Managing one’s own connecting flight, rather than booking a single itinerary through one airline, is typically referred to as a self-transfer. This involves booking separate tickets for each leg of the journey, often with different airlines. For example, a traveler might fly from New York to London with Airline A, and then separately book a flight from London to Rome with Airline B. The passenger is responsible for collecting their baggage and checking in again for the second flight.
This approach can offer potential cost savings, especially when flying budget airlines or taking advantage of specific deals. It also expands route options, providing access to destinations that might not be readily available through a single airline’s network. However, it introduces logistical complexities. Passengers bear the responsibility for ensuring sufficient connection time, navigating unfamiliar airports, and absorbing any costs incurred due to missed connections caused by flight delays. Historically, before the prevalence of online travel agencies and interline agreements, managing separate bookings was more common.
