Long-distance travel not only tests physical strength and patience, but also requires reasonable arrangement of transportation, especially when your destination is an international city like Cologne. Many people may choose connecting flights because it can find a balance between price, comfort and time arrangement, especially for those who want to save airfare and don’t mind a slightly longer flight time.
1. Why choose connecting flights?
Connecting flights are an ideal choice for many long-distance travelers, especially when you are going to an international city like Cologne. Choosing the right connecting flight can save you a lot of money and provide more flexible flight options. Connecting flights usually stop in a large city on the way, such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam or Paris, allowing you to rest while flying.
1.1 Save money
One of the main advantages of connecting flights is that the ticket price is usually cheaper than direct flights. For travelers with limited budgets, connecting flights offer more possibilities to save money. This makes it easier for tourists traveling across continents to arrange their itineraries and budgets.
1.2 Flexible flight options
With connecting flights, you have more options. Some connecting cities offer different flight times and routes, so you can choose the flight plan that suits you best according to your personal needs.
1.3 Rest and adjust jet lag
After a long flight, the connecting airport can provide you with a temporary rest opportunity, avoiding the fatigue and discomfort caused by continuous long-term flights. Especially when departing from a distant city, connecting can help adjust jet lag and make it easier to arrive at your destination.
2. Connecting flight options to Cologne
2.1 Lufthansa
2.1.1 Airline Overview
Lufthansa is one of the world’s largest airlines, providing connecting flights to Cologne from all over the world. Its flights usually connect in Frankfurt and Munich, the main hub cities in Germany. As a world-renowned airline, Lufthansa is known for its excellent service, modern facilities and efficient flights.
2.1.2 Features of transfer flights
Transfer locations: Frankfurt, Munich
Flight services: Lufthansa provides a comfortable cabin environment, including spacious seats, high-quality catering services and rich entertainment options.
Suitable for people: Suitable for business travelers and family tourists, especially those who pay attention to flight comfort and service quality.
2.1.3 Cost and booking platform
Fare: The round-trip fare from the United States to Cologne is about 600-1000 euros, and the specific cost varies according to the season, booking time and flight type.
Booking platform: You can make reservations through platforms such as Expedia and Booking.com.
2.2 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM)
2.2.1 Airline Overview
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is a world-renowned airline with its main transfer hub located at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. As an international airline, KLM provides comfortable flight services with short flight time, which is usually suitable for passengers who pursue cost-effective and convenient flights.
2.2.2 Features of connecting flights
Transfer location: Amsterdam
Flight services: KLM provides comfortable economy class seats, high-quality catering services, free in-flight entertainment options, and its transfer airport Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is very modern and has a short transfer time.
Suitable for people: Suitable for tourists who like flexible flight times and economical cost-effectiveness, especially those with limited budgets but want to enjoy a comfortable flight experience.
2.2.3 Cost and booking platform
Fare: The round-trip fare from New York to Cologne is about 550-800 euros, and the specific cost will vary depending on the flight and time.
Booking platform: You can book through platforms such as Skyscanner and Kayak.
2.3 Air France
2.3.1 Overview of the airline
Air France is an airline that provides a wide range of international routes, especially transatlantic routes. Its main transfer hub is located at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, providing convenient transfer services for passengers flying to Europe from many cities around the world.
2.3.2 Features of connecting flights
Transfer location: Paris
Flight service: Air France provides high-quality cabin service, including French meals, selected drinks and comfortable seats. The transfer process in Paris is also very smooth, ensuring that passengers can easily switch from one flight to another.
Suitable for people: Suitable for those who want to stop in Paris or have a special liking for Air France services.
2.3.3 Cost and booking platform
Fare: The round-trip fare from Los Angeles to Cologne is about 650-950 euros, and the specific price varies depending on the flight and booking time.
Booking platform: You can book through platforms such as Expedia and Google Flights.
2.4 Swiss International Air Lines
2.4.1 Airline Overview
Swiss International Air Lines, referred to as SWISS, is the national airline of Switzerland and is part of the Lufthansa Group. SWISS provides connecting flights from major cities around the world to Cologne, especially from North America, Asia and Africa to Europe. The main transfer hub of SWISS is Zurich Airport, which is famous for its efficient transfer process and world-class service.
2.4.2 Features of connecting flights
Transfer location: Zurich
Flight service: SWISS provides high-quality cabin services, including first-class dining experience, warm seats and personal entertainment systems. The meals on the flight are diverse and delicious, with special emphasis on health and nutrition. In addition, SWISS also provides comfortable business class and economy class options to ensure that passengers with different needs can get suitable services.
Suitable for people: Suitable for passengers who value flight comfort and enjoy the efficient and exquisite service of Switzerland, especially business travelers and family tourists. If you want a place to relax during your transfer, the rest area and comfortable transfer environment at Zurich Airport are also great advantages.
2.4.3 Cost and booking platform
Fare: The round-trip fare from New York to Cologne is approximately between 700-1050 euros, and the specific price will fluctuate according to the booking time and the seasonality of the flight.
Booking platform: You can make reservations through the official Swiss Airlines website, Expedia, Skyscanner and other platforms.
3. Flight plan comparison: direct flight vs connecting flight
3.1 Direct flight
Compared with connecting flights, the main advantages of direct flights are:
Time saving: There is no transfer process, and the entire journey is more efficient.
High convenience: Passengers do not need to change flights, which simplifies the travel process.
Disadvantages of direct flights:
Higher fares: Direct flights are usually more expensive than connecting flights.
Fewer choices: Not all routes have direct flights.
3.2 Connecting flights
The biggest advantage of connecting flights is that they are relatively cheap and provide more flight options. Especially when flying to Cologne from non-direct cities, connecting flights become an ideal choice.
Disadvantages of connecting flights:
Transfer time: It takes extra time to transfer, which may feel more tired.
Complexity: You need to check in again during the transfer, which may add unnecessary trouble.
4. The best platform for booking flights
4.1 Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a world-renowned flight price comparison platform that can help you find connecting flights to Cologne from all over the world. You can use Skyscanner to compare the fares of different airlines and flights to find the most favorable options.
Features: A comprehensive price comparison platform that supports one-stop booking of flights, hotels, car rentals and other services.
Recommended for: travelers with limited budgets who want to find the cheapest flights.
4.2 Google Flights
Google Flights is a powerful flight search tool that can quickly compare flights from multiple airlines and provides flexible filtering options. You can set search conditions based on departure, destination, date, etc. to find the most suitable flight for you.
Features: intuitive search interface, quick search for flight information.
Recommended for: travelers who want to quickly find flights and compare.
4.3 Kayak
Kayak is a multi-functional travel search engine that provides comprehensive services such as flights, hotels, and car rentals. With Kayak, you can easily find connecting flights and choose the most suitable flights and prices according to your needs.
Features: a comprehensive travel search platform that provides a variety of price options.
Recommended for: travelers with multiple flight options and budget considerations.
5. Travel insurance: protect your journey
Whether you choose a direct flight or a connecting flight, travel insurance can provide protection for your trip. Travel insurance usually covers unexpected situations such as flight delays, lost luggage, and medical emergencies, and is an important guarantee to ensure that your travel is worry-free.
5.1 Types of travel insurance
Flight delay insurance: If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you can apply for compensation.
Medical insurance: Provides coverage for medical expenses incurred during your trip.
Baggage loss insurance: If your luggage is lost during your trip, you can get compensation through insurance.
5.2 Purchase platform
Platform: You can purchase travel insurance through platforms such as Allianz and Travel Guard.
Recommended for: All long-distance travelers, especially those on intercontinental connecting flights.
For long-distance travelers flying to Cologne, choosing the right connecting flight can greatly improve the comfort and efficiency of your trip. Whether it is through Lufthansa’s Frankfurt and Munich transfers, or through KLM’s Amsterdam transfers, you can provide you with high-quality services and flexible flight options. When choosing a flight, remember to plan reasonably according to your needs, budget and flight transfer time. In addition, travel insurance is also an important link that cannot be ignored, providing more comprehensive protection for your trip.