Connecting flights can save you real money, but only if you plan them carefully. A flight with a stop, professionally known as a “Connection Flight,” is a flight where the aircraft does not reach the final destination directly but stops at an intermediate airport where passengers are required to change planes. The choice of such a flight usually stems from two main reasons: significant cost savings or the absence of direct flights to the desired destination. The economic feasibility of a flight with a stop can be dramatic. On transatlantic flights (for example, to the USA) or to destinations in the Far East, a flight with a stop may save between 20% to 50% of the direct ticket price. However, the term “worthwhile” is not only measured in money but also in time and comfort. A flight with too short a stop (less than an hour) is a recipe for stress and missing the connecting flight, while a stop that is too long (over 10 hours) without leaving the airport can become a burden. The key to success is understanding the type of ticket: whether it is a single continuous ticket that provides airline responsibility or an independent flight split.
Types of Connecting Flights and Their Critical Differences
To make an informed decision, it is important to distinguish between two main types of flights with a stop, as they directly affect insurance responsibility and baggage handling.
1. “Classic” Connection (Single Ticket)
In this situation, the airline (or the site from which you purchased the ticket) sells you a single ticket from Tel Aviv to the final destination, including the stop. In flight hunting, if baggage is included in all legs of the flight, this is a built-in connection flight on a single ticket. Also, if it is the same airline, it is likely a single flight ticket that includes the connection flight.
- Main Advantage – Responsibility: If the first flight was delayed and caused you to miss the connecting flight, the airline is obligated to arrange an alternative flight for you, and sometimes even a hotel and meals, at no additional cost.
- Baggage: In most cases, the suitcases are sent directly from the first destination to the final destination (Check-through) and there is no need to collect them at the intermediate station.
2. Self-Transfer Connection
This is a very popular method among low-cost airlines or price comparison sites. Here the passenger purchases two separate tickets (for example: Tel Aviv-Rome with Company A, and Rome-Lisbon with Company B).
- The Risk: There is no connection between the companies. If the first flight was late, the second flight is “lost” and there is no refund or compensation.
- The Solution: In such deals, it is mandatory to take a large safety margin (minimum 4-5 hours) and if possible, purchase travel insurance that covers the cancellation of a connecting flight due to delay, or use protection services offered by some booking sites.
- Baggage: It is mandatory to collect the suitcase at the intermediate station, exit to the passenger hall, and re-check-in for the next flight.
When is a Flight with a Stop an “Opportunity” and Not Just a Saving?
Beyond financial savings, experienced travelers use stops as a tool to upgrade the vacation. This phenomenon is called Stopover (extended stop). Many airlines (such as Turkish Airlines, TAP Portugal, Ethiopian Airlines, and Emirates) encourage tourism in their countries and offer official Stopover programs. If your stop lasts more than a certain number of hours (usually 20-24 hours), the company may offer you a free night in a luxury hotel, a guided city tour at its expense, and transportation to and from the airport. Thus, at the price of a single cheap ticket, you “earn” a visit to an additional destination (for example, a day in Istanbul or Lisbon) on the way to New York or Thailand.
Risk Management: How Much Time Should Be Left Between Flights?
The Minimum Connection Time (MCT) varies between airports.
- On a Single Ticket: If the system allowed you to buy a ticket with a 50-minute stop in Munich or Zurich, it means the airport is prepared for it and the company takes responsibility. It’s tight, but possible.
- In Giant Airports (like Heathrow or Charles de Gaulle): It is recommended not to take a stop of less than an hour and a half to two hours, even on a single ticket, due to the vast distances between terminals and the need to sometimes undergo additional security checks.
- On Flights to the USA: It should be noted that entry into the USA (passport and customs control) is done at the first landing point in America. Therefore, if you have a connection in New York for a domestic flight to Miami, you must collect luggage and go through immigration. In this case, it is mandatory to leave a margin of at least 3 hours.
To assist you in planning the transition, we have compiled frequently asked questions from our community regarding connecting flights:
Frequently Asked Questions About Connection Flights
Can I leave the airport during the stop? Yes, provided you have enough time (recommended at least 6-7 net hours between landing and takeoff) and you have an entry visa to the country where the stop is made. In Europe (Schengen countries), an Israeli passport allows free exit. In the USA, Canada, or China, you will need a valid visa to leave the airport, and sometimes even to stay inside the terminal (transit visa). What happens if the suitcase does not arrive at the final destination? In the case of a connection on a single ticket, the responsibility lies with the last airline that brought you to the destination. You should go to the “Lost and Found” counter at the landing airport and fill out a report. Usually, the suitcase will arrive on the next flight and be sent to your hotel. In travel insurance, there is often financial compensation for delayed baggage arrival to help you buy initial equipment. See the article I wrote about this case that happened to me on a flight from the USA Is it advisable to buy at Duty-Free on the first flight? Be cautious with purchasing liquids (alcohol/perfumes) over 100 ml on the first flight. If at the intermediate airport you need to undergo an additional security check before the second flight, security personnel may confiscate the products if they are not packed in a special sealed bag (STEB) with a receipt inside. In Europe, the rules are more uniform, but crossing continents can be problematic. Are flights with a stop always cheaper? Usually yes, but not always. Sometimes, when an airline tries to fill a direct flight at the last minute, or if there are many flights a day to the desired destination, the direct price may match the price of connection flights. Therefore, it is always recommended to compare all options before booking. InFlight Hunter in the flight search results – the cheapest options will always be displayed.</span
