A tight connection is a time problem, and the way to win is to start working on it before the wheels touch the ground. Passengers who wait until they are in the jet bridge lose fifteen minutes they did not have.
In the air
- 1Check the airline app as soon as wifi is available for the new gate and status of your next flight.
- 2Tell the crew your flight number and departure time and ask what they know.
- 3Ask if you can move to a seat nearer the front for a faster exit.
- 4Repack so you can walk immediately, with nothing in the overhead bin if possible.
- 5Look at the terminal map so you already know the direction to walk.
On the ground
Walk, do not run into a crowd. Follow the transfer or flight connections signs rather than the exit signs. If there is a transfer security check, have your liquids and electronics ready to go straight into a tray.
If staff are waiting at the aircraft door holding a sign with flight numbers, speak to them. They are there specifically for connecting passengers and can escort you or confirm your rebooking.
If you are going to miss it
Stop rushing and start problem solving. Go to the airline transfer desk, not out to arrivals, and get in the queue. While you queue, call the airline and check the app for the next available flights so you can name a specific option when you reach an agent.
- Ask about the next flight on the same airline, then about partner airlines.
- Ask about a different nearby airport for the same city.
- If you will be stuck overnight, ask about hotel and meal provision.
- Get any new boarding pass in your hand before you leave the desk.
- Keep every document and note the agent's name.
Your baggage
If you are on one ticket, your bag stays in the system and will normally follow you onto the new flight. Confirm this with the agent rather than assuming. If your bag has already arrived at the destination without you, it will be held at the baggage office there.
Preventing the problem next time
Book the earliest flight of the day for the first leg, since delays accumulate as the day goes on. Prefer connections in your airline's own hub, where they have the most rebooking options. Avoid separate tickets when the total saving is small compared with the cost of a missed flight.
Common questions
- Should I tell the crew or wait for an announcement?
- Tell the crew. Announcements usually cover only a few connections and may not include yours.
- Can I be met and escorted?
- Some airlines do this at their hubs for very tight connections. Ask on board rather than expecting it.
- Does travel insurance cover a missed connection?
- Some policies include missed connection cover with conditions on the minimum delay. Read your policy wording and keep all documentation.
Still stuck on something?
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