Travelers face last-minute flight changes with impossible connection windows

Travelers booking what appears to be a direct flight discover it's actually a connection with dangerously tight transfer times, leaving them stranded if they miss the connection or lose luggage. Airlines and booking platforms don't clearly communicate actual layover durations and transfer logistics upfront, forcing travelers to either accept high-risk itineraries or pay premium prices for alternatives. Current solutions fail because the problem is often discovered too late to change plans without significant financial penalties.