Airport transit tips: connecting flights without stress

By the Nexara Holidays travel desk · 2 min read

Connecting flights are common on international trips, especially to Europe, the Americas and Africa. A few rules make transit easy.

Book connections on one ticket

When both flights are on one ticket, the airline is responsible if a delay makes you miss your connection, and bags are usually checked through to your final destination. Separate tickets carry more risk.

Check transit visa rules

Some countries require a transit visa even if you stay airside. Others require a visa if you change terminals or need to collect bags. Check official sources before booking.

Allow enough time

Every airport has a minimum connection time, but tight connections are stressful, especially with children or elderly travellers. Two to four hours is comfortable.

Know whether your bags are checked through

Ask at check-in. If you need to collect bags and re-check them, you may need to pass through immigration, which requires a visa.

At the transit airport

• Follow "transfers" or "connections" signs.
• Check the departure screens for your gate.
• Keep your passport and boarding passes ready.
• Liquids bought at duty-free must be in sealed bags if you have another security check.

Long layovers

Big hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Singapore have lounges, transit hotels, showers and even free tours or activities for long layovers. Or turn the layover into a stopover. See Turn your layover into a holiday: Middle East stopovers.

If you miss a connection

Go to the airline's transfer desk immediately. If the delay was the airline's fault and the flights are on one ticket, they should rebook you.

Travel insurance

Insurance can cover costs from missed connections. See Travel insurance explained: what it covers and why it matters.