So what to do if your layover is too short and avoid missing your connecting flight ?
While a short layover flight may seem like a brilliant idea to save time and some money, it can be daunting and challenging sometimes, and if you are planning to book a flight with a short layover, you need to know some details, especially the time you will need to get to the next gate, but what if you already book your ticket?
What to do in this case?
In this article, we will discuss what to do if your layover is too short so you don’t miss your connecting flight, and we’ll also provide some tips on what to do if you miss your connecting flight.
Let’s dive right in.
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What To Do If Your Layover Is Too Short Before Booking Your Flight
Before reserving your flight with a short layover, it is always import to do some homework to make sure that you can catch the next flight and to avoid any
Use airport resources
If the airport has a website, use it to navigate more of the airport. You may need to have a quick snack, grab a bottle of water, or use the free WiFi to make a quick call. If you have some time we have already listed some of the best things to do at the airport.
Find other passengers experiences
You can find other travelers that have an experience similar to yours on social media especially on Twitter, you can even contact him and ask about his experience, what airline they fly and how much time it took them to navigate the airport.
Flight arrival
Ensure that your airline is not known for delays, especially on connecting flights , because in some flights you will have to clear customs and the security.
In this case you may miss your connecting flight if the layover is too short.
Pack light and keep essential items in your carry-on.
Traveling light and staying within your airline luggage weight and size, will save you a lot of headache, will not just help you during a layover, but it will help in your travel journey in general.
A light carry-on bag will help save you time and get to the next gate as quickly as possible, instead of waiting for checked baggage at the luggage carousel.
If You Book Your Flight And Do Not Miss Your Connecting Flight
If you find yourself with a short layover, there are several strategies you can use to make the most of your time at the airport:
Know the airport
The layout of the airport you will have a layover, will greatly affect how quickly to get to the next gate and navigate through it. do a small research about the airport.
If you are landing in a large airport a 40 minute layover is too short because you may need more than 45 minutes or even more to get to the next terminal or gate.
You can open the ifly website, search the airport, locate the airline gate, the luggage carousel and any other services like restaurants and lounges .
Book another flight
Contact your airline beforehand and ask them if there is any chance to change your connecting flight, just tell them the truth that you couldn’t make it, that will make them find a solution and find another flight for you, do not forget to ask if there are any applicable charges.
Seat In the front of the airplane
If you already have a window seat or your seat is located somewhere far from the airplane exit door you can ask the flight attendant if there is a chance to get a seat in the front, that will definitely help deplane quickly and get to the next gate.
Most flight attendants are ready to help if they can.
You can also ask a passenger if they can switch the seats, just tell them that you have a short layover and you don’t want to miss your connecting flight, and who knows people are nice and they may be willing to help.
Do not stop at the airport
It’s always cool to explore a new airport, but if I have a short layover I just storm out to the next gate leaving everything behind.
If you like to enjoy the airport you could always plan beforehand at least 5 to 6 hours so you can try some new food or drinks.
Use airport transport
If the airport you are landing in has a ground transport do not hesitate to use it to get to the gate or to the luggage carousel , you won’t imagine how much time it will save you.
Ask for help
Even if you did a quick research about the airport, you still need to ask for help, ask the flight attendant about the fastest way to get to the next gate.
Related: Can You Leave The Airport During A Layover?
What To Do If You Miss Your Connecting Flight
Missing your connecting flight due to a short layover can be a frustrating and stressful experience, but there are several steps you can take to handle the situation:
- In case you miss your flight don’t react : First thing to remember is that missing a flight is not your fault and there is something good coming from it ( as Jocko Willink said ), and the airline staff is there to assist, and they will do there best to help you and find a solution
- Contact your airline: as long as you find out that you will miss your next flight, go straight to the airline desk and ask a representative, and they will find a way to book you on the next flight.
- Consider alternatives: if you find out that the next flight they will book for you will be in a few hours or the next day, you can consider going on train, bus or rent a car. This depends on your destination, some of these options may be more efficient than waiting for the next flight.
Final Thoughts
A short layover can be challenging, but with some planning and preparation, you can make the most of your time at the airport and avoid missing your connecting flight.
It’s important to consider factors such as airport building, your flight arrival and departure times, and your previous flight experiences before booking a flight with a short layover.
Once you’re at the airport, take advantage of airport resources and consider transportation options to maximize your time.
If you do miss your connecting flight, don’t panic. It is maybe a good opportunity to explore a new destination, so just stay calm and find an airline representative so he can find you a new flight.
We hope this helps
Happy travels
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