A transit (transfer) flight is a flight that involves at least one stopover on the way to the final destination. Such flights can be both international and domestic. They are operated by one or more different airlines.
Every year, a huge number of travelers fly with a transfer. Firstly, it is often cheaper: a flight with a transfer will save up to 40%. Secondly, a passenger can get to the desired point relatively quickly in the absence of direct flights. In addition, if the route involves a transfer, you can look at the city in the transit zone (but this will not work in all countries). In order not to be late for the plane and monitor any changes in the movement of aircraft, tourists use special services, for example, flightradar, which allows you to monitor the movement of aircraft online.
Connecting and transfer flights: what is the difference between them?
There are two main types of transit: connecting and transfer flights. It is important not to confuse these concepts. A connection flight is a flight with a stopover at one or more points with a single ticket. Payment for the travel document is made only once - on the carrier's or intermediary's website. With a transfer flight, the passenger purchases several separate tickets, and must check in at each airport where the transfer occurs. In addition, a connecting flight requires a one-time passport control. With a transfer, it must be done each time - responsibility for this, as well as for being late for the plane, lies solely with the traveler.
What to do with luggage
The rules for transporting baggage during a transit flight depend on the airlines and airports involved. During a connecting flight, the passenger does not have to worry about the fate of things: their transfer to another aircraft is handled by the service company. But there are exceptions. For example, a flight to the USA with a transfer in one of the American cities. The passenger must receive the baggage, go through security check again and then check it in.
When flying with a transfer and changing airports, you must check in and pick up your luggage yourself. This must be clarified during check-in. Therefore, it is important to carefully plan the time required for these procedures.
When can online plane tracking be useful?
If you have a connecting flight, it is important to take care of the necessary time reserve. Keep your documents and tickets with you so that you can check the data (departure time, flight number, etc.) with the information on the airport board at any time. Also, install a flight tracker on your smartphone to receive information about the departure and arrival times of planes. Such tools allow you not only to promptly receive important information, but also to usefully while away the time waiting at the airport. In addition, your family and friends will be able to track the movement of your plane - for example, if they are preparing to meet you.
Source: trn-news.ru