Transit, connecting flights and final destination

It doesn't matter if I go on a business trip or on holiday, the moment I leave for the airport, I always feel a sense of adventure and excitement. In most cases the process of checking in, boarding and departing from your home country is a smooth one.  The process that tends to make people nervous is the unknown environment that awaits you at your destination, even more so when flying to a different part of the world or when your journey consists of multi segment flights.
The arrival process and rules are similar at most airports. Modern airports are very well sign posted and have friendly staff at information desks to assist you.
It is a good idea to keep a pen with you to complete any forms required
Know the address where you will be staying.
Keep your passport safe and easy accessible.

Arriving at the airport

 

Connecting flights
When your journey includes connecting flights , you must disembark at the connecting airport, and again at your final destination.

1. After the plane has come to a complete standstill, and the seat belt signs are turned off, you can get your hand luggage from the overhead compartment. During this time the aircraft bridge or mobile staircase will be connected to the plane.
2. As soon as the doors are opened, you can start to disembark the plane.
3. Once inside the terminal building, follow the "Connecting Flights" or  "Transit" signs
4. The process that you need to follow will depend on the airport and border control rules, some of the possible scenario's are:
• Go straight to connecting gate
• Go through security, then to the connecting gate 
• Collect your luggage, go through security and then to the connecting gate. Your luggage will be handled by the airport after security check and you don't need to check it in again.
• Go through Passport control, collect your luggage, go tho check in counters to check in your luggage, go through security, and then go to the connecting gate
5. Board the plane for the next leg of your journey at the relevant gate.

If you have some lay over time at the airport, you can walk around in the terminal building, do duty free shopping, relax in a lounge ( if you have access) or order refreshments at a restaurant. Always keep the boarding time for you next flight in mind as well as how long it will take you to get back to the boarding gate. Some airports offer a variety of shops and services, while others only have basic services.

Arriving at final destination
When you have a direct or non-stop flight you will only disembark the plane at your final destination.

1. After the plane has come to a complete standstill, and the seat belt signs are turned off, you can get your hand luggage from the overhead compartment. During this time the aircraft bridge or mobile staircase will be connected to the plane.
2. As soon as the doors are opened, you can start to disembark the plane.
3. Once inside the terminal building, you need follow the "Baggage claim" or "Exit" signs
4. This will lead you to passport control if you travelled outside your home country or area. If you arrived via an internal/local flights you can go directly to baggage claim or Exit.
5. At passport control you need to present your passport and any relevant visas. You might need to answer questions relating to your visit e.g. the purpose of your visit, how long and where you will be staying. 
6. If everything is in order, your passport will be stamped and you can proceed to collect you checked luggage.
7. You need to declare any relevant items inside your luggage - Find out more about customs limits and prohibited items from your airline, travel agent, airport websites. You can also find information on IATA's website
8. If you have nothing to declare you can go through the Nothing to declare (usually green) door. If you need to declare items, go to the Goods to declare (usually red) door.
9. Collect your luggage at the relevant carousel. The carousel number for you flight will be either displayed on monitors or announced.
10. Exit to the arrivals hall.

Explanation of terms used

Direct Flights
Flight between two designated airports without change in Aircraft or Flight numbers, but may include a stop over. 
Example: Taking a flight from Dubai to Malta via Larnaca. The plane will land in Larnaca and there might be passengers leaving/boarding the plane.  If your final destination is Malta, you stay on board the aircraft until it arrives in Malta.
You only disembark the plane at your final destination

Non-stop Flights
A non-stop flight is made in a single leg and without intermediate stops between the departure and destination airport.
Example: Taking a flight from Frankfurt to Atlanta. The plane will fly directly from Frankfurt to Atlanta without making any stop overs.

Connecting Flights
Flights with intermediate stops and change of aircraft and possibly airline.
Example 1: Taking a flight from Johannesburg to Munich via Dubai. The first leg is from Johannesburg to Dubai Airport on EK764 (Emirates). Disembark the plane in Dubai. Once inside the terminal building, go through security and wait for the boarding gate to open for your next flight. No need to collect luggage. Board flight EK049 (Emirates)  to Munich.
Example 2: Taking a flight from Frankfurt to Cape Town via Johannesburg on Multiple Airlines. The first leg is from Frankfurt to Johannesburg on LH572 (Lufthansa). Disembark the plane in Johannesburg. Once inside the terminal building, go through passport control, and collect your luggage  Check in for your flight and wait for the gate to open. Board code share flight  LH347/SA327 (South African Airways)  to Cape Town

The time you spend at the connecting airport is called layover time.
Your travels status is "in transit"

Disembark (to get off) the plane
Disembarking the aircraft can be done in two ways
- Via aircraft bridge: You will go from the plane directly into the terminal building
- via mobile staircase: You will climb down stairs and be transported to the terminal building via a bus service. At smaller airports you can sometimes walk from the plane to the terminal building. Watch a Video of Mobile stairs being attached to an aircraft after landing.

Passport Control
The area inside the airport where passports are checked and stamped by Immigration control.
Your passport gets stamped when you leave or enter a country.
When you are a foreigner, you need to adhere to immigration control rules, and have the relevant visa to enter the country.

Transit
Passengers who stay at the airport for a short period, with the intention of proceeding to their final destination