• laxman
• January 8, 2025

All you need to know about connecting flights

When you plan to travel by air, you may sometimes come across something called “connecting flights” on your itinerary. These are flights that require passengers to transfer from one aircraft to another at a central airport before continuing their journey. Although it might sound somewhat complicated, connecting flights offer several clear advantages, such as lower overall costs and a broader choice of routes. Here, you will learn what connecting flights are, how to book them, and tips for a smooth connecting flight experience to ensure a seamless and hassle-free journey.

What are connecting flights?

Connecting flights require passengers to change planes at least once at one or several connecting airports. While direct flights take passengers from their point of departure to their destination in one go, connecting flights involve extra stops in the middle.

For instance, if you are flying from New York to Tokyo with a layover in Los Angeles, the flight from New York to Los Angeles is referred to as the first leg of a connecting itinerary, while the flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo is the second leg.

Connecting flights are typically preferred by passengers on long-haul or international journeys and can be more convenient than direct flight options when available.

Advantages of connecting flights

Cost savings: Connecting flights are relatively cheaper than direct flights, as they can easily be accessed by many people. Connecting flights can be cheaper than direct flights, therefore meeting the needs of budget-conscious travelers.

Expanded route options: Sometimes passengers may need to access certain destinations that cannot be accessed by direct flights. This makes them particularly useful when going on a trip internationally.

Layover opportunities: One has to learn that stopovers are an opportunity to create memorable experiences. There is always an opportunity to visit a new city or spend some time at an airport in the process.

How to book connecting flights

Use trusted platforms: Select reputed websites for booking like Surffares which provides specific details on the connecting flights booking process and shows the best possible connections of the route.

Search for deals: Filters should be used to find cheap connecting flight deals; the user should not be rigid on the time of the flight, date, and stopover.

Verify layover durations: This is very important and should be done before deciding on the flight to book, since a long layover time will result in wasted time. Go to suggestions of connecting flights’ layover time, which is 2–3 hours for international flights and 1–2 hours for domestic connections.

Understand airline policies: To know if the airline provides the service of transferring baggage through to the next flight, and to check if one requires a visa when transiting through certain countries.

Tips for a smooth connecting flight experience

Plan adequate layover time: Some connections involve departures and arrivals within a short time interval and therefore should be done with a long layover time. A short connecting time is tension-making because it can make you lose the next flight you intend to take.

Pack essentials in your carry-on: Always pack your passport and visas, prescription medicines, electrical adapters, extra set of clothes, and change of underwear in your carry-on bag in case your checked luggage goes missing.

Familiarize yourself with the airport layout: Some airport maps can help a passenger get an idea of the layout of the connecting airport. This is especially beneficial if you require changing terminals.

Make the most of the layovers: While in transit, passengers may stay in the terminal building to take a rest, visit duty-free outlets, or have a meal. In case your stop-over takes more than a day, look for possible attractions around the Layover destinations.

How long to leave between connecting flights

Sometimes travelers ask, “How many hours should I take between connecting flights?” The answer depends on several factors:

Domestic flights: Allow at least an hour’s time and up to two hours for the transfer to prepare for delays and to get to the next gate.

International flights: To get there, you should take 2–3 hours depending on if you have to go through immigration, customs, or switch terminals.

Large airports: If your connection is at a large hub that may be more than one terminal, then make allowance for that and possible transfer between the two.

Following these connecting flight layover tips can help you avoid stress and missed flights.

Connecting Flights vs Direct Flights

When deciding between connecting flights vs direct flights, consider the following factors:

Cost: Connecting flights are cheaper in the long run, although direct flights come in handy as they take less time.

Flexibility: Similar to the benefits of connecting flights, which provide numerous routes and greater freedom of time, direct flights are much more convenient.

Layovers: It is also important to note that if well planned, layovers can be fun; it presents the opportunity to visit another city, especially if you are on a long trip.

Your choice will depend on your budget, travel priorities, and the availability of flight options.

Connecting flights with Surffares

Connecting flights often come with challenges, but with Surffares, the process becomes simple. Surffares offers timely services for both international and domestic connecting flights, along with easy booking options. The platform provides outstanding service, affordable prices, and valuable resources to make your journey as seamless as possible.

Surffares: Your trusted travel partner

Planning your next holiday? Surffares makes it easy to find cheap air tickets, user-friendly online booking options, and advice on booking affordable connecting flights. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or flying for the first time, Surffares ensures a hassle-free flight experience.