How Connecting Flights Work – A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

One of the questions I get asked most often is:

“How do connecting flights actually work?”

If you’ve never done one before, the idea can seem a little overwhelming, but I promise, it’s much easier than it sounds. So come along with me as I walk you through the process of a seamless connecting flight experience.

Here’s how it worked on my recent journey:
Dubai > Munich > Bologna

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1. Checking In at Your Departure Airport

Start by arriving at your departure airport with plenty of time. You’ll check in at the airline’s bag drop or check-in desk. If you’ve checked in online (usually available 24–72 hours before departure), you’ll already have your boarding passes, but you can also check in at the desk, where they’ll print physical ones if needed.

You’ll be checked in for all flights in your itinerary, and your luggage will be tagged all the way to your final destination. That means no need to collect bags or re-check in between flights, it’s all handled for you.


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2. Go Through Security

After checking in your luggage, head through airport security as normal and make your way to the departure gate for your first flight. Keep an eye on the airport departure screens for gate information, or check the airline app for updates.


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3. At the Connecting Airport

Once you arrive at your connecting airport, follow the signs for transit or connecting flights. You won’t need to collect your luggage, it’s already en route to your final stop.


Depending on the airport and country:
• You may go through security again.
• If entering the EU, you’ll go through passport control here.
• Your next departure gate will be shown on the big screens, and you may also get a notification through the airline app.

Once you’re through any required checks, just follow the signs to your next gate and relax until boarding.


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4. Arrival at Your Final Destination

When you land at your final destination, you’ll go through passport control (unless you already cleared this in your connection airport, e.g., when arriving into the EU).

Then, simply head to baggage claim, collect your luggage, and… your holiday begins!


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A Few Extra Tips:

• Airports are well signposted, and there are always staff around if you’re unsure where to go.
• Download the airline’s app where possible, it’s super helpful for gate info and updates.
• Your luggage is automatically transferred between flights, so there’s no need to collect it until the final airport.
• Leave enough time between flights, this is usually built in by the airline when booking, but always good to double-check.

• If flying with different airlines, make sure the connection is part of the same booking to ensure your luggage is transferred.


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On our flight home, we flew Lufthansa from Dubai to Munich, followed by Air Dolomiti into Bologna. Over the years, I’ve travelled on lots of connecting flights through many airports, and the process works the same almost everywhere, smooth, efficient, and nothing to worry about.


Still unsure? Just drop me a message, I’m always happy to help! ✈️🌍