Is it possible to the airport. Transfer flight. The most optimal algorithm for selecting suitable flights
All about transit and baggage handling on a connecting flight
For some, flying is a journey, pleasure and adventure, for others it is a few hours of tedious journey to your destination. And if a flight on one plane is an experience familiar to most tourists, then a transit flight often causes fear and anxiety for many travelers. In fact, a flight with a transfer is not as scary as it seems at first glance, and in some cases it turns out to be the most the best option. As a rule, a transit flight will allow you to save on a ticket, sometimes very significantly. In addition, there are many places in the world where a direct flight cannot be reached, and if you are a true adventurer and crave interesting trips, then you simply cannot avoid flights with transfers. Let's look at how a transfer flight works, how luggage is checked in during a transit flight, and some other rules. transit flight.
Transit rules
A transit flight implies an intermediate point between the place of departure and the final destination of the journey, where the passenger will have to change one aircraft for another. In this case, different scenarios for the development of events are possible.
The first is when all segments of your flights are operated by one airline or partner companies, members of one air alliance. In this case, you can get full necessary information from crew members and employees of the airline (for example, Aeroflot airline provides enough detailed information according to the minimum connection time for the airport on its official website). In addition, the airline is responsible for flight delays, and if you miss your connection due to the delay of the previous aircraft, they will definitely send you on the next available flight.
The second is when flights are operated by different airlines that are not related to each other in any way. In this case, you will have to be more careful in planning your trip, because for being late for connecting flight you yourself will answer.
Regardless of which airlines you use for your connecting flight, always carefully calculate the time required for transit. Remember to leave more time before international flight to pass passport and customs control. study well transit airport. Arrival and departure can be carried out in different terminals, and maybe at different airports. In this case, think in advance about how you will get from one airport to another.
It will not be superfluous to study the layout of the terminals so that the huge size of the transport hubs does not come as a surprise to you.
Visa for transit flight
Thoroughly study the visa rules of the transit country. Sometimes a visa is needed only if you are going to leave the airport (for example, if you need to enter the city to move to another airport for departure). In other cases, a visa is needed to exit the transit zone - and if you need to receive and re-check baggage on a transit flight to the next flight on your own, this means that you will leave transit zone. Some countries require a transit visa for any flight with a transfer in its territory (for example, the United States).
Transit baggage
Baggage rules for transit flights also depend on the operating airlines and the airports involved. If you're traveling on a single ticket, you'll most likely be able to check in your baggage to your final destination and have the airline take care of it. Be sure to get your luggage in waypoint when flying with transit and again on your own, you will need to check it in for the next flight if you are transporting things that are subject to declaration.
If you are flying on different tickets, or the transit airport does not allow you to send luggage directly without your participation, you will also have to take care of your luggage yourself. Consider these circumstances in advance when planning the time of docking.
As you can see, the rules for a transit flight are quite simple, and require only a little attention. We hope that this article helped you figure out how a transfer flight works, and a transit flight will allow you to save money on your trip.
Quite often, passengers purchase tickets for connecting routes, which is due to many reasons. Sometimes there are no seats on direct flights, but it is necessary to fly, sometimes such flights are purchased in order to save money, since air tickets are cheaper. Many travelers thus prefer to explore the world, briefly getting acquainted with different countries.
A person who is going to make a transit flight usually has many questions, in particular, whether it is necessary to pick up luggage if the flight is with a transfer. Considering that there can be more than one transfer, the airline changes regularly at the docking point, indeed, it is not clear whether things need to be picked up and reissued for the next leg of the journey.
Passengers flying with stops along the way should navigate the connections different types. A transfer does not always mean only a change of an airliner in air harbor arrival. Therefore, the question of the need to move luggage is quite relevant. The most trouble-free flight will be operated by aircraft of one airline. An option would be flights of different airlines that are members of the same air alliance, operating flights within the framework of partnerships.
In this case, the flight attendants will tell you what actions to take in relation to things checked in the luggage compartment. You do not need to pick them up, even if the tickets indicate different air carriers. The airline staff will make the necessary changes themselves. Departure delay should also not be cause for concern, regular flights usually not delayed for long, the air carrier is responsible.
In this situation, the passenger will be required to check in baggage at the point of departure to the point of arrival. The only exception will be items subject to declaration. If such things are available, they will need to be re-registered at the airport where the transfer takes place. On the tag issued by the staff of the baggage handling department, you should check the data for compliance with the valid ones:
- how much the delivered items weigh;
- how many pieces of luggage does it take.
In case of loss of things, this piece of cardboard will serve as proof of their presence on board the aircraft. Otherwise, it is very difficult to prove that the baggage was handed over under the responsibility of the airline.
The next option is that flights are operated by different airlines that have nothing to do with each other. Here it is necessary to take into account all the details regarding the time of connection and baggage handling:
- It should be borne in mind that the docking is carried out by the passenger on his own, in other words, this is not so much a docking, but rather two different flights. It will be necessary to estimate in detail the time required to complete one flight and check in for the next. If the flight is international, then you will need to go through passport control and customs. In case of delay, the fault remains with the passenger.
- It is highly desirable to remember the approximate plan of the airport, since here things will have to be received, re-registered for the next segment of the route and handed over to the luggage compartment of another air carrier. This will take a lot of time, so it is better to take at least three to four hours between flights. The building plan, many signs can be found at the airport itself or ask for help from employees, however, this will be a waste of minutes.
Often there are situations when departure for a transfer is made from another terminal or even from another airport. This is also commonly referred to as self-docking, for which the passenger is responsible. For baggage claim, transfer to the next terminal, check-in, check-in of things again, possibly passing through customs procedures it will take about four hours depending on the popularity of the destination.
Moving to another terminal will take an unpredictably long time, depending on how large the city is to be crossed and how developed the transport network is in it, whether there are many traffic jams. In order not to get completely lost, it is advisable to look for advice on the forums of tourists passing through a specific transit point.
On average, it usually takes five to seven hours to complete all procedures calmly and without haste. When choosing air tickets, this issue must be taken into account.
If the country of entry accepts passengers visa regime, be sure to carefully study the rules for obtaining necessary documents. Usually, a visa is not required if a person transfers within the same air harbor without leaving the transit zone. If you need to move from one air hub to another or enter the city, you will certainly need a visa.
To receive and arrange things on your own, you often need a special transit visa, which is quite simple to do. When traveling with the same airline or partner airlines, their employees are responsible for baggage. Some states allow travel outside airports without a visa for a certain short period of time - from a couple of hours to a day.
To make the flight as easy as possible and to calmly go through the transplants will help the implementation of simple tips. Regularly flying people tell from their own experience what problems they encounter and how to avoid them. First of all, it is imperative to find out whether the air carriers operating the flight belong to the same group of airlines. Sometimes there are notes that the flight is made by a third party - here clarification of the details is simply necessary.
On the square of the luggage tag, in addition to general data, there must be indicated final destination. When packing things, it is advisable to check the number of kilograms allowed for hand luggage and baggage compartment included in the ticket price. In case of excess, you will have to pay an additional amount determined by the rules. It is easy to get the information of interest from the employees of the airline, employees of the airport - by phone, at specially designated counters, information windows.
Difference between docking and transfer
If you have chosen an indirect flight, then this means that you will have to fly with a transfer. For those who are still afraid of transplants or do not know everything about them, I will try to sort them out.
If you are flying with a transfer, then you are moving from city A to city B, while landing in a completely different city on the way to point B. In this case, you get off the plane, go to the airport, and then board another plane. Naturally, total time flight when flying with a transfer increases. But the ticket, as a rule, becomes cheaper.
And it is simply impossible to get to some places in this world without a transfer. Therefore, if you are going to fly at all, you should know as much as possible about transfers in advance.
"Transfer" may also be referred to as "Docking" or "Transfer" (rarely "Transit"). In addition, at every airport in the world there will be an inscription in English, by which it will be possible to understand where you need to go to get to the transfer, and not accidentally leave the airport - look for the inscriptions "Transfer" or "Flight Transfers" or "Flight Connections" or "Connecting Flights" (or rarely - "Transit").
Once again about terminology.
Transfer is a change of board during the flight from one point to another using 2 or more flight arms.
What is a flight shoulder?
The flight leg is the part of the route carried out without landing an aircraft. Accordingly, if your ticket has only 1 shoulder, this is a direct flight. If 2 or more, then you are flying with a transfer (after all, the plane lands and exits the plane).
Important transfer points:
1. Transfer within one terminal of one airport.
Everything is simple here. For example, you arrive at Sheremetyevo Airport (Terminal F) and depart from Sheremetyevo Airport (Terminal F). In this case, everything will go easily and simply. After exiting the plane, you will need to follow the signs "Transfer" and the like.
These signs will take you either to the common departure hall or to a special area for transit passengers. There you will need to find a scoreboard / screen where the flight departure times, flight numbers and boarding gates are indicated. Next, go to the desired exit (you found the exit number on the scoreboard / screen) and wait for boarding the flight.
Such a transplant takes the least time.
Whether the transfer takes place at the same airport/terminal, you must find out either when buying an air ticket, or find it in the form of an air ticket issued to you. If the departure terminal is not indicated on the ticket, during the day before departure you will need to go to the website of the airport where the transfer is made and look at the arrivals and departures board (or enter the flight number). It is necessary to check, of course, both flights. Since you have to make sure that the arrival of one flight and the departure of another flight takes place in the same terminal.
If your transfer takes place in a small town / airport, then most likely there is only 1 terminal at this airport. Such airports are, for example, in Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn.
*small and cozy airport Tallinn
But there are pitfalls here too. There are small airports without a transit zone. For example, the same Tallinn airport.
This means that if you are flying from Russia via Tallinn to visa-free country, you still need a Schengen visa, because immediately upon exiting the plane you will have to go through customs control.
This is neither good nor bad. Simply, if you do not have a transit country visa, when buying an air ticket, you need to check at which airport the transfer takes place and whether there is a transit zone there. Such information on any airport is easy to find on the Internet.
2. Transfers happen in different terminals and even different airports
Things are more complicated if you find out that the ticket at the airport or terminal of arrival and departure, in the city of your transfer, contains different values.
Let's take Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport as a first example:
In Moscow Sheremetyevo, you can fly in, for example, to Terminal F, and fly out of Terminal D. It seems that there are different terminals, but when you go to the airport website and look at the official map of the airport, you will immediately understand that there will be no problems. In this case, the terminals, although different, are located in the same place, are one group of buildings and are interconnected. Therefore, in this case, you just have to spend some time walking from one terminal to another. And, most likely, you will have to go through the security service again.
But if you arrive, for example, at Terminal C, and depart from Terminal D, then everything becomes more complicated. As you can see from the diagram, the terminals are located on different sides of the runway, which means that you will need to somehow get from one terminal to another. And it won't be just an easy ride.
I want to note right away that there are quite a few airports in the world where you need to get from one terminal to another by public transport or taxi.
In the case of Sheremetyevo Airport, a bus runs from Terminal C to Terminal F every half an hour. He goes 10-20 minutes. That is, for such a transplant, you need to lay at least 2 hours of time.
At some airports, such as Frankfurt am Main, a mini-train runs on a monorail between terminals. In any case, different terminals mean that, firstly, you need to know how to get from one terminal to another (this information is easy to find on the airport website or on various forums), and secondly, that your transfer must last at least couple of hours.
But that's not all.
Things are even more fun if your transfer involves a change of airport.
For example, again, it is easy to take the Moscow aviation hub, which has as many as 3 major airports. And all are located on different sides of Moscow. If you arrive at Vnukovo and your next flight is from Domodedovo, then your transfer time must be at least 4 hours. In general, this will not create any additional problems for you. Only time costs. If you are a citizen of Russia.
But then again, if you are a citizen of Russia, and you will have a transfer at different airports in another country. This is a good reason to check the visa regulations of a given country.
Imagine that you are flying from Moscow to Rio de Janeiro with a transfer in Frankfurt. If the transfer takes place within this airport, then you do not need any visas.
Now imagine that you wanted to save money and found chip flights in Rio with a transfer in Madrid, and suddenly it turned out that you were arriving at the Girona - Costa Brava airport, located 90 kilometers from Barcelona, and flying to Rio from the El Prat Barcelona airport. This means not only that you will have to travel about 100 km for a transfer (which, by the way, is very easy to do, in just 2 hours with one bus transfer), but also that you will have to obtain a Schengen visa for such a transfer. And this can both level your savings and complicate the trip due to the need to obtain a visa.
Routes from one airport to another by public transport are easily found by Google:
If you already have a visa, then there is no problem.
By the way, about the airport "El Prat Barcelona".
Even if you have a transfer only within this one airport, but in different terminals ... you still have to get a visa, since the terminals of this airport are located on opposite sides of the runway (almost like in Sheremetyevo) and are interconnected free of charge bus service. And this means that you will have to leave the airport, and therefore set foot on Spanish soil, which is the territory of the Schengen agreement :) So, again, you need a Schengen visa.
It is possible that in these examples everything seems complicated. And yet, everything is much simpler. I'm considering different examples. In your situation, you will only need to check one ticket. Preferably before buying :) And if you are satisfied with the transfer conditions, buy a ticket. Or choose another ticket.
If a difficult transfer was found in an already purchased ticket, we just look at what needs to be done for such a transfer, find on the Internet how to get from one point to another and voila! :) Everything is easier than it seems. And in any case, such situations are always easily solved. Although it requires additional gestures, I do not deny :)
But solo travel initially requires your gestures :) That's why it turns out cheaper and more interesting!
In addition, transferring at different airports is not always difficult and hard.
After all, such a transplant can be the beginning of a good or. In the same example about Girona and Barcelona - for some it will be an exhausting transplant, and for others it can be 2 additional wonderful Spanish cities on the way to Brazil. It all depends on your tastes and wishes.
3.Boarding pass
Almost always, at the check-in desk at the very first airport of departure, you will be immediately checked in until the end of the route and boarding passes will be issued for all flights.
You may not be checked in for onward flights if your layover lasts longer than 24 hours. If a child is flying with you without a seat, you may also not be registered for further flights. If you bought two separate tickets, if the transfer takes place in different terminals or different airports, you can also be checked in only for the first flight.
That does not prevent you from going through online check-in on your own for each flight separately. If that doesn't work, then there's no problem. Just at the airport of departure after the transfer, go to the check-in counter and check in as usual! That's all :)
Yes, it's that simple.
By the way, some low cost airlines do not sell tickets with transfers even on their own flights. That is, they can only sell 2 separate tickets. So, for example, does WizzAir, flying from Moscow to Hungary. And they also do not provide transit halls. That is, according to their tickets, in any case, you need to pass the border, present a Schengen visa and check in again for the second flight at the check-in desk. Even if you are flying through Budapest to visa-free Georgia.
If you are flying with a non-budget company and with a transfer within the same terminal or at a small airport, and you were still checked in only for the first flight, then at the transfer, go to any airport employee, to the information desk or to the transit / transfer passengers desk - and there you will be issued a boarding pass.
Everything is simple here.
4. Transfer time.
Even if you are not going to organize for yourself or, you still need to be attentive to the transplant time.
Subject to the above, your transfer may sometimes require you to collect your luggage and check it in again, or move from one terminal to another. In this case, you may not have enough time if the transfer lasts only 30 minutes or even an hour and a half. And if a transfer involves a change of airport, then, as I already wrote, it can take several hours for a transfer.
But even if you don’t need to pick up anything, and you don’t need to change the terminal or airport, surprises can still await you :)
For example, in international airport Dubai (DXB) only from one exit to another I walked for about an hour :))) That was very unexpected. I couldn't imagine that an airport could be THAT gigantic. It's good that I had a transplant for several hours! It turned out that on the way there it was simply unlucky with the exit of the arriving plane and the exit of the departing plane. They were on different ends huge airport, built in the form of a long sausage :)
This airport looks like this:
On the way back, the transfer was only 45 minutes. And I thought that everything was gone :) In the end, on the way back, we were not even taken out of the plane! We just sat and waited 45 minutes for the plane to refuel and bring additional passengers to it. Apparently, the airline knew that we would not have time to change the board during the transfer :) In general, look carefully at the size of airports when choosing long transfers.
In Tallinn, for example, I managed to change seats in half an hour, taking into account passport control :)
5. It happens in different ways. Delays and delays.
However, in the same Tallinn I had a transfer in 20 minutes. And I didn't have time :)
But my ticket was sold for both flight legs of the same airline - in that case, Estonian Air. And both flight legs were sold as part of a single ticket. This means that the airline is responsible for my transfer, and if I do not have time, then by law they ... have to come up with something to solve this situation :) I was checked in for the next flight in the same direction, which departed 2 hours later, and We were given a food voucher worth 10 euros.
Coupons are different, for example:
Photo sources: vm.ru and ru-travel.lj.ru
If I flew in the evening, and the next flight would only be in the morning, then they would provide me with a hotel. These are the rules in the European Union.
If you have a short layover in a non-EU country and you're worried you might miss it, then before (or after) buying, look for something like "[Country] flight delay policy". In all countries of the world there should be a regulation describing the behavior of airlines in such cases.
Generally speaking, if one company sold you single ticket With short layover, and you did not have time to change seats during this time, then you must be transferred to the next flight and this is considered as a flight delay due to the fault of the airline.
If you bought two separate tickets, then you are responsible for the transfer. So, if you don't have time, you will buy new ticket at your own expense.
If you bought one ticket, and at the same time two flight legs are operated by different airlines, then there are already discrepancies here.
How to understand if the airline is responsible for the transfer or all the risks are on you?
This is the most hidden information on the Internet, but I’ll tell you especially for you. In fact, everything is simple:
The answer is the airline under whose code the ticket was issued. If the codes are different, then the responsibility is on you.
Airlines can be completely different, but at the same time they can be part of the same aviation alliance and there may be a special codeshare agreement between them. This means that they can fly on different flights under the code of the airline that sold the ticket (even if, in fact, the flight is operated by another airline).
For example, I found a copy of a real ticket on the Internet. Here is an example of such a ticket:
As many as three airlines are participating! FlyBe, FinnAir, Bangkok Airways - as many as 2 transfers in each direction.
But pay attention to the Flight column - it says “AY ****” everywhere. "AY" is the airline code. In this example, FinnAir is responsible for all transfers and flights.
If the codes were different, then the responsibility would already lie with the passenger. For example, if the first flight would have the code SU2401, and the next one would have the code AY2502, then connecting between these flights would be your concern.
6. Other
At the very beginning, I wrote: "... so that you do not accidentally leave the airport." So, if you accidentally went not for a transfer, but left the airport, then you should not despair.
Firstly, if you cannot leave the airport for visa reasons, then they will not let you out :) In this case, you will be politely told where to go to get to the transfer.
If you have a visa and you can go out ... and at the same time you left, but did not want to ... then you can always and easily go back on a ticket or boarding pass. You just need to go through security again.
7. Transfers with visas.
Not everywhere you can make a transplant without thinking about anything.
For example, in Australia, the USA or Canada, in order to make a transfer even at airports with a transit zone, you still need to get a visa! Yes, they even have a special transit visa for these cases. And for such a visa, you also need to collect documents and spend money on its issuance.
Consider such nuances and always check if the country requires transplants to receive transit visa.
On the other hand, in some countries where you need to obtain a visa, you can make not only visa-free transit at the airport (as in EU countries with airports that have a transit zone), but you can even get the right to free visa-free transit within 2-3 days!
Such rules for visa-free 2 or 3-day transit exist, for example, in many major cities China and Singapore. Thus, flying through them to a third country, you can visit new places for yourself completely free of charge and without problems. But in such cases, it is the transit somewhere further that is taken into account. If the ticket is round-trip, for example, Moscow-Singapore-Moscow, then they will not let you in without a visa.
Pro transfer baggage I will tell you separately. And even so, there is already too much information for one article :)
If you have questions, objections or additions, I will be glad to see them in the comments. Your comments will be especially helpful if I made a mistake somewhere. Yes, I'm not perfect :)
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Flights with connections are most often chosen because of their budget, and if such flights are not uncommon for experienced travelers, then a number of questions immediately arise for those flying in this way for the first time.
What type of transplant do I have?
You may have single ticket when the entire flight is served by one airline. This is the most convenient option, since the carrier in this case "leads" the passenger to the destination. And if, for example, a flight is delayed, you will be required to be put on another plane of the same company. If the transfer time exceeds 8 hours, some carriers (for example, Emirates) provide passengers with hotel rooms. Luggage will also be checked in and delivered to end point route. Additionally, you do not need to register with such a ticket.
Another option is the so-called code share ”, when you buy a single ticket from one carrier, but fly part of the way with a partner airline. In this case, you will also be checked in with luggage to your destination and a transfer will be arranged for you. The only difference is that, in case of unforeseen situations (damage / loss of luggage, etc.), all claims must be submitted to the partner company. Note: For this type of travel, the name of the additional carrier may not appear on the ticket.
Is there some more interline agreement - an agreement between airlines in which one carrier recognizes the tickets of another. That is, one company can sell you tickets to another. The bottom line is that this method allows you to buy a single ticket for more favorable price than if you were buying several separate ones. Often there are special fares on these flights.
Tickets of this type always indicate all carrier companies. Your luggage will also be checked in before the end of the flight, but you need to ask for this separately. Sometimes you need to get a ticket for the next leg of the journey when changing - this is also worth keeping in mind.
Well, the last option is a few separate tickets. Many consider it the most inconvenient, since in this case you will have to pick up and re-register your luggage at the transfer point, as well as re-check in for the next leg of the route. If you miss your flight, you will most likely need to buy a new ticket. Often the cost of tickets for the entire route is higher than in other cases.
Do I need to apply for a transit visa for a transplant?
This point must be clarified before buying tickets. Usually a transit visa is not needed if your next flight departs from the same airport and terminal as you arrived and if you do not need to collect luggage. Then you just wait for the next plane in the transit area of the airport, without going through immigration control.
Some countries (for example, the USA, Australia and Canada) require a transit visa even just to be at the airport in the transit area.
What to do upon arrival at the transfer airport?
Your tickets and documents should always be with you in order to check the data in them at any time (time of flight departure, terminal, etc.) with the airport information board and present them without delay before boarding.
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Tickets are always at hand!
If you are flying on a single ticket, upon arrival at the transfer airport, follow the signs marked "Transfer" / "Transit" - you can easily find the transit area where you will wait for the next flight. Immediately find your flight on the information board and check the departure time and other information (sometimes it can change).
True, all of the above applies only to those whose destination is not included in the Schengen area. But if you are flying to one of the Schengen countries, you will need to go through passport control immediately after arrival. At the same time, you must have all the necessary visas.
Those who fly with two separate tickets will have to go through a similar procedure, since in this case you are not included in the category of transit passengers. Upon arrival, you will need to collect your luggage, proceed to the check-in desks and check in again by rechecking your luggage.
Do I need to collect luggage when transferring?
It depends on the type of ticket. If it's a single ticket, then you can check in your luggage to your final destination and not worry about it at all. But if you need to change the airport during a transfer, then you may need to pick up and check in your luggage again, even if you have a single ticket.
Long transfer. Things to do?
If your transplant takes 3-4 hours at most, you can safely skip this step. But it happens that it takes quite a long time to wait for the next flight (sometimes half a day). Then the lounge zone can come to the rescue.
There is another life hack that few people know about. Some major airports in Europe provide free lounge access for owners premium cards World Elite MasterCard. In particular, such a service is provided at Franz Liszt Airport (Budapest), Henri Coanda Airport (Bucharest), as well as at Schwechat Airport (Vienna), Vaclav Havel Airport (Terminal 1, Prague) and Sheremetyevo (Terminal E). To get into the business lounge, you need to notify the staff that you have such a card and present it. In return, you will receive wireless internet, food and drinks, newspapers and magazines, workplace, printer with TV and even a shower! And all this is completely free.
Alternatively, if you have a transit country visa, you can leave the airport and explore the city.
If the transfer takes more than 10 hours, some companies will accommodate their passengers in a hotel for free or provide coupons for a meal in a special hall. In any case, be sure to explore all possible options on the carrier's website for a long transfer.
- Plan your route with time to spare. It is better to take at least 3-4 hours for a transfer in order to calmly navigate at the airport, find your gate, etc. But if you also have to pick up luggage / check in, then you will need at least 4 hours.
- Sometimes it happens that the ticket does not indicate the gate number. Do not panic, just find your flight on the arrivals / departures board - the gate will be indicated there as well.
- If during the flight you cross different time zones, be sure to rearrange the clock, because the time on the tickets is local!
- Before the trip, you should familiarize yourself with the plan of the airport (airports) through which you will fly. You can even print them out and take them with you. Save a lot of time later, trust me!
- If you arrive late in the evening, and the next flight is only in the morning, check in advance if there is a hotel in the transfer zone at the transfer airport, and in general, if the airport is open at night. It is likely that you will have to look for accommodation in the city, and this may require a visa.
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Flights with transfers are generally cheaper than direct flights. The transplant is good way take a break from the flight, stretch your legs, have a bite to eat in a cafe, not to mention the fact that you can’t get to some cities and countries without transfers. By following simple rules and tips, you will know how to fly on a connecting flight, how not to be late for a connecting flight, and what to do if you are still late.
Why flights with transfers are cheaper
Flights with transfers are cheaper because airlines reduce the risk of non-full capacity. A connecting flight is usually carried out through the airline's hub airport, where passengers are unloaded and additionally boarded. For example, the Moscow-Amsterdam flight of AirBaltic will be operated via Riga. The airline will sell air tickets to those passengers who travel from Moscow only to Riga, and to the following passengers who need to go from Riga to Amsterdam. Thus, the aircraft will be filled and the carrier will make a profit.
Before buying tickets, pay attention to the number of transfers. One transfer reduces the cost of air tickets, but 2-3 does not. If an air ticket with several transfers is cheaper, then usually this is a small difference in price. Several transfers are tedious, long and expensive. However, for flights from regional cities, 2 transfers is a common situation, because there are no other flight options.
5 rules for connecting flights
Before you buy tickets for a flight with a transfer, read 5 simple rules connecting flight. A connecting flight might not be right for you. Considering the time, effort and money that will be spent during the transfer, a direct flight will turn out to be cheaper in the end.
1. One airline
If possible, buy flights with transfers from the same airline. The airline will be responsible for the connection, if the flight is late, then you will fly on the next one for free. Luggage can also not be received at the connecting airport, the airline will deliver it to the final destination.
2. Visa control
Carefully study the visa regulations of the transit country and find out about the availability and opening hours of the transit zone at the airport where you plan to transfer. If you are not going to leave the airport building, then most likely you do not need a visa. But it will be required to exit the transit zone - when it is necessary to receive and re-register baggage. Some countries, such as the US, Australia, and Canada, require a transit visa, whether you leave the airport or the transit area.
About the rules visa control in a given country, check with or the international visa database maintained by airlines.
3. Baggage check-in
Baggage check-in rules depend on the airlines you fly with and the features connecting airports. If you bought one ticket and fly with one airline, then, most likely, the luggage will be delivered immediately to the final destination, the carrier will take care of it. Check this point when checking in your luggage at the first airport.
Those who carry items subject to declaration will have to collect their luggage at the connecting airport and check it in again for the next flight.
If you bought tickets from different airlines, take care of the luggage yourself. To re-register, you will have to leave the transit zone, outside it you may need a visa.
4. Transplant time
Pay attention to the transfer time. If it is not enough, for example, 50 minutes, then when boarding the plane at the airport of the first departure, warn the flight attendants that you are flying with a transfer. You will be helped to get off the plane first, this will save time.
Allow at least 1 hour for transfer. Moving "quickly" will not work. You will reach the airport 15-20 minutes after landing. Next - baggage claim, it's another 20-30 minutes. If the connecting flight is with the same airline or on alliance flights, then baggage is checked in for both aircraft at once. Not everyone has this service, so find out in advance.
After collecting your luggage, go to check-in, the journey to the departure area will take from 20 to 50 minutes. IN major airports desired zone may be in another terminal, you can get there by service transport. Boarding starts 40 minutes before departure, so it's best to arrive at the check-in desk 1 hour in advance.
Remember that the flight ticket indicates the time of take-off and arrival. For a quiet transfer, you should have at least 2 hours.
If during a transfer you need to change the airport, then it will take from 4 to 6 hours to move from one airport to another. This is the “ideal” time, keep in mind that the first flight may be delayed or canceled, and luggage lost. Therefore, choose options "with a margin": it is better to wait than to be late.
5. Go out to the city during the transfer
If the connection between flights is less than 6 hours - do not risk it, stay at the airport. There is always a chance to get carried away, get lost, get stuck in traffic and end up missing the next flight.
If you are flying with a transfer, try to buy tickets from the same airline. This will save you from possible problems with luggage or flight delay. Allow at least 2 hours for a transfer and carefully study the visa control rules in the transit country.
