In short
A self-transfer means two separate tickets. It can be cheaper, but if the first flight is late, the second airline does not rebook you. Leave at least 3 to 4 hours, expect to collect and re-check bags and avoid it when you cannot afford to miss the flight.
Some booking sites sell "separate tickets": two flights from two airlines that are not linked. The price can be lower, but the rules change.
The risk
- No protection between the tickets. If flight 1 is delayed, airline 2 owes you nothing.
- Luggage is not checked through. You collect and check in again.
- Visa: you may need to enter the country of the stopover.
How to lower the risk
- Leave at least 3 to 4 hours between flights.
- Travel with hand luggage only if possible.
- Choose the earlier flight of the day for the first leg.
- Buy a flexible second ticket or travel insurance that covers missed connections.
When to avoid it
- When a missed flight costs you a cruise, a wedding or a work trip.
- When you travel with children or limited mobility.
In our flight search we mark offers of this kind as "separate tickets".
Questions
Is it legal? Yes, but you carry the risk.
Is it much cheaper? Sometimes, especially on routes where two low-cost airlines can be combined.
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