What is a self-transfer flight?
What are your rights when taking self-transfer flights?
A self-transfer flight is a type of journey where the passenger is in charge of managing their connections between two or more flights, usually with different airlines. Unlike traditional connecting flights on a single ticket, self-transfer flights require travellers to manage the transfer themselves.
This blog post will explain everything you need to understand about self-transfer flights. You’ll learn how to identify them, understand their pros and cons, and get tips to make your journey safer and more efficient.
What Is a Self-Transfer Flight?
A self-transfer flight means you handle your own connection as a passenger.
Picture this: you buy a ticket for a flight from New York to London with Airline A, and then another ticket for a flight from London to Paris with Airline B. These flights aren’t booked together, so you need to collect your baggage and check in again for the next flight.
Travelling on a self-transfer flight requires more effort on your part but can provide more options and possibly save you money.
How Do You Know If Your Flight Is a Self-Transfer?
Here are some tips to identify a self-transfer flight:
You Made Several Bookings
This is the clearest indication that you have a self-transfer flight.
If you booked multiple flights, you’re dealing with a self-transfer.
Separate Booking Numbers
If you have different booking numbers or itineraries for each part of your trip, you’re probably on a self-transfer flight. This means different airlines will manage each part of your journey.
Perhaps, you booked a flight through Kiwi or Skyscanner.
It was a single booking.
However, if there are two or more booking numbers, and with each of those you can see only one flight’s details (when trying to manage it on the airline’s website), these are separate flights – it’s a self-transfer.
Flight booking websites typically inform you about this before you book.
Different Airlines
If your travel plan includes various airlines, you might have a self-transfer flight.
Especially if you booked the flight through a travel site rather than directly with the airline.
Check the flight details on the airlines’ own websites. If you can’t find both flights on any of those websites, it’s a self-transfer. In these situations, each airline’s website will only display flight information for that part of your journey.
When you’re unsure, it’s best to reach out to the company where you purchased your ticket.
Different Airports
There’s a 99% chance you’ll have a self-transfer.
Regular connecting flights very rarely involve transfers between airports.
Is Self-Transfer Safe, and How To Make it Safer?
Although self-transfer flights can be safe, they carry certain risks.
Here’s how to minimize those risks.
Allow Extra Time
Allowing extra time between your connecting flights can help avoid problems if there are any delays.
Allow at least three to four hours between flights to accommodate unexpected circumstances such as long customs queues.
It’s wise to have more time if you’re travelling with checked luggage.
Research Airports
Familiarize yourself with the airports where you’ll be making connections.
Understanding the layout, distances between terminals, and available services can save time and reduce stress during your layover.
Alternatively, be efficient upon landing and proceed directly to your next flight.
Purchase Travel Insurance
Travel insurance provides peace of mind.
If unexpected delays cause you to miss connections, travel insurance may cover the costs of accommodations, rebooking flights, and other related expenses.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Self-Transfer Flights
Self-transfer flights can be both advantageous and challenging.
Here are the things you need to consider:
Advantages
- Cost efficient. Sometimes, booking separate flights costs less than booking one connecting flight. The savings can be quite large.
- Flexibility. Self-transfer flights offer flexible options for departure times, airlines, and layover cities. You can explore a city during a long layover and have more choices for travel destinations.
- Wide variety of choices. You are not limited to a single airline’s schedule or routes, which is particularly advantageous for reaching smaller or more remote destinations.
Disadvantages
- Increased responsibility. The task of managing your travel connections is entirely your responsibility. Missing connections can result in extra expenses and added stress.
- Lack of airline support. With self-transfer flights, you usually won’t receive any assistance if you miss a flight due to delays or cancellations.
- Handling your baggage. You will need to pick up and recheck your luggage, which can be quite time-consuming.
What Happens if You Miss Your Self-Transfer Flight?
Refer to this step-by-step guide:
1. Rebook Flights
Go to the customer service desk of the airline you missed.
They might help you by booking you onto the next available flight.
However, you will probably need to pay the full price.
Last-minute plane tickets can be quite expensive.
2. Find an Accommodation
If you can’t book another flight on the same day, look for a place to stay.
Many airports have nearby hotels that offer day rates for travellers who are stuck. Unfortunately, the airline will not be able to assist you with this.
3. Stay Relaxed
Stay relaxed and think about your options.
Getting stressed can make things worse, so take a moment to breathe deeply and handle the situation one step at a time.
4. Know Your Rights
Remember that even though your connection isn’t secure, you still have rights as a passenger for each flight individually. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you often have the right to get compensation.
If you have to wait for a long time at the airport, you have the right to care.
Be sure to understand your rights and take action as needed (contact the airline if they don’t reach out to you). Refer to the guides linked below for more information on your rights.
Read more:
- Ryanair Self-Transfer Flight Compensation
- Ryanair — Wizz Air Self-Transfer Flight: Who Is Going to Pay Compensation?
- Ryanair Flight Delay Compensation
- Ryanair Flight Cancellation Compensation
- Right to Care (from Ryanair)
Featured photo from Pexels