A connecting flight is legally considered one continuous journey, booked as one single itinerary, but with one or more stops on the way to your final destination. Connecting flights are fairly common.
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A connecting flight or transit flight is to reach the final destination through two or more flights, namely, traveling without any direct flights.
The difference between being in transfer and being on layover/stopover is that transfer passengers cannot enter the country. Assuming you are on an international flight you remain “airside” in the airport – you are with the other checked-in passengers awaiting flights, and you cannot leave the airport.
Can you leave the airport during a layover while traveling on a domestic flight? Yes, you can leave the airport during domestic layovers. For instance, if you're a US citizen and have a layover within the country, it is legal and safe to leave the airport.
You'll need to pick-up your luggage, then check it in again for the next flight. Top Tip: A wait at the airport between two connecting flights is called a layover. For more travel advice, check out our guide to dealing with a short layover.
Overall, passengers usually have to re-clear security for connecting flights, though there may be some exceptions depending on the airport and flight itinerary. To make this process easier, checking with the airline or airport ahead of time is recommended.
The recommended layover time for domestic flights is normally one hour. However, as previously stated, you may require longer if your flights are booked with two different airlines, if you are traveling to a very busy airport or if you require special assistance.
Factor in a minimum three-hour window when flying to high traffic airports or traveling during peak days or hours. It's also important to know if you have to exit your terminal, collect your bags, and go through security again. If so, it's best to add another hour cushion for self-transfer flights.
In travel, a transfer is local travel arranged as part of an itinerary, typically airport to hotel and hotel to hotel. Transfer has some features that distinguish it from ground transportation alternatives.
The driver or airport attendant will guide you to the transfer vehicle, and you will be on your way to the destination. Since it's a door-to-door service where the driver will load/unload all of your luggage on to the vehicle, you can travel to your destination safely and comfortably without a worry.
An airport transit visa is generally required if you travel internationally and if you need to transit through a country. Even if you do not intend to leave the airport, you may need an airport transit visa.
Airlines will transfer your checked bags if a codeshare or interline agreement exists between them. You can find out what agreements your airline has by visiting their website.
What is a good connection time? Travel advisers say there's a lot to take into account when booking connecting flights, but a general rule of thumb is 60-90 minutes between domestic flights and at least two to three hours for international itineraries.
There are two different types of connecting flights. There are those that are included as one route on your ticket and scheduled by the airline or OTA, and then there those which you plan yourself and book separately, known as self-connecting flights.
The main difference between a stopover and layover is length of time. Stopover rules vary by airline, but are essentially longer layovers — at least 24 hours in length. Layovers, meanwhile, are connections less than a day in length depending on if you're flying domestically or internationally.
A stopover can be a layover, but it can also be a much longer stop – often a second destination on part of a multi-stop itinerary. If traveling domestically, a stopover typically qualifies as anything that lasts longer than four hours.
In most cases, passengers on layover flights must clear customs and immigration at the first point of entry. If you want to simplify the process, consider applying for Global Entry.