Transit flights: features, transfers and luggage

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

Do you often have to fly planes? Or do you just love to travel? Then this article is for you! Unfortunately, it is not always possible to fly to your destination on a direct flight. In Russia, this is a very common situation. Look at its size: definitely, you won’t fly to many airports without a connection. So, today let's look at what transit flights are, which air carriers operate them. In addition, we will find out how things are with luggage, as well as learn some tips for travelers.

Transit flights - what is it?

Transit (transfer) flight - a flight with one or two transfers, which is operated by one or more airlines entering into a joint flight (alliance).

Any tourist has ever encountered transit flights - domestic or international. At least because tickets for such flights are sometimes sold at a very low price. By the way, many people practice the following: if, for example, you need to get to Novosibirsk, see other flights. For example, in Surgut. Sometimes the ticketMoscow - Surgut with a connection in Novosibirsk can cost much less than a direct flight to Novosibirsk.

Tourist fears

Tourists are often afraid and buy tickets for direct flights, which are much more expensive than with transfers. What are their fears?

"What if the flight is delayed, then I will not make it on time for the second".
"What if I'm flying with luggage and the transfer only lasts an hour."
"I don't want to send and receive luggage all the time."
"I don't want to register all the time".
"I must be very tired."
"I don't want to spend the night at the airport, I'd rather pay more, but I'll fly home much earlier" etc.

But in fact, we assure you, everything is much easier than you thought.

Dignity of connecting transits

Let's not be unfounded, let's look at why millions of travelers choose transfer flights every day:

If you think you will have to register again, you are not. Registration takes place in advance. Even before you arrive at your first transfer point.
If you are afraid that you will not have time to receive and resend your baggage on a transit flight, we will please you - you don’t have to do this at all. Your suitcase will be sent directly to another flight by airport employees.
You get boarding passes for both of your flights at once.
At the docking point,after getting off the plane, you will simply go straight to the boarding area for the next flight (if the flight is domestic).
If the flight is international, then you will have to go through passport control and, possibly, additional certain screenings at some airports.

You see, there is nothing wrong with transit flights. However, do not get confused, because there are two concepts: a connecting flight and a connecting flight. Let's see what's what.

Differences between connecting and connecting flights

In order not to get into an awkward situation, let's look at the difference between both types of flights:

On a connecting flight, you receive one transit ticket and several boarding passes. On a connecting flight, you have two or more separate tickets.
You check in once for a connecting flight. At the interchange - at each airport.
On a connecting flight, you don't worry about your luggage, it will definitely be taken to another plane. On a connecting flight, you must collect and recheck your luggage yourself.
You don't need to go through passport control on a connecting domestic flight again, you don't leave the transit area. On a connecting flight, you will have to go through security control several times.
If the first plane was delayed during a connecting flight, you are required to provide food and lodging for the night, as well as put on the next flight. In a connecting flight, the entire responsibility lies with you. Reimbursement will not work.

As you can see, it is better to choose connecting flights.

Cons of connecting flights

So, to summarize, what are the disadvantages of connecting transfer flights:

When you arrive at the airport for a transfer, you will have to collect and check in your luggage again.
Upon arrival, you must check in again and go through security.
All responsibility for carry-on luggage and baggage rests with the traveler.
Only the passenger is fully responsible for being late.

Consider the cons too. Do not rush to buy tickets for transfer flights.

Tips for transfer travelers

Let's consider a few recommendations for a transit passenger:

Why are you in a hurry and needless worries? It is better to calmly go through all the controls, pick up your luggage and leave time for rest, buying food, etc. Therefore, it is best to take a ticket with a transfer that lasts at least three to four hours. Do not forget that boarding the plane takes place forty minutes before departure.
Be sure to specify which terminal you are departing from. It usually takes at least twenty minutes for people to move from one to the other.
If you have domestic and international flights, then know that the terminals will definitely be different. Consider and add time for passing through passport and customs control. Leave yourself at least another half an hour.
Don't forget that you also need to collect and check in your luggage. This may also take half an hour. Life hack: if you travel only withhand luggage, you do not have to waste time getting your suitcase.
Please also note that international airports are very large. And you will have to add at least 10-20 minutes for navigation and movement. Sometimes it is not always clear which way to go, where the boarding gate, check-in and baggage claim.
Sometimes, when buying a transit flight, it is supposed to change not only the terminal, but also the airport. Be sure to check this point. Think about what transport you can use, how long it will take you on transit flights. By bus from Sheremetyevo you will drive (first to the metro) for an hour and a half. Then another hour by metro to Yugo-Zapadnaya, from where another half an hour to Vnukovo. Do not forget also about traffic jams in the city, especially if these are large metropolitan areas or capitals. For example, to get from Sheremetyevo to Domodedovo, you will need to allocate an additional two hours (at least) for the road alone.
Sometimes, connecting flights require a visa. It is better to know all the information about this in advance.
We recommend using the services of one air carrier when buying a ticket for a transit flight. Aeroflot, for example, carries out similar daily. This is one of the most reliable airlines.

Now you can easily make a transit flight.