Layovers and connecting flights
Every flight on your trip, including each connection, is listed in your booking confirmation email and on your Trip Statement, with its airline, flight number and times. If a connecting flight is flown by a partner airline, your itinerary shows "Operated by" and that airline's name.
A layover is the time between landing on one flight and taking off on the next. It's a normal part of many trips, and you can see each of yours before you travel.
Where can I see my connections?
- Your booking confirmation email. It has a card for each flight, with its times, airports, airline, flight number and aircraft.
- Your trip page. Open Trips and tap your trip to see its flight details.
- Your Trip Statement. It lists the airline, flight number, date and times of every flight. Download it with the download icon in your trip's header row.
What if my connection is on another airline?
Sometimes a connecting flight is flown by a partner airline. Your itinerary shows "Operated by" and that airline's name. Here's what that means for you:
- Check-in: the operating airline runs check-in for that flight.
- Bags and seats: the operating airline usually sets the baggage rules and seat map.
- Your confirmation number: it may show two codes separated by a slash, one for each airline, in the order you fly. Use each code with its own airline.
It's completely normal, and it doesn't mean anything is wrong with your booking. What is a codeshare flight? explains more.
Can I get a shorter layover?
At checkout, you're asked whether we may move you to a faster route, with a shorter total trip time or a shorter layover. If you say yes, you also choose whether we may move you to any airline or only the airline you booked. Saying no is a perfectly normal answer too.
If you said yes, here's what we promise:
- A real improvement. We only move you for a shorter total trip time or a shorter layover.
- The same cabin. It's a faster route, not a cabin upgrade.
- The same travel dates, departing near your original time.
- No extra cost. If a faster option costs more, you don't pay the difference.
- An email if we make a change. We never move you without telling you.
Saying yes doesn't mean your flight will change: it's permission to look, not a plan to move you. To change your answer either way, ask the Defera Concierge, which can send it to our team.
What if a delay affects my connection?
Delays and cancellations are handled by the airline operating the flight, under the rules that apply. If one affects your connection, you didn't do anything wrong. Chat with the Defera Concierge or contact us, and we'll help you navigate it. If the airline changes or cancels your flight has more.
How do I find flights with fewer stops next time?
When you search, try nearby dates or times. They often bring up different routings. Why am I only seeing flights with stops? has more search tips.
What if I connect through another country?
Entry and visa rules are set by governments and airlines, so check the rules for every country on your itinerary, including the ones you connect through, with official sources. Passports, IDs and matching names has more.