A flight involving a change of aircraft during the journey from the origin airport to the final destination constitutes a connection. Passengers disembark from the initial flight at an intermediate airport, transfer to another aircraft, and subsequently continue their travels to the intended final destination. For instance, an individual traveling from New York to Rome might fly first to Amsterdam, then board a second plane to complete the journey to Rome.
This type of air travel offers increased accessibility to a wider range of destinations, especially those not served by direct routes. It allows airlines to optimize their route networks, improving efficiency and sometimes offering more cost-effective fares. Historically, as air travel expanded and airlines sought to serve more markets, the implementation of multi-leg itineraries became a fundamental aspect of the modern aviation system.