Let’s discuss Ryanair self-transfer flight compensation regulations.
Travel can be challenging, especially when you need to transfer by yourself between flights. What should you do if you miss your connection? Can you get compensation for it? What exactly does a self-transfer flight mean? This guide answers all your questions, ensuring you know your rights and how to get what you deserve.
Understanding Self-Transfer Flights
What is a Self-Transfer Flight?
A self-transfer flight means booking multiple flights separately instead of buying one connecting flight from an airline.
As the name implies, you are responsible for making the transfer. You need to ensure you have enough time to catch the next flight or flights, and you must collect and re-check your bags.
Unlike protected connecting flights, airlines don’t take responsibility if you miss your next flight.
Why Choose Self-Transfer?
Picture this – you have the freedom to choose from ANY flight.
You can fly from London to Paris with one airline and then take a different flight from Paris to your next destination. The possibilities are ENDLESS when you don’t stick to just one airline.
Self-transfer flights provide more choices and could save you money.
You have the freedom to pick the airlines you like best, decide how long you want to wait between flights and choose your routes. But, keep in mind, that the risk is higher because you’ll need to handle any missed connections on your own.
Potential Risks of Self-Transfer Flights
The main risk is missing your next connecting flight.
If your first flight is late or cancelled, and you miss your next flight, you will have to pay for new flight bookings and possibly for accommodation. Travel insurance that covers trip disruptions can help reduce these risks.
What If You Have a Ryanair Self-Transfer Flight?
The rules are the same as with other airlines – make sure you are on time.
Types of Ryanair self-transfer flight:
- Ryanair – Ryanair flight
- Ryanair – another airline’s flight
- another airline – Ryanair flight
In all these cases, every flight is considered an individual journey. If one of these flights is delayed or cancelled, the airline will not take responsibility for the other flight or flights.
The Reality of Missed Connections
When your Ryanair self-transfer connection is missed because of a delay or cancellation, the airline you use will not be held responsible. You’ll have to arrange and pay for a new flight on your own. If the delay means you need to stay overnight, expect to handle your hotel accommodations as well.
Always be aware of potential expenses and have an alternative plan ready.
Your Last Flight Is Delayed or Cancelled (the Best Scenario)
This is the least stressful situation.
In this case, you will reach your destination without any significant financial burden. You won’t need to purchase another flight ticket to get there. And you won’t need to book a hotel.
All you need to do is:
- Obtain a new ticket from the airline if your flight is cancelled;
- Wait for your delayed flight if your flight is postponed.
If you have to wait at the airport for 3 hours or more, you are entitled to receive care from the airline operating this particular flight. If you have to stay overnight, the airline must provide you with a free hotel room and transfer. These rules apply to all airlines operating in the EU. More information will be given further below.
Read more: Ryanair — Wizz Air Self-Transfer Flight: Who Is Going to Pay Compensation?
You Can Get Compensation for a Bad Flight (but not for the Connection)
In Europe, you have this right.
- If your initial flight is cancelled at the last minute (less than 14 days before departure), and it’s the airline’s responsibility, you can receive compensation.
- If your flight is delayed by 3 or more hours, and it’s due to the airline’s fault, you are entitled to compensation.
However, this applies only to this flight, not the whole connection.
If only the last flight is delayed or cancelled, this could also work out well for you financially. You might receive more in compensation than what you paid for the flight.
You Have a Right to Care (Sometimes)
Yes, your connection is not secure.
But, with every single flight, you still have all your rights.
This means that, for instance, if the flight is delayed for 8 hours and you have to stay overnight or it’s cancelled and the next flight is only available the following day, you still have the right to care from the airline while this issue gets resolved – waiting for your flight to depart or waiting for the new flight.
Be sure to reach out to the airline if they are not offering you anything. The same applies to free assistance as well as flight compensation and refunds.