Connecting Flights: Pros, Cons, and How to Turn Them into a Travel Opportunity
When planning a trip, most travelers aim for a direct flight, thinking it’s the most comfortable and fastest option. However, in many cases, connecting flights can be more advantageous — both economically and experientially.
In 2025, with growing travel demand, direct flights are often sold out or overpriced, pushing travelers to consider alternative routes.
A layover may seem like an inconvenience at first, but with a bit of planning, it can become an opportunity — to save money, break up a long journey, or even add an extra destination to your trip. Some airlines and airports actively promote extended stopovers, turning them into mini bonus trips.
In this article, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of connecting flights — and how to turn waiting at the airport into a useful, interesting, and even rewarding experience.
When Choosing a Connecting Flight Makes Sense
In most cases, connecting flights are significantly cheaper than direct ones.
This is especially true for long-haul routes or less-served destinations.
Airlines, particularly traditional carriers, use stopovers to optimize aircraft loads, offering lower fares to attract travelers willing to spend more time in transit.
During high season, such as 2025, booking a connecting flight can save hundreds of euros per leg.
Moreover, some airlines and airports promote “stopover programs” — extended layovers (often 24–72 hours) that allow passengers to leave the airport and explore a new city without buying an extra ticket.
A double experience for the price of one.
The Drawbacks to Consider (and How to Handle Them)
Of course, connecting flights come with risks.
The most common issue is delays: if your first flight arrives late, you could miss your connection.
Long waiting times between flights can also be tiring, especially in crowded or disorganized airports.
Baggage handling can be tricky too, particularly when transferring between airlines.
To minimize issues, it’s best to book all flights on a single ticket, ideally with the same airline or codeshare partners.
This ensures that any delay or problem will be handled by the airline, which is legally required to provide assistance, rebooking, or compensation.
Turning a Layover into an Opportunity: The Smart Stopover
In many cases, a layover can become part of the journey itself.
Airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and TAP Air Portugal offer stopover programs that include free city tours, hotel discounts, or even complimentary nights.
Taking advantage of a stopover in Lisbon, Istanbul, or Dubai can turn your trip into a mini-vacation.
Airports like Doha, Helsinki, or Singapore also promote this concept with dedicated services, guides, and city-visit apps.
With a little planning, even a few hours of waiting can become a memorable experience.
If a Connecting Flight Goes Wrong: What to Do
When a connecting flight suffers delays, cancellations, or overbooking, the inconvenience can multiply — but passengers are still protected by law.
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, travelers are entitled to compensation of up to €600 if their flight is delayed more than three hours, canceled without due notice, or if boarding is denied.
In such cases, DelayFlight24 can make all the difference.
The platform checks for free if you’re eligible for compensation, handles the entire legal process, and assists you at no cost — an added peace of mind for complex itineraries.
Conclusion: Richer Journeys, If You Know How to Manage Them
When chosen wisely, connecting flights can be both cost-effective and rewarding.
All it takes is evaluating your connections carefully, checking stopover options, and preparing a Plan B in case of disruptions.
2025 will once again bring heavy travel flows — knowing your rights and planning smartly can make every trip smoother and more enjoyable.
