changing flights - never done this before so idiot question

[tatt]

If you are shown with only an hour inbetween flights at an airport and the check in part for the second flight is before your flight arrives does that mean the plane is just picking up extra passenger and you stay on it? I'm totally confused.

are both flights with the same airline?

Usually they will check you in to both flights at your departure airport. Then when you arrive at the transit airport you don't go through passport control or anything, you go though a quick transit channel.

yes same airline. Thank you, I didn't realise there were quick transit channels.

as artichokes says they will check you onto both flights
unless you are transiting through the US you will not have to do passport control or pick up /recheck your baggage

yes dont worry, as they've said, your bags will be checked through for you so you'll not see them until you get off your last flight at baggage collection. you just get off the first flight and follow signs to connecting flights usually, and go straight to the gate for your second flight. don't worry, just ask someone where to go when you get off first plane.

thank you - very nervous about either missing the plane or my luggage ending up in another country!

Where are you changing planes?. This will have some bearing. If you are changing planes in the USA an hour to transfer is very tight indeed.

Your luggage will be checked through to the final destination but you may have to carry it yourself to any transfer point.

If you are doing a same day internal transfer in the USA you will have to clear both immigration and customs at the first point of entry. It is only after this has been done that you will then be able to out the luggage on the transfer carousel. Then you will have to go through security again if your second flught departs from a different terminal.

within europe, so not as bad as USA.