What does the term inter-line change refer to in airline travel?

The term "inter-line change" specifically refers to a situation in airline travel where a passenger must change planes from one airline to another. This occurs when the travel itinerary involves flights operated by different airlines, often as part of a connecting journey. In many cases, passengers may have to collect their luggage from one airline’s terminal and check in again with the connecting airline, which is part of the inter-line process.

This terminology is important for travelers to understand, especially when planning connections that involve multiple airlines, as it can affect the overall travel experience, including layover time, luggage handling, and potential additional fees.

The other choices do not accurately describe the concept of inter-line changes. Switching airlines without additional charges typically involves codeshare agreements or specific airline partnerships, while the ability to change flights within the same airline pertains to that airline's internal processes. Direct flights refer to flights that do not include any stops or changes, which is a different aspect of air travel altogether.