Transit flight: everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask. Inadequate savings: personal experience of a connecting flight

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After talking with some friends over dinner recently, I realized how many people are still afraid of connecting flights. But a connecting flight is a fairly common option for those who want to save on air tickets (). Besides, often it’s simply not direct flight on a given route or tickets have already run out. The main concerns of people who are skeptical about connecting flights are related to the following issues:

• Do I need to collect my luggage at the transfer airport?
• Do I need a transit visa for a layover?
• How much time do you need to have for a transplant?
• How to navigate an unfamiliar airport and catch the next flight?
• What to do if the transfer at the airport is too long?

Then first things first:

1. Do I need to collect luggage at the transfer airport?

As a rule, if you buy an air ticket from the starting point to the final point in one place and at the same time, you will not need to receive your luggage at the transit airport and check it in for the next flight. I am making the amendment “as a rule”, since in my memory there was only one exception; on the way from London to St. Petersburg with a transfer in Moscow, I had to collect luggage in Moscow and check in again for the Moscow-St. Petersburg flight. You will be warned about such nuances at the time of checking in your luggage at the point of departure; you can check this on the luggage tag that you will be given with your boarding pass.

If a passenger buys two tickets independently, that is, either in different places or not at the same time, then there will be no possibility of checking baggage to the final destination. You will have to collect your luggage at the airport where you are connecting and go through the check-in process for your next flight.

2. Do I need a transit visa for a layover?

A transit visa is a permit for temporary stay (usually up to 3 days) in the territory of a state for the purpose of transit. Most international airports have domestic transit zone, on the territory of which you can change planes without leaving the airport. In this case, obtaining a transit zone is not required. Take care of transit visa is necessary if your flight passes through the international transit zone of the airport, but the next flight is only the next morning. If the transit zone is not open 24 hours a day or you prefer to spend the night in a hotel, you should consider obtaining a transit visa. When purchasing two separate air tickets, you will definitely have to receive transit visa, since you will need to collect your luggage and check in again. If you change airports during a transfer, you will need to obtain a transit visa. Countries such as the USA, Canada and Australia require a transit visa even for flights that do not require leaving the airport.

3. How much time do you need to have for transplantation?

It depends on whether you need to change airports or not, whether you need to collect luggage at the airport where you are connecting, and finally on the airport itself, how big it is and whether you need to change terminals. If you don’t need to change airports and collect luggage, the transfer can take from 30 minutes. If you book both tickets to your final destination in one place and at the same time, the carrier will calculate the minimum transit time for you and will not offer you a flight if the transfer time is too short.

4. How to navigate an unfamiliar airport and catch the next flight

As a rule, when checking in for your first flight, you will immediately be given two boarding passes for both flights, which may already indicate the gate number for the next flight. When transferring, follow the signs to the next gate number, but it is a good idea to check the gate number on the screens in the transit area, as sometimes the numbers may change. All transit areas have attendants who will help you find your way around.

5. What to do if the transfer at the airport is too long?

The easiest option is to enjoy shopping in a duty-free zone - Tax-free. Especially if they are large international airports, for example, or Charles de Gaulle in Paris, or the airports of Frankfurt and Amsterdam, then the shops in the transit zone will be able to entertain you for 2-3 hours. In addition, most airports now have access to free internet, business lounges and restaurants.

But if the transfer takes longer than 5 hours, I recommend that you consider the option of going into the city. To do this, you need to find out how long it will take you to get from the airport to the city center. For example, in . This will allow you to make good use of your transfer time and explore the main attractions of the city. To go to the city center, you must have a visa to visit this country, so if you do not have one, you will need to take care of it in advance. Unfortunately, some countries impose restrictions on the issuance of transit visas. For example, since the minimum transfer time to obtain a transit visa is 8 hours.

They provide for a transplant. Unfortunately, this scares some people off, and despite more favorable price, they purchase an expensive but direct flight.

Passengers are worried whether they will have time to change seats? How to find your plane? Do I need to collect my luggage and go through? passport control?

Now let's move on to the transplant...

Your actions depend on whether you have one ticket (for example, Moscow-Berlin-London) or two different ones (Berlin-London).

Transfer with one air ticket

At the departure airport, when checking in for your flight, you will receive 2 boarding passes at once. One, for a flight from the departure airport to the transit point and the second, from transit airport to your destination. Keep both boarding cards close to your passport and try not to lose them.

On your boarding pass you will find all the necessary information: flight number, gate number and your seat in the cabin.

When you get off the plane at your transfer airport, follow the signs that say “Transfer” or “Transit.”

If your destination is not a Schengen country and the airport has a special transit area, then you will be taken to the transit lounge where you will wait for your next flight.

If there is no transit zone, or your destination is one of the Schengen countries, then upon arrival you will immediately go through passport control. Please ensure that you have the appropriate visas. Read more about transit visas, when they are needed and when they are not.

Once in the hall for transit passengers, check the information boarding pass with information board. The gate number and departure time may change. Next, follow the signs to the desired gate.

To avoid troubles when transferring, first of all find your gate and only after that go for a walk around Duty Free and restaurants.

If there is a lot of time between flights, then you can while away it in the lounge. Sometimes it's cheaper than having lunch at an airport restaurant.

Don't forget to check the information board periodically; the gate number and departure time may change any time.

If you are lost, do not hesitate to ask airport staff for information.

Concerning luggage, then if you had one ticket for the entire route, then you will need to collect your luggage only upon arrival at your destination. If you need it earlier, for example, to change clothes, then ask about it when checking in for your flight.

The time required for a transfer depends on the airport. In some, 20 minutes is enough, in others, even an hour and a half is not enough. But don't worry if you bought an through ticket, even with short connection, then everything has already been calculated by the airline and if the plane’s departure is not delayed, you will be on time.

If there is very little time left before the flight, then employees of some airlines meet such passengers right at the exit of the plane or bus and escort them to the next flight.

Transfer with two separate tickets

If you arranged your route yourself and have 2 separate tickets, then you are not considered a transit passenger. At the transfer airport, you should collect your luggage from the belt and follow the signs to the exit (Exit). Then check in for the flight again and check in your luggage.

You should reserve your transfer time because if your flight is delayed, you will not receive compensation or a new ticket for missing the next plane.

Will liquids purchased at Duty Free be taken away upon transfer?

Questions often arise with goods purchased from Duty Free. There is no clear answer as to whether it is possible to transport liquids purchased in duty-free shops in another country. It depends on the airport and transit country. You can read more about this in the article about hand luggage or ask a specific question in the comments.

13 Jun 2012 Anna Komok Tags: ,

Air tickets for flights with transfers are usually cheaper than for direct flights. Transplantation is good way take a break from the flight, stretch your legs, have a snack 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 miss your connecting flight, and what to do if you are late.

Why are flight tickets with transfers cheaper?

Connecting flights are cheaper because airlines reduce the risk of planes not being full. The 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 airlines will be operated via Riga. The airline will sell tickets to those passengers who travel from Moscow only to Riga, and to subsequent passengers who need to travel from Riga to Amsterdam. This way the plane will be full and the carrier will make a profit.

Before purchasing air tickets, pay attention to the number of transfers. One transfer reduces airfare costs, but 2-3 does not. If a multi-stop flight is cheaper, there is usually a small difference in price. Several transfers are tiring, time-consuming and expensive. However, for flights from regional cities, 2 transfers are a common situation, because there are no other flight options.

5 rules for flying with a transfer

Before buying tickets for a connecting flight, read the 5 simple rules for connecting flights. A connecting flight may not be suitable for you. Considering the time, effort and money that will be spent during the transfer, a direct flight will ultimately be cheaper.

1. One airline

If possible, buy connecting flights from the same airline. The airline will be responsible for the connection; if the flight is late, you will fly on the next one for free. You also don’t have to pick up your luggage at your connecting airport; the airline will deliver it to your final destination.

2. Visa control

Carefully study the visa rules 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, 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 luggage. Some countries, such as the USA, Australia and Canada, require a transit visa - and it does not matter whether you are leaving the airport or the transit zone.

Find out about visa control rules in a particular country in or in the international visa database used by airlines.

3. Baggage check-in

Baggage check-in rules depend on the airlines you fly with and the characteristics of your connecting airports. If you bought one ticket and fly with the same airline, then most likely your luggage will be delivered directly to your final destination, and the carrier will take care of it. Please check this point when checking your luggage at the first airport.

Those who are carrying items that must be declared 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 your luggage yourself. To re-register, you will have to leave the transit zone; outside of it, you may need a visa.

4. Transfer time

Pay attention to the transfer time. If it is short, 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. They will help you get off the plane first, this will save time.

Allow at least 1 hour for transfer. It’s not possible to change seats “quickly”. You will get to the airport 15-20 minutes after landing. Next is baggage collection, which takes another 20-30 minutes. If the connecting flight is with the same airline or on alliance flights, then the baggage is checked onto both planes at once. Not everyone has this service, so check in advance.

After receiving your luggage, go to check-in; the journey to the departure area will take from 20 to 50 minutes. IN major airports the desired area may be in another terminal; you can get there by service transport. Boarding begins 40 minutes before departure, so it is better to show up at the check-in counter 1 hour before.

Remember that the take-off and arrival times are indicated on the air ticket. For a smooth transfer, you should have at least 2 hours.

If you need to change airports during a transfer, then moving from one airport to another will take from 4 to 6 hours. This is the “ideal” time, keep in mind that the first flight may be delayed or canceled, and your luggage may be lost. Therefore, choose options “with reserve”: it is better to wait than to be late.

5. Go into the city during a layover

If the connection between flights is less than 6 hours, don’t 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 your next flight.

If you are flying with a transfer, try to buy tickets on the same airline. This will save you from possible problems with luggage or flight delays. Allow at least 2 hours for the transfer and carefully study the visa control rules in the transit country.

A flight with a transfer is a great way to save on air tickets, as well as choose a convenient departure and arrival time. In this article, we will give you some tips to help you choose the perfect docking option.

In this case, you don’t have to worry about whether you will catch the next flight or not. Even if not, the airline will be responsible for this, so you will definitely be transferred to the next flight with free seats.

But if this is your first connecting flight, then it is better to avoid connections lasting less than 1 hour, especially at large airports. Allow even more time if there is a change of terminals.

If you bought 2 separate tickets yourself, then keep in mind that you will have to pick up and check in your luggage again, check in for the flight (if you didn’t do it online), leave the transit area (a visa may be required), and most importantly , if the first flight is delayed and the second one is late, the responsibility for this is solely yours; you will not be able to get a refund for an unused ticket or transfer to the next flight for free.

2. Carefully look at the details of your route. Airlines often offer options not just with a transfer, but also with a change of airport. This is especially common on flights with transfers in London and Paris.

Sometimes carriers allow very little time for connections, in the hope that you will get there by taxi without taking into account traffic jams, but this option can cost you a pretty penny, and when moving during rush hour, traffic jams cannot be avoided.

In addition, if there is a change of airport, then you will definitely have to pick up your luggage and then check it in again, this also takes time.

Please note that you must check in your luggage before check-in closes, which is 40 minutes (in some cases 60 minutes) before the plane departs.

3. When choosing an air ticket with a long overnight connection, think in advance where you will spend the night. Not every airport has a hotel in the transit area or even just comfortable chairs on which to sleep. After spending the whole night on your feet, you will many times regret choosing this option.

In addition, not all airports operate 24 hours a day; most of them close all or most of their terminals at night.

As an alternative, get a visa, then you can leave the transit zone without any problems and settle comfortably in a hotel near the airport. They often provide free airport transfers for their clients.

If your transfer is during the day, you can spend your time usefully. For example, book a tour and see another city.

We wrote more about transit visas in the article “Do I need a transit visa?” , and:

If the connection is short, then this issue is not relevant for you, but if you have to wait several hours for the next flight, then it is better to think about everything in advance.

27 Nov 2014 Anna Komok Tags:

It's no secret that flights are not always direct. Very often passengers have to fly from one country to another with a transfer in a third country: for example, in January 2018 we flew from to ours in this way hometown Samara with a transfer at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport.

Sabiha Gokcen International Airport in Istanbul

Read our article:

Transfers can last from 3 hours to a day or even more. Why do people choose such flights if it takes them so much time? There are 2 possible answers to this question:

1. Such tickets are usually cheaper than direct flights, and they are chosen by people limited in money, but not limited in time
2. - a great way to get acquainted with almost free new country. Of course, in order to go into the city, you need to first make sure that you do not need a visa for this (for example, Russian citizens do not need a visa to Turkey, Vietnam, Thailand, etc.) It is also possible to obtain a special transit visa: for example, when connecting in Singapore to .

Transfer in Istanbul: do you need a visa?

Russians can enter Turkey without a visa for up to 60 days. This means that if you have a Turkish Airline or Pegasus Airline ticket (these two Turkish companies operate international flights with transfers in Istanbul), then you can safely go to the center of Istanbul during a break between flights and see.

We go to any air ticket search service, for example, Skyskanner and enter the desired direction. For example, we are looking for tickets from Tbilisi to Samara. Enter the departure date, departure and arrival cities and click “Search”. We see several options for flights with a connection in Istanbul, we choose the most suitable one: so that the transfer is a day and as long as possible:

It is worth knowing that Pegasus airline planes arrive at Sabiha Gokcen Airport (and then fly out from there), and Turkish Airlines planes arrive at Ataturk Airport. In fact, the only difference is in the time it takes to get to the city center: from Ataturk you can get there in just half an hour (from there the metro goes to the city), while it will take an hour and a half to travel from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to the city (depending on traffic jams). We talked about how to get to the center of Istanbul from Sabiha Airport. Therefore, if you are flying with Pegasus, we recommend choosing longer connections.

What you can see in Istanbul during a layover

If your transfer takes place in Ataturk airport and you arrived on Turkish Airlines, then you are very lucky. Because in this case you are entitled to a free city tour (we will talk about it in detail in the next paragraph).

If you arrived in Sabiha airport and want to arrange a city tour on your own, it is important to calculate the time accurately. You need to allow 3 hours for the road from the airport to the city and back (read our article about that), plus another hour to check in for the next flight. In total, you need to subtract 4 hours from the transfer time. You can devote the remaining time to a walk around the city. If you did not arrive with a group Turkish Airlines then the plan self-guided tour may be the same as described below, but the journey from and to the airport will need to allow 2 hours instead of 4.

All the main attractions of Istanbul are close to each other, so it should take no more than 2 hours to explore them. This is subject to only an external inspection of the places, because you can inspect the Topkapi Palace alone with a harem inside for 2-3 hours:

Pierre Loti Hill and view of Istanbul

And if you want to see the best sights not only of Istanbul, but of all of Turkey, we recommend visiting. There you can enjoy the best creations of man and nature that exist on the territory of the Turkish state.

If your layover is in Istanbul, and it’s too cold to walk around the city for so long, we recommend visiting several non-trivial places where you can warm up and have an interesting time:

Free tours of Istanbul for transit passengers from Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airline transit passengers are entitled to a free city tour.

By the way, this airline provides its transit passengers with free hotel when connecting in Istanbul for more than 10 hours (for economy class passengers) or 7 hours (for business class passengers). This service is only available if the airline does not have a flight to your desired destination for 10 hours. If there is a flight, but you did not choose it (for example, because it was more expensive), then you will be provided with a hotel.

But let's get back to free excursion. It is provided to all transit passengers whose transfer in Istanbul is no less than 6 hours and no more than 24 hours. Your flight must be international and all segments of the flight must be operated by Turkish Airlines. And one more thing: the transfer must be during the day; no excursions are conducted at night.

To book an excursion, you need to go through passport and customs control on the Hotel Desk (it is located near the Starbucks cafe). You must register for the tour no later than 30 minutes before it starts.

Total Turkish Airlines They offer 5 types of city tours:

Tour 1. Time from 8:30 to 11:00. The tour includes visits to the following attractions:

• Yedikule Fortress,
• Old Armenian Quarter Samatya (Old Samatya Armanian District),
• Walls of Constantinople,
• Eminonu district,
• photo stop on the Galata Bridge (10 minutes),
• Dolmabahce Palace (20 minutes of free time are given for external inspection),
• Taksim Square,
• Galata Tower,
• Golden Horn Bay,
• Aqueduct of Valens,
• Yenikapı port.

Tour 2. Time from 09:00 to 15:00. The tour includes free breakfast and lunch. Attractions:

• Blue Mosque,
• Topkapi Palace,
• Hippodrome Square,
• German fountain,
• snake column,
• Obelisk of Theodosius.

In addition to the excursion itself, the tourist package includes entry tickets to the museum and food.

Tour 3. Time 09:00 to 18:00.

Everything is the same as in tour 2, plus the Basiliqua Cistern and the Grand Bazaar.

Tour 4. Time from 12:00 to 18:00. Lunch is included in the tour.

What attractions does this include:

• hill and cafe Pierre Loti
• Sultan Eyup Mosque and Eyup Square
• Byzantine city walls
• burials of the Sahabah in Ayvansaray
• Vlaheran Church of the Virgin Mary
• walk through the Jewish quarter of Balat
• St. Stephen's Church
• Ahrid Synagogue
• Greek Orthodox School "Great School of the Nation"
• Constantinople Orthodox Church

Tour 5. Time from 16:00 to 21:00.

The excursion only includes visual inspection attractions:

• Yenikapı port,
• Beyazet Square,
• University,
• Beyazet Tower,
• Old book market,
• Grand Bazaar,
• Chorlulu Ali Pasha Mosque,
• Tomb of Mahmud II,
• Column of Constantine,
• Hippodrome Square,
• German fountain,
• Egyptian obelisk,
• snake column,
• Obelisk of Theodosius,
• Blue Mosque,
• Saint Sophia Cathedral.

After visiting these attractions, guests will have dinner and return to the airport.

All excursions are conducted in English.