Connecting flights on separate tickets: the risk few people notice

You find a cheap flight A to B and another B to C on different airlines, and you buy them separately. The total price is convincing, but one detail is easy to miss: they are two different contracts. If the first one runs late and you miss the second, neither airline is obliged to rebook you.

The difference between a connected trip and two loose tickets

With one ticket, the connection is protected

When everything is bought in a single booking, the airline or booking system treats the connection as one journey. If the first leg is delayed and you miss the next, you are normally rebooked under the terms of that contract.

With separate tickets, the risk is yours

Each ticket is independent. If you miss the second flight because the first was late, you usually have to buy a new one, and change and refund conditions depend on each fare.

What to check before buying

Leave a generous gap between flights

Remember that you have to collect your luggage, clear immigration if you change country or terminal, and check in again. The more complex the airport, the more time you need.

Check baggage and documents

On separate tickets your bags are usually not transferred automatically: you will have to collect them and drop them off again. Also check whether you need a visa or transit authorisation.

Check names and codes on both bookings

Make sure the name matches your passport exactly on both bookings and keep both booking references. A mistake on just one can leave you without a flight.

A simpler way to check your trip

If you want to cross-check the times, names and codes of all your legs at once, upload them to AuditorTravel: it flags what doesn't add up with a simple traffic light (🟢 🟡 🔴) before you travel.

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AuditorTravel is an automated information tool; use it as a guide. The final decision is always yours.