What is meant by 'through passenger' in an airline context?

A 'through passenger' in an airline context refers specifically to a passenger who remains onboard an aircraft after it makes a scheduled stop, typically at an intermediate airport, before continuing on to a final destination. This situation occurs in flights that have multiple legs, allowing certain passengers to stay on the plane while others disembark or board. It highlights the efficiency of multi-leg travel, where it is important for airlines to manage the flow of passengers without requiring everyone to leave the aircraft during brief layovers.

While other options describe various travel scenarios, they do not accurately capture the essence of what constitutes a through passenger. For example, a passenger who is traveling on a connecting flight may need to change planes, and a passenger who checks in but does not board is not considered in the context of being a through passenger. Similarly, a passenger who boards the flight after a delay is simply an on-time or delayed passenger rather than one classified as "through." Understanding the definition and operational significance of 'through passengers' helps in grasping airline logistics and passenger handling during a flight's journey.