How to avoid missing your connecting flight this summer – and the two mistakes passengers make
SUMMER is approaching and the last thing you need is missing the connecting flight to your much-awaited holiday.
Passengers tend to make two common mistakes that will only add more stress to a troubled trip, but they can be simply solved.
Every flier misses a connection at some point, whether due to airline delays, storms, or poorly planned layovers.
While it might undoubtedly disrupt your trip plans, there are some ways that will get your itinerary back on track.
The simplest method to prevent missing a connecting flight in the first place is to schedule a layover that allows you enough time to get through the terminal.
It can be easier said than done as every airport terminal has a different layout and size.
There’s also an element of luck. Sometimes your flight will be just two gates – and a short walk – away from each other.
But there are times where you’ll need to run from one end of the airport to the extreme opposite one.
Brett Snyder, president airline assistance firm of Cranky Concierge, told Conde Nast Traveller: “There is no fixed answer [to calculate the best layover].
“It depends on the airport and terminal configuration. If someone is flying in the morning via a smaller airport, they might not need more than half an hour.
“But if it’s an inbound international flight landing at JFK that requires changing terminals, then two hours might make sense.”
For connecting domestic flights, a minimum layover of one hour is recommended, while for international flights, a minimum layover of two hours.
Even yet, such criteria might not be sufficient for some major airports or international hubs (such as London Heathrow), which have extra security checks for connecting passengers whose flights originated outside the United Kingdom.
So it’s good to make every effort to learn as much as you can about the airport’s design and any rules you may have to follow while you’re waiting.
During peak travel seasons, you might wish to increase those estimations even further.
“There are more people traveling and especially during the summer, there is a higher chance of thunderstorms that can disrupt travel more,” Snyder said.
“But it really is up to individual preference.”
The first common mistake made by many passengers is not trying to contact your airline in every way.
They are always equipped to help you get back on track.
Snyder said: “Try everything.
“Get on the phone with reservations, stand in line at a desk to see an agent, send a tweet, try chat.
“Whatever options the airline gives, the traveler should take advantage and use the first one that comes available.”
US airlines will usually provide you a free seat on the next available flight.
You might receive an automated text message or notice on your airline app informing you that you have been rescheduled.
But that’s not something flyers can always rely on.
It can be far more difficult for the airlines to automatically rebook passengers if there are no clear flights available or if the trip involves many carriers.
The traveller might also not find auto-rebooking to be an acceptable alternative even if it happens.
If an airline is unable to rebook you automatically—or you do not like the flight you have been assigned—you must contact a customer care agent in person at the airport, over the phone, or online.
You can head to a customer service kiosk in the terminal or call your airline’s customer service number.
While you wait to talk to an airline person, it’s a good idea to check at your alternatives for flights. This will ensure that you have your ideal circumstances ready and help things move forward more quickly.
Another mistake is not immediately informing the cabin crew as soon as you know you might not make it to your connection.
If you happen to be on a delayed flight and the next one is operated by the same airline, they can ask non-connecting passengers to remain in their seats so you disembark from the aircraft more quickly.
They can also assist you in locating important details, such as the departure gate for your next trip, so you can immediately get off the plane and start your next adventure.