How to Make a Connecting Flight from Nigeria
With the Naira running sluggishly against the fastest currencies, making cross-border payments may not be for the faint-hearted. Many Nigerians opt for connecting flights because the direct flight costs are way beyond their financial budget.
Connecting flights allows one-stop flight service from anywhere to anywhere else. However, you may miss your connection if you don't take the time to process the stages involved.
While you may not completely prevent losing your connection, you can reduce the risk with this Pay4Me guide.
Know the minimum connection time
You should know the minimum connection time at your connecting airport. Every airline has its standard minimum connecting times at each serving hub. In addition, you can find the minimum times at your connecting point if you use a travel agency or an airline's website for your booking.
The minimum connecting times can be as low as 30 minutes and usually less than 60 minutes for domestic-to-domestic connections. However, if you are travelling abroad, it can last for some hours.
Fly on a single ticket
When you use a single ticket for your connecting flight, it becomes easier to save more, especially for checking baggage. In addition, the booking systems would incorporate the requisite flight times.
If you use two tickets on your connecting flights, you may miss your connection, and things may not look great. You should stick to a single ticket to avoid unnecessary stress like re-checking or re-processing.
Stick to one alliance or airline on a connection
You should try to book connecting flights on an alliance or a single airline. Be mindful that each big hub airport may involve scaling through security terminals. In some cases, the airlines offer shuttles or inside-security people movers to any gates they use.
Pad your schedule
If you miss your connection on a single ticket, the airlines will find the next available flight for you, provided there is an available seat. So how do you handle this situation? Many passengers pad their flight schedules when they schedule more extended layovers at their connecting hubs.
You can spend up to four hours or more at an airport abroad if you have a connecting flight. Airlines with more flights on both legs of your journey can allow you to enjoy this extended layover. However, ensure this time luxury before extending your minimum time at your connecting point.
Avoid the last connection.
Pay4Me recommends that you don't book the last connection because it may require an overnight stay at the connecting hub and arrive a day late. Therefore, you should book a connection earlier than the last connection.
Select the right hub
We recommend that you stay away from the white-knuckle hours because of delays. You should check for the most suitable connecting hubs before you book your flight. Read customer reviews about their connecting flights' experiences and avoid the hubs that can delay your flights.
Have a baggage plan
You don't want to have missing baggage during your connecting flights. However, sometimes, checked baggage may take extra few days before they get to you or slow your travelling. Therefore, ensure that you have a baggage plan for your trip.
Seat toward the front of the cabin
You should find a seat toward the front of the cabin on your first flight, especially if you have a tight connection. You can shave for five to ten minutes because of your closeness to the exit door.
Download apps like GateGuru, HotelTonight, Weatherbug, and airport maps to help you have a great time during your connecting hubs.
Connecting flights Tips
· You should fly on a single ticket and buy insurance. Travel insurance can protect you from mishaps if you have a self-transfer.
· Ensure you arrive at the airport at least two to three hours before your scheduled flight.
· You should know the minimum connection time before you travel.
· Consider using a Fast Track pass or fly premium if you want to stay away from airport security delays.
· Sit closer to the plane's doors if you have a tight connection time.
· You must inform flight attendants about your tight connection time to help you avoid delays when disembarking.
· Ask for help when you need it.
· Travel light if you want to get through airport security faster.
· You should proceed through security anyway if your flight is delayed.
· On the first leg, use the restroom shortly before landing.
· If there's an extended "sit" between flights, check the big board, and listen to the announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a connecting flight?
A connecting flight involves two or more subsequent flights that take passengers to their destinations. It means that you cannot fly directly from point A to B because there would be an in-between point to stay before heading to B.
A layover is a wait at the airport between two connecting flights.
How do connecting flights work? First, you book your flight on a single ticket and fly with at least two airlines to reach your destination.
2. Are connecting flights cheaper than direct ones?
You pay less on connecting flights than on direct or non-stop flights. However, factor in the costs you might incur during your connection, like food and drink.
3. What happens with connecting flights and baggage?
Your baggage will be transferred directly onto the second flight if you use the same airline or alliance. However, you may have to re-check if you use different airlines. In this case, you must collect your baggage after your first flight and re-check before your connecting flight.
4. What's the minimum time you should leave between connecting flights?
Ensure you have at least an hour for domestic connecting flights and at least two hours for international connecting flights. However, this time could be extended due to many factors.
5. Do you have to go through customs on connecting flights?
You have to go through customs and immigration on international connecting flights,
Know your rights regarding delayed and cancelled flights
You should know what to do abroad if you suffer from cancelled or delayed flights. For instance, if you are frying to or from Europe, you are entitled to at least €600 if your flight is delayed for more than 3 hours, cancelled less than 14 days before the scheduled time of departure or you've been denied boarding because there are no more free seats.
The airline must offer you a free meal and drink, including free phone calls and others, if you are at the airport and if your flight has been delayed for more than 3 hours. That's called the right to care.
Other countries have rules you should know before you miss out on your compensation.
We Hope this helps. Have a safe trip