Tips When You Have a Connecting Flight

Usually, connecting flights are cheaper than direct flights. If you’re looking for ways to reduce the cost of your trip, it helps to buy a ticket with connecting flights. Of course, the downside is having to wait at another airport for your flight to the final destination. Sometimes, these flights won’t be until the next 24 hours or more. Here’s how you can survive having a connecting flight.

Check your ticket

Make sure you understand every detail in your trip. The schedule must be clear to avoid being late at the airport. Sometimes, when your next flight isn’t until after several hours, you end up wandering around the airport or sleeping. Make sure you set an alarm or else you will miss your connecting flight.

Book a room

You don’t want to be at the airport for hours on end waiting for your flight. It helps if you book a room near the hotel. When you have children, it’s even more critical. They will be irritated by the idea of having to wait for hours. They also can’t stand being around strangers at all times. For your convenience, it pays to get a room. As long as there’s enough time to travel to and from the hotel, you’re good. If not, you should at least get a lounge within the airport.

Don’t book a flight without sufficient transfer time

While some connecting flights require hours of waiting, others won’t even give you that much time. You have to move to your next flight as soon as you land. Make sure there’s enough time in between flights. Check if the airline will transfer your belongings to the connecting flight. Your boarding pass should also include your seats for both flights. You only have a few minutes to go to the next boarding area for the flight. You also have to be quick. Inform your flight attendants about it so they can inform someone from the ground to assist you or prioritize you during the exit. If there isn’t enough time and you have children with you, don’t book the ticket with that connecting flight.

Check flight changes online

Some planes already have Internet connections these days. Avail of that privilege to check your connecting flight. There might be changes you must be aware of and you don’t want to be behind anything. If you’re already waiting at the airport, it’s even easier to get Internet access.

Don’t panic

Just because you have a connecting flight without enough time to transfer doesn’t mean you will miss it. Relax and go through the process as usual. Don’t forget to read the terms and conditions of your ticket in case you miss the flight. Deal with the refunds later and find the next available flight if you’ve missed yours.

Connecting flights can be tricky. You always have to be on your toes to prevent problems. If you get through the first one, the next trips will be a walk in the park.

Photo Attribution:

1^st and featured from https://blog.way.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/What-happens-if-you-miss-your-flight.jpg

2^nd image from https://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2014-09-19/never-miss-a-connecting-flight-again-with-these-tips