Direct flights are generally considered to be the best way to fly. Travel time is shorter, you don’t have to worry about a delay or cancellation affecting your connecting flight, and there’s less chance that your luggage will be lost. So you may be asking yourself why would anyone connect? Well, there are certain situations that make connecting the better option – i.e. better departing or arriving times, if it’ll save you a significant amount over booking direct, or you want to add a stopover city. These are when you may find yourself booking connecting flights.. And of course there are times when flying direct just isn’t an option. Here’s everything you need to know when it comes to booking connecting flights.
Connecting or Self-Connecting
There are two types of connecting flights, those that are preset by the airlines and those that you book yourself. The first type is the traditional method. There could be a couple different layover city options and layover times, but when you book your ticket you are booking both flights that get you to your final destination. The second type is known as a self-connecting flight. This is where you book two unrelated tickets that get you to your destination. Self-connecting has become much more popular in recent years.
Booking Connecting Flights
While the airlines set up their traditional connecting flights, you do have some control. Most major airlines will offer connections in several of their hubs so you can choose your connecting airport. This is important if you’re traveling during the winter months or if you want to avoid certain hubs.
You’ll also notice that there will be different layover times. While you should be able to trust the airline’s scheduling, you can’t. We’ve seen layovers as short as 30 minutes and as long as 8 hours. While they will assist you if you miss your connection, it’s not worth the headache. Book your connecting flights with enough time in your layover. Remember that some airports may require a terminal change and a shuttle ride even though you’re flying with the same airline. (We’re looking at you Dallas-Fort Worth). And avoid multiple layovers as it just increases your chances for delays or cancellations on one or more of your flights.
If you’re flying internationally you should know that self-connecting flights aren’t the only way to score a stopover. There are some airlines such as Emirates and Icelandair that are known for their generous stopover policies. For example, you can schedule your flights with a layover of up to seven nights in Reykjavik for free on Icelandair. Be sure to research these opportunities before booking.
Why Book Self-Connecting Flights?
Self-connecting flights can be a real money saver. Sometimes Ft. Lauderdale Airport won’t have the cheapest flights, but Tampa International does. Have you ever considered booking a budget flight from FLL to TIA? This is when self-connecting might be the better option. It opens your access to flights from neighboring airports.
Even if you’re not looking to book self-connecting to save money, you may be interested for a variety of other reasons. Maybe you want to avoid Atlanta-Hartsfield Airport that Delta filters you through or you’d like to create a stopover in Chicago before reaching your final destination. You have much more control when you plan your own connections.
Self-Connecting Flights: Things to Remember
- Baggage
- If you book your own connections you will be responsible for your luggage. This means that if you check a bag you will have to leave the terminal to go to baggage claim to retrieve it. Afterwards you’ll have to go to the ticket counter for your next flight to check it again. And you guessed it, you’ll have to go through security again. This won’t be an issue if you created a long stopover, but for most self-connecting routes this can be a hassle. Using carry-on luggage only is preferred, but be prepared that if you don’t have priority boarding you may be forced to gate check.
- Delays
- You will be responsible if you miss your self-connecting flight. Some airlines will assist you in rebooking, but there is no guarantee. You may be forced to forfeit what you paid and purchase a new ticket on the spot. Scheduling enough layover time is crucial when you self-connect.
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