how to tell if you have to change planes

[Dznypal]

im watching air fare for my DD for the end of May. The cheapest is 159 or 199 and the times aren't that good. But there's other times but you have to either change planes or they could be a drop off pick up type how can you tell the difference. They just show a plane hope this makes sense. Thanks all

 

[sunflare]

If the plane number persists throughout the itinerary, it's a through flight. If the number changes, you will have to depart that plane and get on a different one.

 

[jsilvers]

If the plane number persists throughout the itinerary, it's a through flight.

Not correct. Many airlines have "change of gauge" flights that show a single flight number throughout the itinerary but actually require a change of aircraft. For example, Delta 160 is the flight number for DEN-MSP-AMS, but is operated by an MD-90 between Denver and Minneapolis and an A330 between Minneapolis and Amsterdam.

 

[Riddlepilot]

Also even if the aircraft type is the same there could still be a plane swap, and most times those decisions aren't made until a few days prior to the flight and can change based on mx and wx considerations. Finally even if you do keep the same plane you will probably have to deplane and take your stuff with you.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Also even if the aircraft type is the same there could still be a plane swap, and most times those decisions aren't made until a few days prior to the flight and can change based on mx and wx considerations. Finally even if you do keep the same plane you will probably have to deplane and take your stuff with you.

Not always true. I fly many SWA flights where I don't change planes and I never have to get off the plane and reboard. They crew knows how many through passengers will be remaining on board and do a head count before allowing others to board the plane.

 

[JessM]

I'm assuming you are talking about SW, they most commonly have flights where they continue on to other destinations. When you book SW it will tell you if there is 1 stop, 2 stops or if it's a non-stop. If you click on that it should show you if the stop requires a plane change or not. A pp is correct, on SW if the plane stops but you are continuing on to the next destination you do not have to deplane.

Legacy airlines its pretty easy to tell if it has a stop or not, it's usually indicated on the left hand side of the booking screen. It should show where the stop is and how long the layover is. I fly quite a bit for work and pleasure and i've never had a "stop" with a legacy flight that I didn't have to change planes (not saying it doesn't happen).

Hope this helps!

 

[sunflare]

Not correct. Many airlines have "change of gauge" flights that show a single flight number throughout the itinerary but actually require a change of aircraft. For example, Delta 160 is the flight number for DEN-MSP-AMS, but is operated by an MD-90 between Denver and Minneapolis and an A330 between Minneapolis and Amsterdam.

Depends on the airline, then. I haven't seen any persistence in AA flights unless it's the same plane. But then, I don't normally look at other airlines.