In order to get from one point of our planet to another, you often have to change trains in one country or another. Transit passengers are those who travel in this way. Flying with transfers has its advantages and disadvantages.
Definition of concept
So, what is a transit passenger? This term defines the circle of persons who visit a particular country through third states. Such a stop is voluntary, since the passenger independently plans his flight to the destination. Among other things, he must take into account the amount of time it takes to transfer.
You can travel with one or more airlines. Moreover, they can be part of the same alliance.
About transit zones
Transit passengers are those who make transfers in third countries on their way to their destination. Almost all major airports in the world have special zones for their stay. These are isolated spaces located behind pointsborder control, where passengers are waiting for a flight to the destination country.
Transit zones are always equipped with special signs and electronic displays with information about departing flights. There is usually no need to leave them. Usually, the time spent in these zones is strictly regulated. Some transit areas of international airports have dedicated passenger lounges.
What to do with luggage
The transportation of transit passengers involves the check-in of the passenger and his luggage to the airport where the transfer is scheduled. Thus, all pre-flight formalities must be repeated.
It often happens that luggage is checked in at the starting point of the trip immediately to the final destination, that is, for two flights. However, at the transfer airport, you still need to receive it. This information should be checked with the front desk in advance.
About transit visas
Regulating the stay of transit passengers is the competence of the immigration authorities of the state. When staying in the sterile zone, you do not need to go through passport control. But if there is a need to leave it or change the terminal, you still need to go through that formality.
Do transit passengers need visas? It all depends on the country through which the trip is made to the final destination. As a rule, if the passenger does not change the terminal and does not leave the transit area, a visa will not be required. Otherwise, it must be pre-registered inforeign consulates. Some countries allow entry permits to be issued upon arrival.
Transit visas are valid from a few hours to six months, there are also visas for one or two entries. But even during this time interval, the traveler has the right to leave the airport. At this time, you can stay in a hotel, attend various excursions, relax.
Pros and cons of travel
Transit trip has a number of undeniable advantages:
- You can plan your trip yourself.
- The cost of the flight is significantly lower than for connecting flights, which are planned exclusively by airlines.
- If the passenger has a visa to stay in the transfer country, he can temporarily leave the airport.
- Easy to issue a ticket refund.
But there are also disadvantages:
- Upon arrival at the transfer point, you must go through the check-in procedure again and check in your baggage in accordance with the rules of another airline.
- If you miss your connecting flight, the responsibility lies not with the carrier, but with the passenger.
- The passenger is responsible for the safety of luggage.
- You will have to go through customs and border control twice.
Advice to passengers
To make the flight as comfortable as possible, you need to take into account a few subtleties:
- The transfer time interval must be taken into account in advance. Usually,The most comfortable interval is three to four hours. If the passenger is not sure that he will have time to go through all the pre-flight formalities, it is better to increase the interval.
- If it is rather difficult to navigate the new airport, it is advisable to download its scheme or an interactive map and understand it first. This will save a lot of time. As a last resort, you can always ask the airport staff where to go.
- It is advisable to clarify the rules for transit passengers in advance at the airline office.
- Because you'll have to pick up your luggage, you need to find a pick-up point right away.
- Check in immediately upon arrival to save time.
- Flights can always be delayed and luggage lost. The weather can change plans. In case of force majeure, a clear action plan should be developed.
- If you need to leave the transit zone, but do not have a visa to visit the country in which the transfer is made, you should contact the airport staff. You can check in online, and the airport staff will help you check in your luggage for another flight.
- Not all airports in the world are equipped with transit zones. Some of them work according to a special schedule. This information should be known in advance. For example, there are no transit zones in the USA, Canada and Australia.
- If one of the flights is operated by a low-cost airline, then most likely passengers will arrive at the most distant terminal or the departure will be from another airport.
So, a transit passenger is someone who is traveling with a transfer. Moreover, he is fully responsible for being late and registering for the next flight. Transit travel has both advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is necessary to get acquainted with the rules of transportation and visa requirements of countries in advance.
