Anything Special I Must Do Before Boarding Next Plane After Layover?

[Kevenswife2]

I tried to get straight flights again this year but they just aren't to be found. I've never had a layover. Is there anything special I have to do before boarding my next flight? Do I have to check-in at the counter or something?

I know there's much more experienced flyers out there who know the answer!

 

[Sandi]

Not really. You will get boarding passes for both flights when you check in for your first flight. You just need to give the first boarding pass to the attendant for your first flight and then the second boarding pass to the attendant for the second flight when you board. (Don't lose your 2nd boarding pass.) You don't need to check in at the gate any earlier than that. It is usually a good idea to go to the gate area right away in case they have delays or have moved gates. Those things will also be noted on the screens about departures that are all over any airport.

Your luggage will be checked all the way through from your origination airport. Make sure to look at your luggage tag and or confirm with the person checking you in that your luggage is set to go all the way to your final destination.

Depending on how much time you have between flights, you might need to quickly get to the gate for your second flight. Be ready for that.

You'll do fine.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I've never had a layover. Is there anything special I have to do before boarding my next flight? Do I have to check-in at the counter or something?

You didn't mention your airline(s) or connecting airport.

Normally, you'll get both boarding passes when you check in for your first flight. Normally, you will not have to pass through security at your connecting airport because you'll typically arrive and depart from within the same secure area.

The main thing you should do if your flight isn't until next year is to watch for changes in your flight times — especially to make sure that your connecting time remains sufficient. If the connecting time becomes too short (typically less than 40 minutes), you can ask the airline to reschedule you on different flights (possibly even on a nonstop). Personally, I'm uncomfortable with connections of less than one hour because flight delays are way too common.

There's no may to eliminate the chance that your first leg will arrive in your connecting city after it's too late to get to your second leg. However, you can reduce the risk if there's a margin for delay in your connecting time.

 

[Kevenswife2]

You didn't mention your airline(s) or connecting airport.

Normally, you'll get both boarding passes when you check in for your first flight. Normally, you will not have to pass through security at your connecting airport because you'll typically arrive and depart from within the same secure area.

The main thing you should do if your flight isn't until next year is to watch for changes in your flight times — especially to make sure that your connecting time remains sufficient. If the connecting time becomes too short (typically less than 40 minutes), you can ask the airline to reschedule you on different flights (possibly even on a nonstop). Personally, I'm uncomfortable with connections of less than one hour because flight delays are way too common.

There's no may to eliminate the chance that your first leg will arrive in your connecting city after it's too late to get to your second leg. However, you can reduce the risk if there's a margin for delay in your connecting time.

Horace, on the way down I have a layover of 1:09 in Detroit (DTW). On my way back I have a layover of 1:07 in Atlanta (ATL) and one of 1:08 in Memphis (MEM). Looks close, but do-able (don't you think?), unless a flight's late. (We're fairly young so we can run if we have to.)

I've already dealt with flight changes. Instead of Columbus to Atlanta to Orlando they changed me to, get this, Columbus to Detroit to Orlando. There's just something wrong about flying 1:08 NORTH before heading south to Orlando! Only plus is we'll be flying on a Boeing 757 and a 764 this trip. We've always had the CRJ's before. I look at it as an adventure! (A plane with more than one bathroom!)

...and we leave in only 6 days...but I still check my flights twice a day, so I'm 'on it' if there's a change.

 

[hercamore]

Jeez, is this flying wiht Northwest or Delta?

You shouldn't have to make two connections. I'd call and check to see if they can give you a different flight.

herc.

 

[Tasmen]

When I can't get a direct flight and have to have a layover, I usually shoot for a layover in the one hour range like you have. That hour should give you a nice cushion should your flight be a little late and give you ample time to get to your next gate.

 

[owtrbnks]

Speaking of bathrooms, that's exactly what I do: Go to the bathroom while you're waiting.
Something about that seatbelt light going out causes 150 people who were just near a bathroom 30 minutes ago to have to all go!

P.S. IMHO: 1 Hour is the perfect layover time, as long as your first flight is no more than 59 minutes late!

 

[Kevenswife2]

Jeez, is this flying with Northwest or Delta?
herc.

How'd you guess? I went through Northwest for the flights BUT my first flight home is on Delta...a NWA codeshare partner or whatever they call themselves.

The best of both worlds.

 

[Coll0610]

We always try to get right to the gate for our second flight in case they are asking for volunteers for bumping. We were lucky enough to get bumped last month - free one way tickets for our next flight, meal vouchers and first class on the new flight. Not bad for waiting an extra 4 hours. (This was Airtran).