What is change of gauge flight?

Change of gauge flight is a term used for a situation where passengers have to switch to a different aircraft with a different gauge (size) to continue their journey to their destination. This typically happens when a passenger is travelling on a long haul international flight that involves connecting flights. For example, a passenger may take a long haul flight on a wide-body aircraft like a Boeing 777 from Los Angeles to London and then switch to a narrow-body aircraft like a Boeing 737 to continue on to their final destination in Europe.

The reason for a change of gauge flight can be due to a number of reasons. The destination airport may not have the infrastructure to handle larger aircraft, or the airline may not have enough demand to warrant the use of a larger aircraft. It could also be a cost-saving measure for the airline.

When passengers have a change of gauge flight, they typically have to disembark from the first aircraft and then go through customs and security again before boarding the second aircraft. This process can be time-consuming, so passengers should make sure they leave enough time between connecting flights.

Overall, a change of gauge flight is a common occurrence in international travel, and passengers should be aware of the possibility when booking their flights.