Do you have to get off the plane during a stopover international?

Do You Need to Disembark During a Stopover on an International Flight?

When embarking on an international journey, it’s crucial to understand the nuances of stopovers, often involving transfers between aircraft during long-haul flights. While the majority of stopovers necessitate disembarking from the original aircraft and reboarding a different one, there are instances where passengers can remain onboard the same plane for the onward flight to their final destination.

The decision of whether to disembark during a stopover is primarily dependent on the airline and the flight schedule. Each airline has its own operating procedures and preferences, and the layover duration also plays a role.

Scenarios Requiring Disembarkation

In most cases, passengers are required to disembark during a stopover for several reasons:

• Aircraft Maintenance and Refueling: The aircraft may require servicing, maintenance, or refueling, which necessitates passengers to disembark while these procedures are carried out.
• Crew Change: The crew operating the first leg of the flight may be scheduled to disembark and be replaced by a different crew for the onward leg.
• Terminal Transfer: If the onward flight departs from a different terminal, passengers must disembark and transfer to the appropriate terminal for the connecting flight.

Scenarios Allowing Onboard Stay

On occasion, passengers may be permitted to remain onboard the aircraft during a stopover, particularly if:

• Short Layover: If the layover is brief and the aircraft is scheduled to depart within a short period, it may be more efficient for passengers to remain onboard.
• Same Crew: If the same crew is operating both legs of the flight, it may be possible for passengers to stay on the aircraft.
• Operational Factors: Factors such as weather conditions or airport congestion can also influence the decision to keep passengers onboard.

Check with the Airline

To avoid any uncertainty, it’s always advisable to check with the airline operating your flight. They can provide specific information regarding the disembarkation policy for stopovers on their flights.

Knowing whether or not you need to disembark during a stopover is essential for planning your layover and ensuring a smooth transition to the next leg of your international journey.