Have to fly often on airplanes? Or do you just love to travel? Then this article is for you! Unfortunately, it is far from always possible to fly to your destination by direct flight. In Russia this is a very common situation. Look at its size: for sure, you can’t reach many airports without connecting. So, let’s take a look today at what transit flights are and which carriers carry them out. In addition, we will find out how things are with your luggage, and also learn some tips for travelers.
Transit flights - what is it?
Transit (transfer) flight - a flight with one or two transfers that is operated by one or more airlines entering a joint flight (alliance).
Any tourist has ever encountered transit flights - domestic or international. If only because such flights are sometimes sold at very low prices. 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 a ticket Moscow - Surgut with a connection in Novosibirsk can cost much less than a direct flight to Novosibirsk.
Fears of tourists
Tourists often fear and buy tickets for direct flights, which are much more expensive than with a transfer. And what are their concerns?
- "What if the flight is delayed, then I won’t have time for the second."
- "And what if I fly with luggage, and the transplant lasts only an hour."
- "I do not want to constantly receive and send luggage."
- "I do not want to constantly register."
- "I will probably be very tired."
- “I don’t want to spend the night at the airport, I’d better overpay, but I’ll fly home much earlier,” etc.
But in fact, we assure you, everything is much simpler than you thought.
Advantages of connecting transit
Let's consider, in order not to be unfounded, why millions of travelers daily choose transfer flights:
- If you think that you will have to register again, then this is not so. Registration takes place in advance. Even before you arrive at the first transfer point.
- If you are afraid that you do not have time to receive and send the luggage again in a transit flight, we will please you - you won’t have to do this at all. Your suitcase will be sent by the airport employees immediately to another flight.
- You get boarding passes for both of your flights at once.
- At the docking point, leaving the plane, you just go straight to the landing area for the next flight (if the flight is internal).
- If the flight is international, then you will have to go through passport control and, possibly, at certain airports additional certain searches.
You see, there is nothing wrong with transit flights. However, do not get confused, because there are two concepts: connecting and connecting flights. Let's see what's what.
Differences between connecting and connecting flights
In order not to get into an awkward position, let's look at the difference between both types of flights:
- On a connecting flight you receive one transit ticket, as well as several boarding passes. On a transfer flight, you have two or more individual tickets.
- On a connecting flight, you check in once. In interchange - at each airport.
- On a connecting flight, you don’t worry about baggage, it’s definitely taken to another plane. On a transfer flight, you must pick up and drop off your luggage again.
- Passport control in a connecting domestic flight is not required to go through again, you do not leave the transit zone. In a transfer flight will have to go through control several times.
- If the first plane was delayed during a connecting flight, you must provide food and overnight, as well as put on the next flight. In a transfer flight, all responsibility lies with you. Reimburse the money 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 transfer transfer flights:
- When you arrive at the airport for a transfer, you will have to collect your luggage again and check in.
- Upon arrival, you must again register and pass control.
- All responsibility for hand luggage and luggage rests with the traveler.
- Only the passenger is fully responsible for being late.
Consider the cons. Do not rush to buy tickets for transfer flights.
Tips for travelers flying transfer flights
Consider a few recommendations for a transit passenger:
- Why do you need rush and unnecessary worries? It’s better to calmly go through all the controls, pick up your luggage and leave time to rest, buy food, etc. Therefore, it’s best to take a ticket with a transfer that lasts at least three to four hours. Do not forget that the landing on the plane is made forty minutes before departure.
- Be sure to specify from which terminal the departure takes place. Usually, people spend at least twenty minutes on this to go from one to another.
- If you have domestic and international flights, then know: the terminals will definitely be different. Consider and add time for passport and customs control. Leave yourself at least another half hour.
- Do not forget that you need to collect and drop off your luggage. It can also take half an hour. Life hack: if you travel only with hand luggage, you do not have to waste time getting a suitcase.
- 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’s not always clear which way to go, where is the boarding gate, check-in and baggage claim.
- Sometimes when buying a transit flight, it is assumed that you change not only the terminal, but also the airport. Be sure to clarify this point. Think about what kind of transport you can get on, how long it will take you on transit flights. By bus from Sheremetyevo you will go (first to the metro) for an hour and a half. Then take another subway an hour to Yugo-Zapadnaya, from where another half an hour to Vnukovo. Do not forget about traffic jams in the city, especially if these are large cities or capitals. For example, to get from Sheremetyevo to Domodedovo, you will need to allocate another two hours (at least) only for the road.
- Sometimes connecting flights require a visa. It is better to know all the information about it in advance.
- We recommend using the services of one airline, buying a ticket for a transit flight. Aeroflot, for example, carries out such daily. This is one of the most reliable airlines.
Now you can carry out a transit flight without any problems.
Conclusion
We hope that with this knowledge your flight will be as comfortable and successful as possible.
Travel more, discover new cities and countries, communicate with local residents, share experiences with loved ones. Pleasant flight!