The global aviation landscape is rapidly evolving, with international airlines continuously expanding their routes, forging strategic alliances, and upgrading their hubs to cater to the ever-increasing demand for air travel. According to the International Air Transport Association, passenger traffic is expected to grow by 11.6% this year, reflecting an optimistic outlook for the airline industry.
This surge in demand is creating a broader spectrum of choices for travelers, and travel advisors are finding more opportunities to serve clients seeking international itineraries. The expansion of airline networks, especially by non-U.S. carriers, offers travelers more options, helping foster a competitive environment that ultimately benefits the customer, says Peter Vlitas, executive vice president of partner relations at Internova Travel Group. “The more options there are, the better it is for the consumer, as they get a chance to choose the best flights that fit their needs,” he explains.
A key element in this competitive environment is the ability of international airlines to offer seamless and efficient connections. For many international trips, layovers and stopovers are necessary, and airlines with well-positioned hubs can provide travelers with more flexibility and convenience. According to aviation consultant Ben Lovegrove, routing passengers through a third country enables airlines to provide an extensive range of destinations and more scheduling options. It also optimizes airlines’ operations, making them more efficient and competitive, and benefits travelers by offering more streamlined itineraries.
In addition to the growing number of routes, emerging economies and increasingly liberalized air service agreements are expected to fuel even more opportunities for international connections in the future. As more global destinations become accessible through these expanded networks, travel advisors will have even more tools to help customize itineraries and meet client preferences, whether they are looking for cost-effective, time-efficient, or luxurious travel options.
One notable benefit of these international connections is the variety of carriers that offer them. Larger, full-service airlines often operate these routes, providing travelers with additional amenities such as larger baggage allowances, better customer service, and more comfortable seating arrangements. As Nancy Wheeler, owner of Fantasy Cruises and Tours, points out, larger airlines tend to provide better overall travel experiences compared to smaller budget carriers, ensuring smoother journeys for passengers.
While international connections often involve multi-leg flights, they are not always limited to long-haul journeys. Connecting through certain airlines, such as Air Canada, can offer time-saving itineraries and superior service. For example, Air Canada’s hubs strategically positioned between the U.S., Europe, and Asia can reduce total travel times while offering greater convenience, especially when direct flights are unavailable. These connections can also provide cost-effective alternatives, especially for travelers with more flexible schedules or budgets.
Frequent flyers benefit significantly from these international connections, as many airlines are part of global alliances such as the Star Alliance. Through these alliances, travelers can enjoy benefits like smoother luggage transfers, access to airport lounges, and easier seat selections, further enhancing the travel experience.
For travel advisors, having access to multiple international connections allows them to offer a wide array of options to their clients, from budget-conscious travelers to those seeking luxury. As Vlitas notes, many clients may not even realize that they are flying on a sixth-freedom route, but they appreciate the value of having more flight choices and the convenience of seamless connections.
For U.S. travelers, airlines like Air Canada offer the added benefit of avoiding busy U.S. airports while still providing access to an extensive range of international destinations. Connecting through Canadian hubs means fewer terminal changes, automatic checked bag transfers, and the convenience of pre-clearing U.S. customs, all of which make travel more efficient and less stressful.
As international travel continues to evolve, the advantages of booking connections through global airlines will only grow, offering travelers more choices, convenience, and comfort. For travel advisors, this expanding network provides an invaluable opportunity to tailor itineraries and provide clients with the best possible travel experiences.
