If there is a connecting flight, is it possible to leave the airport? Do I need a transit visa for a layover? What documents are needed

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 fly 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 purchasing airline tickets for a connecting flight, please read 5 simple rules connecting flight. 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. At major airports desired zone may end up 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 delay. Allow at least 2 hours for the transfer and carefully study the visa control rules in the transit country.

Airports are by nature huge labyrinths, and it's no surprise that many travelers want to avoid the hassle of navigating their labyrinthine passages. If for some reason you decide to fly with a transfer, choose an option with more time between flights. Then you won't have to pretend to be an Olympic sprinter trying to find a way out of this maze. If you have already booked your tickets, find out how to make a transfer with minimal damage to your nervous system.

Steps

Part 1

Check your route. When booking tickets, as a rule, there is no information about the need for a transfer at an intermediate point. Find the following information to track the stages of your journey:

• On direct flights, you will use the same flight number for each leg of your journey. Traditionally this has meant that there would be no need to transfer from one aircraft to another, although many 'direct' flights now require a change of aircraft. Contact airline representatives to clarify this issue.
• Connecting flights use different flight numbers for each leg of the journey. You are definitely going to have a transplant.

1. Find a map of the airport. Most airports have maps on their websites. Print it out and put it in your hand luggage, it will save you time searching for your boarding gate. The magazines you find in the cabin usually also contain maps of some of the major airports.

   • If there separate card for each terminal, print each one. You may need to move to another terminal when changing aircraft.

2. Calculate the time it will take you to transfer. Sometimes this information can be found on the airport's website or from your travel agent (if you have one). If official data is not available, try making a rough estimate yourself:

   • A transfer from domestic flight to domestic flight takes approximately 60 minutes. 45 minutes is already risky, but doable if both flights are served by the same airline.
   • To transfer at an airport in a foreign country, you will need at least 2 hours, the same if you have to change a domestic flight to an international one. 90 minutes reserve time in this case it may not be enough.
   • Add 30 minutes if you are checking luggage, have limited mobility due to a medical condition, or are traveling during periods of high passenger traffic or adverse weather conditions.

3. Plan what you will do if you are short of time. If the time between arrival and departure is shorter than recommended, take steps to ensure everything goes smoothly. You can rebook your flight for a fee or take less drastic measures:

   • Choose an aisle seat, as close to the front of the plane as possible. Thanks to this, you will be the first to leave the airliner.
   • Just try to get by hand luggage, in this case you will not have to claim luggage.
   • Download an app on your smartphone that allows you to track flight delays while you're in the air.

4. Confirm the movement of your luggage. On domestic flights, your luggage is almost always automatically sent to your final destination. On some international flights, particularly those with a stopover in the United States or Canada, you will have to pick up your baggage and check it again. To ensure that your suitcases travel with you to your destination, ask airport staff to check the progress of your luggage.

   Find out visa requirements. If you are passing through an airport in a foreign country, it is possible that you need a transit visa. For information on this matter, check the website of the embassy of the country you are traveling to.

   • If your travel stopover is at a U.S. airport, visit this site for additional information. If the country you are traveling to is on the visa-free travel list, then you do not need a visa.

5. Order a wheelchair if necessary. If you are unable to get around on your own, please consider ordering wheelchair at the transfer airport. Contact the airline for assistance in completing your claim.

   Part 2

   Preparing for landing

   1. Listen to announcements during the flight. Sometimes at the end of a flight or when the plane is taxiing after landing, the pilot or flight attendants will announce gate number changes.

      Pack your carry-on luggage. If you're pressed for time and need to leave the plane quickly, start packing your bags before passengers are asked to fasten their seatbelts.

      Prepare your documents. Get your boarding pass for your next flight, as well as your passport and customs declaration if necessary. Place them in a safe but easily accessible place, such as an inside coat pocket.

      Try to move closer to the front of the cabin. If your flight is delayed and this means you will be late for the next one, ask the flight attendant to change you a few minutes before boarding. Moving from the back of the plane to the front can save you 10-15 minutes.

      • You can make a similar request directly to passengers, but remember that you are asking for a favor. Be polite.
      • The plane's descent can begin 30 minutes before landing. Don't wait until last minute to ask to change places, or you will remain where you were.

   Part 3

   Boarding the next flight

   1. Find out your gate number through which you will board your flight. The first thing you should do after getting off the plane is to find a boarding location for your next flight. You should not rely on the gate number shown on your boarding pass to be correct as gate numbers change frequently. It is better to find a board that displays information about the boarding gates.

      • If you are in a hurry, ask the airport staff at the gate to help you find your way to the plane boarding point.

   2. Receive your luggage. This is usually necessary if you are traveling on an international flight or if you purchased two tickets separately. If you are sure that you need to claim your luggage, do so as soon as possible. The baggage claim area is often quite far from the security checkpoint, so it will take you a long time to get your things and get back.

      • After receiving your luggage, you will have to go through the inspection procedure again, this time by the airline staff performing the next leg of the flight.

   3. Go through customs if necessary. If you have just completed an international flight, follow the signs to the customs station. It is usually divided into two zones - for citizens and for non-citizens. You may also need to go through standard security checks (depending on the airport).

      Find your gate. Even if you have enough time, go to the gate through which boarding will take place. Don't be afraid to ask any airport employee for directions.

      • If you are connecting from an international to a domestic flight or vice versa, you will likely be transferred to a different terminal. In some cases this may take 10-20 minutes.

   4. Relax. If you have any left free time, there is no need to stay at the gate. Most airports have restaurants, shops and even art exhibits. But don't forget to look at your watch.

      • Keep your luggage with you at all times.

   5. Return to your gate with a little time to spare. Exact time boarding is usually indicated on the boarding pass. If this is not the case, please arrive 30 minutes before departure time.

   6. Contact your airline if you miss your flight. If you realize you are missing your flight, call your airline immediately. Her contact information is usually on the boarding pass, but for more quick results, please contact your local representative at the airport where you are located. You can find the number you need on the airport website or ask at the information desk

      • If you don't have telephone communication, ask for the telephone number at the information desk.

   7. Develop a plan with your airline representatives. If you miss your flight due to the carrier's fault (for example, a flight delay), then the airline is responsible for getting you to your destination. This rule does not apply if you booked two flights separately or if you missed a flight due to your own fault. However, in this case, most airlines are ready to accommodate you. Feel free to calmly and politely ask for the following:

      • Add you to the waiting list for the next flight free of charge. Reserve passengers are allowed on board the aircraft, if available. free places or if someone refused the flight.
      • If you can't wait, check your chances of flying soon if you're on the standby list. If the odds are slim, ask for a discounted ticket on the next flight with a guaranteed departure (not always available).
      • A meal voucher and a hotel room if you have to wait overnight (unlikely unless the airline is at fault for your missed flight).
      • Free phone call if you don't have a phone.
   • If you're flying between two U.S. airports, look at average flight delays on the Bureau of Transportation Statistics website. Add "average arrival delay" to the recommended transfer time.
   • Direct flights, as a rule, require a change of plane if the flight is to another continent. On short direct flights, you have the opportunity to remain on the plane while it is at the intermediate airport.
   • If you are crossing the border, the flight attendants will give you a customs declaration during the flight. Fill out the form before landing to save time.
   • If you have too much time between flights and are tired of waiting, ask the ticket office if you can be added to the list of standby passengers for an earlier flight. Typically, this is only possible if you have a few hours of wait time.
   • Many airlines offer more expensive tickets that allow for faster transfers. For example, you may be given the opportunity to be one of the first to leave the aircraft or undergo an expedited security screening before boarding. It could be good option, if you have to take multiple flights with two or more stops.

In your arms. You have selected the dates, price and are preparing for the trip. But there is important point: The flight has a transfer.

You can find out how a flight with a transfer from plane to plane takes place from this article.

You can fly to many countries only by making a transfer. Around the world, many thousands of passengers arrive at one airport every month to in 2-5 hours go to the next one.

If you need to make a transfer, then when choosing such flights, be guided by the factors listed below.

Transfer time

This is extremely important. Many airlines offer time - from 30 minutes to a day. But, as practice shows, 30 minutes is an extremely short period of time.

Especially if the transfer is made at a large airport. Please note that you will spend time not only moving from one exit to the other, but also queuing from the plane, then going through passport and customs control.

Always keep tickets with your passport in your hands or pocket so you can get them quickly

And the stress that accompanies any trip should not be discounted. Many passengers in the first minutes of arrival at a new airport are simply lost and cannot figure out where to go.

The best option is about 2 hours. This time is enough to get out of the plane and find your way around the airport. This is if you are flying with the same airline. When, if your flight is operated by two different companies, then you need at least 3 hours, since you will still have to get your luggage and check in again for the next flight.

Transit airport

This factor directly depends on the first. Since depending on which country the airport is located in, they will apply different rules for transit passengers.

For example, in Europe, Russian citizens can stay in one terminal, without exiting the city or another terminal, without having a Schengen visa in hand, for 24 hours.

Therefore, carefully study the visa policy of the transit country. Indeed, in many of them you cannot go into the city during a transfer at the airport or even leave the terminal at all.

Read the signs carefully

Is it possible to leave the airport during a transfer with a visa in hand or if Russia has a visa-free regime with this country? Yes, in this case you can, but it’s better to put it in a storage room and calculate the exact time to return to your flight on time.

In general, before your trip, carefully study the airport map, or better yet, download it to your phone or tablet.

This will help you find your way out faster. It will also reduce the stress that many people experience. Especially for those for whom transfer at the airport is the first time.

Types of flights with transfers

Tickets with transfers are divided into 2 types:

1. When you fly with the same airline or companies that are part of the same alliance.
2. And when you fly on two different airlines.

That's two different cases, which we will discuss below.

We fly with the same airline

How to fly with one airline? If both flights are operated by the same company, then I can immediately say that you get rid of all sorts of problems. It's more convenient option in all senses.

Firstly, Air tickets with transfers will be issued to you and checked in immediately before the point of arrival. Just in case, you can tell them during registration that they definitely do this.

Secondly, upon arrival at the transit point, all you have to do is get off the plane, go through passport and customs control, find your exit and calmly wait for the boarding announcement.

After the plane lands, get out of it and look around. Almost all airports have signs indicating the location of terminals and exits to the field.

Before registration, prepare your passport and e-ticket in advance

If there are none or they are written in a language you do not understand, contact the airport staff. On English language at least they say it in almost every country.

There is one method that can sometimes work. Listen to the conversations of people who are standing next to you. If they need to go to the same exit as you, then just follow them.

You may have to go through passport control, but this does not happen in all cases. For example, if you come from African countries to Europe, your passports must be checked, but let’s say in Belarus they no longer do.

You may be asked several simple questions: purpose of arrival in the country, purpose of travel to the country of arrival, etc. In this case, answer calmly and accurately. There is no need to be angry or nervous. This may, on the contrary, arouse suspicion among staff.

Next, you just have to go through customs control and sit comfortably in a chair, waiting for your flight to be announced. However, you shouldn’t relax either. From time to time, check the exit number on the board. It can be changed.

We fly with two different airlines

In this case, it is better to use the connection offered by various search engines. It is not recommended to plan and connect flights yourself.

If 2 flights are performed, then upon arrival at the transit point you need to do the following.

After passing through passport control, go straight to claim your luggage. This may take an indefinite amount of time.

Usually the flow of passengers from one flight immediately goes there. So just follow the familiar faces.

After arrival, go straight to claim your luggage

Once received, go to the check-in counter and check in for your next flight. To do this, you may have to change the terminal.

Please note that different countries different visa policies. For example, in Europe you cannot leave the territory of one terminal if you do not have a Schengen visa.

As you can see, flying with a transfer is quite simple. To do this, plan your trip and follow the tips mentioned above.

Many passengers are flying transit flights: due to the lack of direct lines to the desired point or due to savings (with a connection/transfer it is cheaper). There are also those who specifically select flights that allow them to visit another country during a transfer. For example, you can fly from Samara to Tbilisi via Istanbul. The question arises: “Is such a passenger allowed to leave the terminal building?” Usually, during transit, you can leave the airport if you have the required visa. But there are countries where Russian citizens will not require a visa: Türkiye, Vietnam, Thailand, etc.

Let's look at the situation using examples of popular destinations.

Dubai, UAE)

To enter the city, Russians will need a visa. It will be easiest for those who fly with UAE airlines - Emirates Airlines or flyDubai. In this case, after arrival, you go to the “Immigration Control” counter, and a visa for 30 days is added to your passport free of charge.

Previously, you had to order a transit visa from the carrier in advance via the Internet. Now the rules have been simplified.

If the flight is not carried out by a national company, the visa issue must be clarified with the carrier.

If you are not going to go to the city, your ticket is one to your final destination, and in Dubai you are just making a transfer, then you do not need a visa.

Istanbul

Citizens of the Russian Federation can stay in Turkey without a visa for up to 60 days. If you are flying with Turkish Airlines or Pegasus Airlines, you can leave the airport without any problems.

If you are specifically planning a route with a transfer to explore local attractions or go shopping, it will be convenient to choose suitable option using the Skyskanner service. It is advisable that the transfer be in the afternoon or evening, and the time between the two flights is at least 4 hours. The road to Istanbul from Ataturk Airport will take about 30 minutes, from Sabiha Gochken Airport - about 1.5 hours

Schengen

When connecting in one of the countries included in the Schengen area, you usually do not need to obtain a transport visa. Exceptions are cases when:

1. The transplant takes more than a day.
2. You are planning to leave the airport - to the city or even to another terminal, if the terminals are not connected by a transit zone.
3. You will have to make several transfers in the Schengen area.
4. If you have a layover in Berlin and you are not flying with Air Berlin.
5. If you do not have a connection, but 2 separate air tickets. In this case, you will have to leave the transit area and go get your luggage.

Information about whether you can exit the airport building in the city where you are making a transfer can be conveniently obtained on the KLM website. You will need to enter information about your nationality, citizenship, country of departure, transfer and arrival. And indicate the countries you have visited in the last 6 days. After this, you will receive a list of documents that need to be completed, as well as information about the required vaccinations.

During the transfer

After arriving at the point where the transfer will be made, at the airport terminal the passenger enters the transit zone. It is also called pure or neutral.

Passengers who have passed customs and passport control gather here after checking in for flights, when boarding passes have already been issued. Those who have just arrived also find themselves in the clean zone. As well as foreigners flying in transit to another country. Until they leave the clean zone and go through passport control, it is considered that they have not yet arrived in the territory of that country.

If you have to transfer to another plane after a short period of time, it is better not to leave the clean area. There are places to relax, cafes, shops.

There are airports where there is no transit zone. Then you will have to go through passport control to make the transfer. Whether you need to apply for a visa - this question will have to be clarified with the airline or consulate. If the answer is yes, this means that without a visa you will not be able to make a transfer. But having received a visa, you can easily leave the airport building to spend the time before departure at your own discretion.

Everything about transit and baggage handling on a connecting flight

For some, flying is a journey, pleasure and adventure, for others - several hours of tiring travel to their destination. And if flying on one plane is an experience familiar to most tourists, then flying in transit often causes fear and anxiety in many travelers. In fact, a connecting flight is not as scary as it seems at first glance, and in some cases it turns out to be the most the best option. As a rule, a transit flight will allow you to save on your ticket, sometimes very significantly. In addition, there are many places in the world that cannot be reached by direct flight, and if you are a true adventurer and crave... interesting travels, then you simply cannot avoid connecting flights. Let's figure out how a flight with a transfer occurs, how baggage is processed during a transit flight and some other rules transit flight.

Transit flight rules

A transit flight implies the presence of an intermediate point between the place of departure and the final destination of the trip, where the passenger will have to change one plane to another. In this case, it is possible different variants developments of events.

The first is when all segments of your flights are carried out by one airline or partner companies, members of the same air alliance. In this case, you can obtain all the necessary information from crew members and airline employees (for example, Aeroflot airline provides sufficient detailed information according to the minimum connection time for the airport on its official website). Additionally, the airline is responsible for flight delays, and if you miss your connection due to a previous plane being delayed, they will make sure to put you on the next available flight.

The second is when flights are operated by different airlines that are in no way connected with each other. In this case, you will have to be more careful when planning your trip, since you will be responsible for missing your connecting flight.

Regardless of which airline you use for your connecting flight, always carefully calculate the time required for transit. Remember to allow more time before your international flight to clear passport and customs control. Study well transit airport. Arrival and departure can take place at different terminals, and maybe at different airports. In this case, think in advance about how you will get from one airport to another.

It would be a good idea to study the layout of the terminals so that the enormous size transport hubs did not come as a surprise to you.

Visa for transit flight

Thoroughly study the visa rules of the transit country. Sometimes a visa is only needed if you are going to leave the airport (for example, if you need to go into the city to move to another airport for departure). In other cases, a visa is needed to leave the transit zone, and if you need to receive and re-register luggage during a transit flight on your next flight yourself, this means that you will leave the transit zone. Some countries require a transit visa for any flight with a transfer on its territory (for example, the USA).

Baggage during a transit flight

Baggage rules for transit flights also depend on the airlines operating the flight and the airports involved. If you're traveling on one ticket, you'll likely be able to check your baggage through to your final destination and the airline will take care of it. It is imperative that you receive your luggage at an intermediate point during a flight with transit and you will need to check it in yourself again for the next flight if you are transporting items that are subject to declaration.

If you are flying on different tickets, or the transit airport does not allow you to send your luggage directly without your participation, you will also have to take care of your luggage yourself. Take these circumstances into account in advance when planning your connection time.

As you can see, the rules for transit flights are quite simple and require only a little care. We hope that this article helped you understand how a flight with a transfer works, and a transit flight will allow you to save money on your trip.