Same booking vs separate bookings
This is the critical distinction:
- Same booking (one PNR): The airline must rebook you for free on the next available flight. You may also be entitled to compensation if you arrive 3+ hours late.
- Separate bookings (two PNRs): You're on your own. The second airline has no obligation to help. This is why booking connections on separate tickets is risky.
What to do immediately
- Before landing, check on the airline app if your connection is still possible
- Ask the flight attendant to notify the gate — they can sometimes hold the connecting flight
- Run. Seriously. Some airports have tight connections and 5 minutes can make the difference.
- If you miss it, go to the transfer desk (not the gate) for rebooking
💡 Minimum connection times
Never book connections shorter than 90 minutes for domestic or 2 hours for international. Some airports (ATL, DFW) are fast; others (JFK, ORD) need more time.