How to Connect Flights on Different Airlines

Connecting flights

Connecting two flights from two different airlines can be tricky, especially if you have to do it with minimal time in a massive airport. However, the key to such an endeavor is forward-thinking, lots of planning and allotting ample time for hiccups. Keep in mind that connecting flights in Huntsville, Alabama, is a whole lot different from connecting flights in New York's JFK International Airport.

Instructions

1. Decide whether the hassle is worth it. If you are connecting flights to save $20 or $30, you may find that it's not worth your time. Close connections are often missed, luggage lost and problems compounded when switching between one airline and the next, especially when time is short. If changing airlines isn't absolutely necessary, consider forgoing it.

2. Find out whether the two or more airlines you are considering purchasing tickets from and connecting between will connect your baggage for you. Some airlines will cooperate, while others will not. You'll need time to de-board, find baggage claim, check-in again, check your baggage again at the appropriate desk or counter (which could be in a different building entirely) and find your gate. Clearly, the standard connection times of 45 minutes to an hour cease to apply.

3. Look for a streamlined itinerary. Websites such as Priceline.com and Hotwire.com often offer cheap tickets with connecting flights on a series of airlines. Sometimes these will have two, three or more connections. Not only can this be a hassle, but coordinating it can seem impossible. Each airline will have their own policy about connecting checked luggage or stand-bys provided if your flight is missed altogether. It is wise to involve as few airlines as possible and to be familiar with their policies beforehand.

4. Purchase your flights with the aim of padding connection time. An hour to connect at O'Hare International Airport sounds fine, if you're staying on the same airline. But if you aren't, this is a recipe for disaster. A safer connection would entail two- to two-and-a-half hours or more, with time for delays. Keep in mind that most domestic flights consider any flight within four hours a connection, or in the case of international, any flight within 24 hours. Many airports have online maps now that will allow you to see the general proximity of airlines. This will allow you to surmise how far you'll need to travel in the allotted time. It'll also prevent you from fumbling on the day of the flight, as you try to determine which gate you should be seeking out on arrival.

5. When the day of travel arrives, carry-on bags should be few and light, printed maps of airports should be in hand, and contact information for any travel agents or airlines involved should be readily available. If a connecting flight is missed for whatever reason, never admit fault. Admitting fault could be the difference between the next stand-by flight free of charge or another, the next day, at full ticket first-class price. In summary, streamline your itinerary, allow lots of time for layovers, keep a level head and, whenever possible, pack light.

References

• Bid on Travel: How to Book Airfares to Avoid Problems