Not all flights are direct. Connecting flights can save you money but add complexity. Here's how they work in India.
Key Concepts
- 🔗 Same booking: If both flights are on the same ticket, airline handles bag transfer
- 🎒 Separate bookings: You MUST collect and re-check your bags. Allow extra time
- ⏱️ Minimum connection time: 90 min for same terminal, 2.5 hrs for different terminals
Bag Transfer Rules
- ✅ Same airline, same booking: Bags transfer automatically. You stay in transit area
- ⚠️ Different airlines: Bags almost never transfer. Collect, exit, re-enter, re-check
- 🌐 Domestic → International: Always collect bags, go through immigration, re-check
During Your Layover
- 🛋️ Under 2 hours: Stay at your gate. Grab a coffee
- 🏨 2-4 hours: Visit the airport lounge
- 🛏️ 4+ hours: Consider a transit hotel or sleep pod