Connecting Flight Information

Connecting Flight Information

If you are flying with an AIST group you may need to purchase a connecting flight to meet the team in the Gateway Airport. For more information on preparing for your trip please contact us at info@aist.us.

‍

WHAT IS A CONNECTING FLIGHT?

A connecting flight is a flight from your original destination to the gateway city of our AIST Group flight. (A gateway city is the term we use for the city your tour will be departing from – usually New York, Newark, Boston, Los Angeles, Atlanta or Miami). For example, most of our tours to Europe are departing from the New York/Boston area. If you require a flight to get to New York, that flight is considered a connecting flight.

‍

Booking Details – Connecting Flights

When booking a connecting flight to meet your team at the gateway airport, please review the following important guidelines. It is essential that you schedule your travel carefully to avoid missing the group’s international departure.

Because international group flights operate on a fixed schedule, missed connections can result in significant additional costs and travel complications.

AIST is not responsible for passengers who miss their connecting flights or fail to arrive at the designated departure airport on time.

International Flight Information

You will need the official international flight itinerary in order to properly book your connecting flight.

If you have not yet received the group flight details, please contact AIST before purchasing your ticket to ensure you are working with the most accurate and up-to-date schedule.

When to Book Your Connecting Flight

Whenever possible, we strongly recommend booking your connecting flight on the same airline as the international group flight. This provides important advantages:

• If your domestic flight is delayed, the airline may assist with rebooking
• You may be able to check luggage through to your final destination
• Partner airlines sometimes transfer baggage automatically

Always confirm with the airline where your luggage will be routed. Some airports require passengers to collect bags and re-check them for international departures.

We recommend waiting until 3–4 months prior to departure before purchasing your connecting ticket, as group flight schedules may occasionally require minor adjustments.

Allow Extra Time at the Gateway Airport

On travel day, passengers should plan to arrive at the gateway airport a minimum of 4 hours prior to the scheduled international departure.

In many cases, you may need to:

• Retrieve checked luggage
• Exit the secure area
• Check in again with the international carrier
• Pass back through TSA security

Allowing sufficient time helps avoid unnecessary stress and reduces the chance of missing the group flight.

Check-In Procedures for Group Flights

Please note: with many airline group reservations, passengers may not be able to check in online in advance.

Group bookings often require travelers to check in at the airport counter on the day of departure.

When checking in for your connecting flight, ask the airline agent if they can:

• Check your bags through to your final destination
• Transfer luggage to the international carrier

If they cannot, you will be responsible for picking up your luggage and checking it in again at the gateway airport.

Important Information for Youth Travelers

Airlines have strict policies regarding minors traveling alone, especially on separate domestic connections.

Please keep the following in mind:

• Most airlines consider travelers under 15 years old to be unaccompanied minors if flying without a parent/guardian
• Some carriers do not allow minors under a certain age to travel alone on connecting itineraries
• Unaccompanied minor services often require additional paperwork, fees, and earlier check-in times
• Youth travelers on separate tickets may not be escorted between terminals by airline staff

AIST strongly recommends that youth travelers book connecting flights with a parent, guardian, or approved adult whenever possible.

Families are responsible for confirming all age requirements and minor travel policies directly with their airline before booking.

Return Flight Connections

On the return journey, airlines generally require a minimum of 2 hours for connections. However, we strongly recommend allowing at least 3 hours, due to:

• Possible flight delays
• Lengthy passport control and customs lines
• Baggage collection and re-check requirements
• Terminal changes at major airports

In some cases, passengers may need to book an overnight hotel near the airport and depart the following morning if same-day connections are not feasible.

AIST schedules most return flights to arrive back in the USA by midday to help support domestic connections.

Responsibility & Disclaimer

Please remember:

• All passengers are responsible for booking appropriate connecting flights
• AIST cannot be responsible for missed domestic connections, rebooking fees, hotel costs, or additional travel expenses
• International group flights cannot be delayed for late arrivals
• Passengers are responsible for confirming baggage policies, limits, and fees directly with the airline

‍