Plane journeys with a change in planes

REM1307

Hi,

I've got a plane journey with a change in planes. I've never done this before. How does it work/ what happens?

Do I need to wait at the carousel to get my suitcase like I would after a normal flight or is it changed for me automatically?

Do I need to go through customs at my changing airport even though it won't be my final stop?

What happens if my flight in is delayed so I miss my connecting flight? Do the airline put you on a new flight or is it down to me to pay for another one? Does travel insurance cover this cost if so?

Again, sorry if these are really obvious.

simpywimpy

Ive just done this in the US

I had to go through customs after the first flight/landing in the US and then collect my luggage as usual.

You then follow signs for connection flights and hand in your luggage and go to the new gate for the second flight.

If you were then entering a different country on your second landing, you would need to clear customs again.

If you were staying (as we did) in the US and both flights were within the US, the return journey would be slightly different in that your luggage could go straight through without you having to collect it after your first flight but check with the airline at check in.

If you miss your connection, they usually put you on the next available flight though really it is up to you to book reachable times for a connection. If you are using the same airline for both flights, they will be responsible for you if you dont make it and I believe, once you are checked in, if for some reason you don't get your flight, the airline is then responsible for putting you in a hotel for example

AHAR

If both legs of the journey are with the same airline your baggage will be dealt with through to the final destination. Customs procedures may depend on where you're going. Usually you just hang around in the airport terminal until it's time to get on the next plane.
I missed a connecting flight in Dubai because the incoming flight had been delayed. I had to wait hours at the transfer desk as there were a huge number of flights affected by foggy weather in Dubai. They put me up in a hotel overnight since there was only one flight per day to where I was going. Since I was leaving the airport I then had to go through immigration. The hotel fed me and I was taken back to the airport the next day. It didn't cost me a penny. My travel insurance paid out £40 for the 24hour delay once I finally provided them with a letter from Emirates stating what had happened and the times of the flights I took.

If you miss a flight because a different airline didn't get you to the airport on time I expect they won't be as helpful.

Blue264

Can I ask where you are flying to and which airlines you are using please?
Also, have you booked the flights independently or as a package deal?

merlinormartin

I'am glad someone asked this questions, i've been wondering the same thing!

I fly with NWA (northwest Airlines) Heathrow -> LA via Minneapolis.... has anyone done the same journey? is it a smooth change?

Many Thanks!

MidlandsMum

With any flight to the US where you are connecting you will have to clear immigration after your first flight. It's a bit of a pain, but it's got to be done. Just think of it like changing buses or trains, with a little bit of paperwork in between. And yes, if you miss your connection due to no fault of your own and you have booked the trip as one ticket you will be moved to the next flight or accomodated until they can get you to your destination.

richardw

Where are you going to?

Are both flight sectors on one ticket?

REM1307

Thanks for all the replies.

For everyone who asked - I'm flying from Gatwick to Las Vegas changing at Charlotte with US Airways, and the reverse (same airline and change) booked as a package.

alanrowell

As you are going through the US the rules are somewhat different compared to most countries

On arrival at Charlotte you will have to get off the plane, go through immigration, COLLECT YOUR LUGGAGE, then recheck it for your onward flight as you must clear immigration & customs at your entry point to the US

Coming back you won't have to do that and the luggage should be checked through all the way

If you miss your onward flight you should be put on another flight as you have booked UK to LV and you just happen to have to go through another airport

NOTE the airline will try to put you on the cheapest flight for them - which may mean an unexpected tour of the US.

STAND your ground and insist on a direct flight - and prepare for it by checking which routings you could take

Mardrew

I hope you don't mind if I jump on to this thread.

We are going to Boston via Amsterdam soon. (Expedia.au glitch) We are flying with KLM & Northwest Airlines on the same Expedia booking.

When we change at Amsterdam do we just make our way to the Boston gate and our luggage is automatically transferred to the next plane? Sorry if this is a daft question.

dzug1

Mardrew wrote: »

I hope you don't mind if I jump on to this thread.

We are going to Boston via Amsterdam soon. (Expedia.au glitch) We are flying with KLM & Northwest Airlines on the same Expedia booking.

When we change at Amsterdam do we just make our way to the Boston gate and our luggage is automatically transferred to the next plane? Sorry if this is a daft question.

At Amsterdam your luggage will be checked through - you don't need to collect it and recheck.