Make it in 45 minutes: how to make a quick transfer

A short layover is always a thrill and a test of endurance, but with proper preparation, it turns into an effective way to save time and money. If you decide to take the risk, it’s worth buying tickets to Istanbul or other major transit hubs in advance, as these are well-suited for quick transit. We’ve compiled a guide, based on the experience of frequent flyers, to help you not miss your gate.

A single ticket as insurance against force majeure

The first and most important rule: book your flight as a single booking (PNR). Technically, this means the airline confirms the possibility of such a connection at a specific airport. If the first flight is delayed due to the carrier’s fault or weather conditions, they are obliged to rebook you onto the next available flight free of charge, provide meal vouchers, and a hotel for long waits. However, if you buy tickets on Kupi.com from different airlines separately, missing the second segment will cancel your ticket without compensation, and you will have to solve the problem yourself.

Strategic seat selection in the cabin

Your mobility begins even before boarding the plane. When checking in, try to choose seats in the front of the cabin (usually rows 1 to 10). The difference in exit time between the first and last rows on a wide-body aircraft can be up to 15–20 minutes — this is precisely the time you might lack during security screening. If free seat selection is unavailable, it makes sense to pay extra for the service: it’s cheaper than buying a new ticket if you miss your flight.

Airport logistics: know your stuff

Don’t rely on intuition. The day before departure, download the official app of the transfer airport or save a screenshot of the terminal map. Pay special attention to the following points:

• Transit zones: do you need to go through security screening (Security Check) again? In large hubs like Frankfurt, this can take considerable time.

• Terminal changes: check how transfers are organized. If there’s an automated train or shuttle between terminals, find out its frequency in advance.

• Departure board: as soon as you exit the plane, don’t immediately rush to the “Transit” signs; first, find the nearest monitor and check the gate number of your next flight. It might have changed while you were in the air.

Baggage and document life hacks

For a short 45-minute layover, baggage is your main constraint. The ideal option is carry-on only. This eliminates the risk of your suitcase not being transferred in time (ground services don’t always work as fast as you run). If checked baggage is unavoidable, when checking in for the first flight, make sure a bright orange “Short Connection” or “Priority” sticker is attached to the tag. This signals to the baggage handlers that your suitcase needs to be unloaded and delivered to the next flight first.

Interacting with staff

If you realize that your first flight is delayed and your transfer time is critically short, start acting while still on board. Politely approach a flight attendant, show them your boarding pass for the next flight, and ask to be allowed to exit the plane first. In the arrivals area, look for airline staff with signs or Transfer Desk counters. Some airports offer a Fast Track lane for passengers with short connections — don’t hesitate to ask about it, showing your ticket. Most staff will be accommodating if they see that boarding for your flight has already begun.

Gadget preparation

Upload your boarding passes to your e-wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Pay) in advance so they are available offline. Fumbling for a PDF file in your email with poor Wi-Fi in a rush is a bad idea. It’s also useful to have a printout of your itinerary: sometimes technology fails at the most inconvenient moment.

Adhering to these technical nuances will turn a 45-minute dash through the terminal into a well-planned maneuver. Have successful and quick transfers!