Connecting Flights in Another Terminal — Do I Have to Go Through Security Again?

You land, stretch, check your next gate — and realize your connecting flight is in another terminal. Suddenly the panic sets in: Do I have to go through security again? Will I miss my next flight?

Here’s what actually happens when your connecting flight is in a different terminal, whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally — and how to move through the airport faster without stress.

Understanding How Terminals Work

Airports divide flights across terminals to manage size, airlines, and international regulations.

Domestic terminals handle flights within the same country.

International terminals handle flights leaving or arriving from abroad.

If your connection is between two domestic flights on the same airline, you usually won’t have to clear security again.
But if you’re changing airlines or switching from international to domestic, you might have to pass through security and customs again before continuing.

When You Don’t Have to Go Through Security Again

You can normally stay airside (inside the secure zone) if:

You’re connecting between flights operated by the same airline or alliance (like Delta ↔ Air France, or United ↔ Lufthansa).

Both flights depart from the same country.

You already went through TSA or equivalent screening and never leave the secure area.

Examples:

Domestic-to-domestic in the U.S.? ✅ No new screening.

International-to-international through Amsterdam or Dubai? ✅ Usually no extra security unless changing concourses.

When You Do Have to Go Through Security Again

You’ll need to clear security again if:

You arrive internationally and your next flight is domestic (you must clear immigration and customs first).

Your next terminal isn’t connected airside, requiring you to exit and re-enter the secure zone.

You’re switching airlines that don’t share terminals or alliances.

You collected checked bags and need to recheck them manually.

Example:
Arriving in Los Angeles (LAX) from London on British Airways, then connecting to Phoenix on American? You’ll have to:

Clear immigration

Pick up luggage

Go through customs

Recheck bags and go through TSA again

How to Check If You’ll Need to Clear Security

You can check this before you even land:

Use the airport map on the airline app (most show connected terminals).

Search “[Airport Name] terminal connections map” on Google.

Ask the flight attendant before landing — they often know which terminals are connected airside.

If you’re on a codeshare flight, check which airline operates the next leg; that determines your terminal.

Pro Tip: Minimum Connection Times

Every airport has a Minimum Connection Time (MCT) — the shortest possible time between flights allowed by the airline.

Domestic → Domestic: 45–60 minutes

Domestic → International: 60–90 minutes

International → Domestic: 90–120 minutes

If your itinerary was booked under one ticket, the airline ensures your connection meets this. If it’s a separate booking, you’re on your own.

What If You’re Short on Time?

If your flight is delayed and your connection is tight:

Tell a flight attendant immediately. They can notify ground staff to help you transfer faster.

Use airport trams or shuttles — most large airports (like Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, Heathrow, and Dubai) have airside trains.

Don’t wait for checked baggage unless absolutely necessary.

If you do miss your flight, go straight to the airline’s rebooking desk or app — many automatically rebook if your delay was airline-related.

Airports Where You’ll Almost Always Re-Clear Security

Some major hubs require re-screening even for transfers:

London Heathrow (LHR) — always re-screen for all transfers

New York JFK — most terminals not connected airside

Los Angeles LAX — terminal changes usually require new screening

Toronto Pearson (YYZ) — U.S. pre-clearance means customs and security again

Sydney (SYD) — requires re-entry for domestic ↔ international

How to Save Time Moving Between Terminals

Use priority or fast-track lanes if available.

Follow signs for “Connections” — never “Exit to Arrivals” unless required.

Ask airport staff for the fastest route — many airports have hidden shortcuts or internal buses for passengers in a rush.

Download the airport’s official app — many now include live shuttle tracking and walking time estimates.

Final Thoughts

If your connecting flight is in another terminal, whether or not you have to go through security depends on the airport design, airline, and destination type.

In most domestic or alliance transfers, you’ll stay airside and breeze through. But for international-to-domestic or airline-switch connections, expect another security check — so always plan buffer time.

The key takeaway?
🧭 Know your terminals, check your connection time, and stay calm. Most airports are built to move connecting passengers efficiently — if you know what to expect, you won’t miss your next flight.