Flying via Athens is one of the handiest ways to save on tickets toward the Greek islands and southern Europe. Athens International Airport (ATH) is the main hub of Aegean Airlines, from which a single connection takes you to dozens of destinations from Santorini to Rhodes. Let's look at when connecting through Athens is worth it and how to save the most.
π Why Athens
- Athens Airport (ATH) is the hub of Aegean Airlines and its low-cost subsidiary, Olympic Air
- A dense network of Greek islands radiates from here β Santorini, Rhodes, Heraklion and Mykonos
- Its Balkan and Mediterranean location makes connections easy
- Athens is reachable direct from Tbilisi β then one connection takes you on to your final stop
πΈ How connecting saves money
A direct flight to a Greek island is rare and expensive. Connecting in Athens lets Aegean fill the plane at its own hub and sell the ticket for less β the difference can reach $75-190 round trip.
The same logic works for the Istanbul hub. Compare the options in the Travel365 price calendar β shifting by a day or switching the hub can bring meaningful savings.
β±οΈ Connection time and baggage
- On a single ticket, your baggage goes straight to the final destination β no need to re-check it
- On an intra-Schengen connection (e.g. Athensβisland) there's often no additional passport control
- Allow at least 1.5-2 hours for the connection; 2-3 hours for an international link
- When flying on separate tickets (self-transfer), leave more margin β see the self-transfer flights guide
On separately bought tickets you re-check the baggage yourself and carry the risk of a delay. A connection on a single ticket is safer when your time margin is small.
ποΈ If you have time: Athens in a day
- The Acropolis and the Parthenon β the great symbol of ancient Greece
- The Plaka district β the old town's colourful streets full of tavernas
- Syntagma Square and the changing of the guard
- On a long layover see the Athens city guide and how to get from the airport to the centre
π‘ Practical tips
When searching, turn on flexible dates and compare both options β direct and via Athens. Often you can only reach the islands through a hub, so a connection isn't just cheaper but the only way. Add the route to your Travel365 favorites and get a notification when the price drops.
The Greek islands' season is summer β buy your ticket early. For more saving ideas see 10 tips for a cheap ticket.
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