Everything you need to know about guaranteed flight through connections

Perhaps you've heard of it before, but maybe this concept is new to you. When you are planning a plane trip and the itinerary includes a transfer, you may have to deal with a guaranteed transfer. In this blog, we'll take you through what a guaranteed onward connection entails and what happens if your flight is delayed and you don't make it to a transfer as a result.

What is a guaranteed flight through connection?

A guaranteed onward ticket means that the airline or partner airline is guaranteed to transport you to your final destination. These tickets are always offered as one ticket.

A guaranteed flight transfer, also known as a guaranteed transfer, is a term in aviation that refers to a situation where an airline takes responsibility for connecting passengers to their connecting flight, even if the first flight is delayed. In other words, if you are taking a trip with multiple flights and the airline offers a guaranteed transfer, they will make sure you make it to a connecting flight, even if it is delayed.

Example of a guaranteed flight through connection

In the route below one transfers 2x in both Frankfurt, and Toronto. Uniglobe Alliance Travel basically only offers routes with guaranteed onward connections. This means that according to the airline the transfer is feasible. One flies the route with the same airline or a partner airline.

What happens if my flight is delayed and I don't make my transfer?

Connecting flights do not have to wait if the first flight in the itinerary is delayed (like the Amsterdam - Frankfurt flight in this example).

Although it is common that when there is a small delay, the plane does wait to depart. In addition, the more passengers at risk of missing this flight, the more likely the connecting flight will wait. However, this cannot be guaranteed.

If the connecting flight has departed, the airline must offer care. This includes the following: a later flight to the final destination must be offered free of charge. If the next flight does not leave until the next day, the airline must provide a hotel. The goal is to minimize the impact of delays on your itinerary and ensure that you reach your final destination.

Do we always offer flights with guaranteed flight transit?

It is important to note that not all airlines offer guaranteed transfers, and it can vary depending on the ticket type you buy and the specific conditions of the flight. Sometimes it is not possible in terms of route, or a ticket with guaranteed transfer is (many times) more expensive than a single airline ticket. Here are some examples:

Example 1: Route not possible

You wish to fly on January 14 from Amsterdam to Kano - Nigeria. In this case, you can fly to Abuja with British Airways and then fly from Abuja to Kano with P4 (Air Peace) with a separate ticket.

The quotation indicates that they are separate tickets by stating Ticket A and Ticket B.

Example 2: Ticket with guaranteed transfer is much more expensive

You wish to fly from London to Atlanta and from Denver back to London. Business class should be booked for the long flights. For the London-Amsterdam-London route, economy class is sufficient. All flights are operated by KLM/Delta. It is therefore possible to book 1 ticket for the flights below, however, the flights London-Amsterdam-London will then also be booked in business class, as this is one ticket in business class.

In this case, booking single flights is much more economical.

In both cases, individual flights are booked and we will always alert you as a traveler to the risk. When booking "loose" tickets, luggage usually has to be checked in again as well. We will therefore offer a longer transfer time, than minimum required, when making the offer. If flights are booked in one ticket, luggage is usually automatically relabeled to the final destination. In doubt? Then ask at the check-in desk.

What is the minimum transfer time for guaranteed flight through connections?

This varies by airport and whether or not you stay at the same terminal. Our Business Travel Consultants can look up the "minimum connecting time" in the system and inform you of this.

Tips!

• Of course, if you are in danger of missing the flight connection, you can always call us. We can then check the system to see when an alternative flight departs. However, we cannot rebook. For this you have to contact the airline staff. At the transfer desk they can switch you to an alternative flight.
• With a short transfer time, you may be able to make the transfer but not the checked baggage. So make sure important items in the hand luggage to be taken, such as medications, a set of clean clothes and some toiletries.

In short, a ticket with a guaranteed onward connection offers peace of mind because the airline takes responsibility for getting you to your final destination, even in the event of delays. However, it is important to remember that this is not always available and sometimes alternative options, such as booking separate flights, can save more money. Our Business Travel Consultants are here for you To organize the best possible itinerary for you!

Travel Well!

Jeanine Vermue
Business Travel Consultant