Q&A for How to Change Planes for a Connecting Flight

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  • Question
    Can I leave the airport if I have around 3 hrs time for the next connecting flight?
    Community Answer
    You could, but I would advise you not to. If you leave the airport, you will have to go back through security on reentry and there's no way of knowing how long that process will take.
  • Question
    Can I get someone to help me through both airports so I don't get lost?
    Community Answer
    You can ask for help at the airport. There are people appointed to help the travelers have a hassle-free journey.
  • Question
    If I have connecting flights on two different airlines, do I have to check in on each one separately?
    Community Answer
    The answer to this will depend on whether or not these two terminals for different airlines are connected directly via an interior hallway (e.g., Albany (NY) International Airport) or if you will need to exit the one terminal and enter the other because there is no connecting hallway (such as at Los Angeles International or John F Kennedy International Airport). If there is a hallway that connects the terminals, you won't have to pass out of one and pass into the other. However, if they don't you'll be forced to pass out of one and into the other, through the Security checkpoint. Check with staff there, if you are unsure to see if they have other methods for getting there.
  • Question
    If there is a lengthy layover do they keep you in the plane on the tarmac?
    Community Answer
    No, they wouldn't. Normally if changing flights, you would just get off the plane and then be able to have a meal and stuff. That is how it is with most layovers. As long as you don't leave the airport, security shouldn't be a problem.
  • Question
    I have to change planes to get to my destination. Would it be easier to check my bag or take it on the plane?
    Community Answer
    Usually the airline will take care of transferring your checked luggage from one flight to the other, so you wouldn't have to worry about doing that if you check it. It's really just about your personal preference and your bag size. You will have to lug it around the airport if you carry-on, but you might prefer to keep it with you. Both options are relatively stress-free, it's your choice.
  • Question
    Do I have to grab my baggage between connecting flights?
    Community Answer
    Most airlines deliver checked baggage to the final destination instead of making it available during connections. If flying with a smaller airline, it might be best to check with them on where your baggage is going, which you can do when checking your luggage or at the gate.
  • Question
    Does someone who has a connecting flight have to go through the security check again?
    Community Answer
    Usually not unless you leave the airport, or the portion of the airport past the security checkpoint. Usually the boundaries of these areas are clearly marked. On international flights, an additional security check will be necessary on most occasions.
  • Question
    If I arrive on a late flight and my connection is early the next morning, can I remain within the airport?
    Community Answer
    As long as you can explain your reasoning to airport personnel and security and can be civil with your conduct while waiting for this plane, most will be happy to allow you to stay behind inside the airport to wait out until your next airline trip that following morning. However, if the airport closes at any stage during the night, you will need to find accommodation and return the next morning.
  • Question
    I only have a one hour connection at Philadelphia, but the plane arrives at Terminal F and my next flight leaves from Terminal A. I've been told they transfer your luggage from one plane to the next, but is there any help to get me from one plane to the next?
    Community Answer
    Philadelphia supplies a bus that goes from Terminal F to Terminal B/C, take that and you don't have to go outside security. If you need additional help or information, just ask anyone on staff at the airport, they should be able to help you.
  • Question
    When changing planes for a connecting flight, will I have enough time to explore the city?
    Community Answer
    Usually not, but it depends on the flight times and any potential changes in the schedule.
  • Question
    I will be going to Paris via Munich through a connecting flight operated by the same airline. Where do I have to do immigration? Munich or Paris?
    Community Answer
    You will go through Paris for immigration. You most likely won't have to go through it in Munich.
  • Question
    I have a connecting flight with a gap of 35 minutes. Both flights are domestic and are the same carrier. Will I be able to make it?
    Community Answer
    Most likely, as the planes should be located in the same terminal.
  • Question
    When connecting from one international flight to another international flight at Singapore Changi Airport, will I have to wait in a line again?
    Community Answer
    No, since you'll already be in the terminal. You will need to walk off one plane and find where the connecting flight is boarding, and then wait for it to board. You won't have to wait in line and go through security again.
  • Question
    Do I have to go through immigration at every stop on my flight?
    Community Answer
    Not always. You usually will only go through immigration at your final destination, not for connecting flights.
  • Question
    The tour package I have booked has only tickets for the initial flight. I must meet someone at arrivals and redeem a voucher to get the connecting flight tickets. Is this common practice?
    Community Answer
    It is more usual for an Unaccompanied Minor (UM). Sometimes they do it though.
  • Question
    Will I have to recheck my luggage between flights if I'm flying internationally?
    Community Answer
    Some flights in other countries may have you check the bags again, but they don't usually make you do it.
  • Question
    Can I use my cell phone on the plane?
    Community Answer
    You can use your cell phone as long as it is set to airplane mode.
  • Question
    I have a layover in Copenhagen airport and I'm afraid of missing my connecting fight. What should I do to make sure I can find my plane?
    Community Answer
    You can search online for the map of the Copenhagen airport and plan out your route. If you have a layover, you will probably have more than enough time to locate your gate. Many people there will speak English, so you can always ask for help once there if necessary.
  • Question
    How can I get help in an airport if I do not speak the language well?
    Community Answer
    Ask for an interpreter. It's usually free, and can be a huge help. Or, get the Google Translate app. It may be a little stinted and odd, but it might help you get the information you need faster. Also, don't be afraid to talk to those around you. They may speak the language you need and can possibly help you if they're not rushing.
  • Question
    Do I need to pass the security check for every connecting flight?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the country, but usually, yes.
  • Question
    When I check a car seat and stroller at the gate, is it going to the final destination or do I pick it up at my connection and check it again?
    Community Answer
    You will have to pick it up at the connection, and then you will have to check it again at the next gate.
  • Question
    I am arriving at Terminal 4 at JFK and going to Terminal 1 for connection to Rome. How much time is required between flights?
    Community Answer
    The time that is normally required between flights would be one to two hours, but sometimes it could be more than that depending on your flight tickets.
  • Question
    Do airports in other countries post flight information in English?
    Community Answer
    Some airports do, some don't. If you have trouble understanding where you need to go, you should have no trouble finding an employee that speaks English that can help you.
  • Question
    Is the north-south shuttle at Seattle airport air-side or land-side?
    Community Answer
    The north-south shuttle at Seattle airport will most likely be air-side, but sometimes it changes to land-side, depending on the flight and where you're flying.
  • Question
    How much time should I leave between connecting flights?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the size of the airport and if you think you'll have to change terminals. Generally an hour is the minimum.
  • Question
    If my connecting flight is with a different airline, can I check in for my second flight at the first airport in order to save time?
    Community Answer
    No, but you could likely check into both flights online before arriving to the first airport.
  • Question
    I have booked a connecting flight from Berlin to Tokyo through Dubai, but I am going to reach Dubai other way. Can I just skip flight Berlin-Dubai and start my travel from flight Dubai-Tokyo?
    Community Answer
    If you already bought the tickets, then don't. But, if you didn't buy it yet, then do it!
  • Question
    I will fly from Indianapolis to Quebec, Canada. I will go to Chicago first for the connection to Quebec. Will I have to go through customs in Chicago, or will my luggage be transferred to final destination?
    Community Answer
    Luggage will transfer to Quebec. You will go through customs upon landing in Quebec, not on your exit from the United States.
  • Question
    When I have a connected flight, do I need another boarding pass?
    Community Answer
    You don't if you are flying with the same airline. However, if you fly with 2 different airlines, then you probably will. Note that if you print the boarding ticket at home, you may have two passes.
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