecting flights often, the airline may impose penalties such as voiding your frequent flyer miles. The topic is a complex one, so read more in our guide to hidden-city ticketing.
Going members get amazingly cheap flights delivered right to their inboxes.
FAQs
A connecting flight or transit flight is to reach the final destination through two or more flights, namely, traveling without any direct flights.
What is a connecting flight definition? ›
(kəˈnɛktɪŋ flaɪt ) noun. a flight taken from an airport other than that from which the journey began, and which is taken in a different aeroplane from that used for the previous stage of the journey. The group was on a flight to Detroit where they planned to catch a connecting flight to Gatwick.
How long is enough time for a connecting flight? ›
When in doubt, take two hours between flights. Choosing a longer layover factors in some room for error, or having to hop on a train to get to another terminal, or dealing with fellow travelers who dawdle while disembarking from your first flight.
What is a connecting flight called? ›
Most airlines define a layover as any connection of less than 4 hours on a domestic flight or less than 24 hours on an international flight. Rules about when stopovers are allowed varies by airline, and it will often depend on whether the ticket is an award ticket or a paid ticket.
How do I know if I have a connecting flight or layover? ›
One of the main differences between layovers and connecting flights is the duration of the wait. Layovers are generally shorter, ranging from a few minutes to a few hours, while connecting flights can be several hours or even overnight.
What happens on a connecting flight? ›
If you've booked on a single ticket, then the connecting procedure is super easy. There might be multiple flights, one after another, but they have been booked as one. After you've checked in your baggage, it will be passed between flights automatically, ready for you to pick-up when you land after your final flight.
What is another name for a connecting flight? ›
A layover flight is also called a connecting flight. If you book a layover flight, it means the plane will make a stop en route, with passengers disembarking the flight and changing services.
Is 40 minutes too short for a connecting flight? ›
Yes - a 40-minute layover is considered a short layover or tight connection. This may not be enough time for you to change terminals or go through security if you're flying internationally.
Do I need to check-in again for a connecting flight? ›
No, you do not have to check-in again at the transit airport as both boarding pass and checked in baggage will be through checked in till the final destination issued from the point of origin, however every passenger is required to collect their baggage at the first port of entry into India, clear the relevant customs ...
Do I need to get my luggage on a connecting flight? ›
When layover flights are booked with the same airline, your baggage will be automatically transferred through to your final destination. However, if the two flights are with different airlines, you may have to claim and re-check your baggage during your layover.
The duration of your layover plays a significant role. If you have a short layover, you are unlikely to go through security again. However, if you have a long layover, you may be required to leave the secure area and go through security again when re-entering before your next flight.
What is the difference between a transfer and a connecting flight? ›
A transfer involves changing planes at an intermediate airport to reach your final destination. This commonly happens in connecting flights, where passengers disembark from one aircraft and board another to complete their journey.
Does connect in airport mean you can leave? ›
A connecting flight refers to a journey that involves multiple flights to reach your final destination. Instead of taking a direct flight, you have a layover at an intermediate airport. During this layover, you may have the option of leaving the airport to explore the city or town where the airport is located.
Do I need to check-in online for a connecting flight? ›
You also need to check-in for transit flights. This means after your first flight is complete, you can check-in online or use the counter check-in for your second flight. First of all, you should take the time zone of your destination country into consideration.
Do they wait for you on connecting flights? ›
Several factors can influence an airline's decision on whether or not to wait for passengers making a connection. These factors include the airline's policy on minimum connection times, the availability of alternate flights, and the impact of delaying an entire aircraft.
What happens if you miss a connecting flight? ›
Caption Options. In most cases, US airlines will put you on the next available flight for free. (Even some ultra-low-cost carriers, like Spirit and Allegiant, will rebook you on the next flight for free if the missed connection is due to a flight delay.)
Do I have to check in again for a connecting flight? ›
No, you do not have to check-in again at the transit airport as both boarding pass and checked in baggage will be through checked in till the final destination issued from the point of origin, however every passenger is required to collect their baggage at the first port of entry into India, clear the relevant customs ...
What is the difference between a connecting flight and a direct flight? ›
When compared to direct flights, connecting flights can be less expensive. But they can also take longer and might be less convenient, especially if there is a long layover included. Connecting flights offer you extra time during which you can explore the airport area.
Do you need to go through security again for a connecting flight? ›
It's important to note that different airlines have their policies regarding security checks for connecting flights. Some airlines may require all passengers to go through security again, regardless of the duration of their layover, while others may allow passengers to stay in the secure area.
