Self-transfer flights are on the rise as travelers mix and match low-cost carriers to score cheaper fares and more flexible routes. Build-your-own itineraries mean more options (and bigger savings), but they also put a little more responsibility on you. Before you book yours, there are some tradeoffs: more planning, tighter timing and a bit more risk.
What is a self-transfer flight?
For starters, you may be asking yourself, what does self transfer mean exactly? A self-transfer flight is when you book each leg of your itinerary separately. This gives you the flexibility of mixing airlines or airports to suit your needs and combine the best flight deals.
Examples of self-transfer flights:
- Flying into Paris Orly, out of Charles de Gaulle
- Landing at London Heathrow, departing from Gatwick
- Arriving in Milan Bergamo, continuing from Milan Linate
You might transfer within the same airport or hop between nearby ones, on domestic or international legs. It’s flexible and often cheaper, but you’re fully in charge of making it work. This means re-checking bags and potentially clearing security/immigration at each airport and navigating any delays or cancellations on your own.
Self-transfer vs. traditional connections:
| Feature | Self-transfer | Traditional connection |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket type | Separate tickets you piece together | Single through-ticket |
| Baggage handling | You collect and recheck bags | Bags checked through |
| Missed connection | You’re responsible | Airline responsible |
| Schedule changes | Managed separately per airline | Protected by airline |
| Recommended buffer time | Longer, you decide | Shorter, governed by minimum connection time |
Check out KAYAK’s guide to connecting flights to make the most of all your airline has to offer.
How self-transfer works in practice.
Self-transfer basically means you’re handling everything an airline would normally do for you during a connection. After booking your legs separately, each segment becomes its own trip. So you’ll need to build in enough time and be ready for extra steps.
What self-transfer flights usually looks like:
- Check in for each flight separately (sometimes with different airlines or apps).
- Collect your baggage after the first flight and recheck it for the next.
- Clear security again, and immigration too, if you’re switching countries.
- Transfer between terminals or even airports.
- Add a generous buffer (think 3–6 hours or more) in case of delays.
When flying KLM to Amsterdam, then hopping a low-cost flight, expect a terminal change and another security line. That means it’s best to leave at least 90–120 minutes more than you would for a traditional connecting flight.
Pros & cons of self-transfer flights.
Self-transfer comes with major upsides, but it also shifts more responsibility onto you. Here’s how the benefits stack up against the risks.
Benefits of self-transfer flights:
- Cheaper overall. Mixing low-cost carriers with major airlines can cut prices significantly, especially on long-haul routes.
- More flexibility. You get to design your whole itinerary: choose your layover city, stretch your connection to explore, or pick airports that work better for your trip.
- Route creativity. Self-transfer opens combinations airlines don’t normally sell. This way you can reach destinations that might otherwise be pricey or awkward to access.
- Control over timing. Whether you prefer a long layover to sightsee or a short one to keep things moving, you get to decide.
Risks of self-transfer flights:
- No built-in protection. Miss your second flight and you’re on the hook. You forfeit the airline’s help in rebooking you for free when you book a self-connecting itinerary. That’s no minor detail when, according to an OAG survey, 55% of travelers cite missing a connection as their biggest worry.
- Higher delay fallout. A study by the European Transport Research Review found that a delay of just 30 minutes can cause 40% of self-connecting passengers to miss their onward flight.
- Tricky baggage logistics. Note that you must collect and recheck bags between connections, because there’s no through-checking when you book an itinerary with multiple airlines. The same OAG survey also reports that 21% of travelers say they fear their luggage won’t make it when booking self-transfer flights.
- More stress and planning. From airport transfers to immigration lines, every step becomes your responsibility, so buffers (like planning extra transit time) matter.
I always build in extra time, travel light and monitor any flight alerts closely. Self-transfer offers freedom with a side of responsibility, but I think it’s worth it because I can put the savings toward enjoying my vacation.
Your rights & compensation with self-transfer flights.
When you self-transfer, your rights will depend on the country you’re flying through. In most cases, protections are limited because each leg is on a separate ticket.
EU (Regulation 261/2004)
EU261 offers compensation for long delays, cancellations or denied boarding. However, this usually only applies to the affected flight. If you miss your second flight because your first one was delayed, EU261 does not protect the onward leg unless both segments were on a single ticket.
US & Canada
The US has no federal compensation rules for delays or cancellations. Airlines may offer rebooking or vouchers, but it’s voluntary.
Under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), you may be eligible for compensation in the event of long delays and cancellations. Again, they apply per flight, not to missed onward segments on a separate ticket.
Asia-Pacific
Protections vary widely. Some countries have passenger charters, but most do not guarantee compensation for missed self-connections.
Who’s responsible?
With separate tickets, you are responsible for managing delays and cancellations and how they may impact your connecting flights. If you want to book self-transfer flights, give yourself protection through travel insurance and traveling with extra time buffers.
How to prepare for a self-transfer flight.
Self-transfer flights can be a great way to save money and build unique itineraries, but they require a little extra homework. The more prepared you are, the smoother your trip. And the less chance of missing that onward flight. Here’s how to stay on top of it:
- Book with time buffers. Give yourself plenty of time. Most airports suggest at least 3–6 hours for self-transfer flights, especially when switching terminals or airports.
- Use carry-on only. Skip checked bags to save time and avoid baggage recheck stress.
- Check terminal layouts & baggage policy. Know where to go and how to handle your luggage before you fly.
- Check visa requirements. If you’re changing countries, even briefly, make sure you can legally transit.
- Monitor your first flight. Delays can cascade. Stay informed and adjust your plans ASAP if needed.
- Book flexible fares or alliance-linked tickets. This adds an extra safety net if delays occur.
- Consider travel insurance. Look for policies that explicitly cover missed self-transfer connections for extra protection.
In some cities with multiple airports, you can find direct shuttles between them. This was the case for me when I had to self-transfer between Paris Orly and Charles de Gaulle. I’d recommend researching transit options before you fly.
Alternatives to self-transfer flights.
Self-transfer flights can save money and offer flexibility, but they’re not for everyone. If you want fewer headaches (or a safety net for delays) consider these alternatives.
- Traditional connections: Book a single-ticket itinerary with one airline or alliance. This way, baggage and delays are handled for you.
- Multi-city tickets: Officially plan multiple stops on one ticket. It’s still flexible but with more protection.
- Open-jaw routes: Fly into one city and out of another on a single ticket. This option is perfect for loop trips without extra hassle.
- Travel packages with protection: Some travel platforms offer bundled flights plus insurance or rebooking guarantees. Always check the fine print.
- Layover hacks: Use long stopovers (24 hours or more) to explore a city while staying on a single ticket. (Check out this guide on leaving the airport during your layover for tips on how to make the most of your time.)
These alternatives still provide options for unique itineraries, but without the stress of managing separate tickets.
FAQs
Plan at least 3–6 hours, more if switching airports, terminals or countries.
Usually no. EU261 protections generally only apply to flights on the same ticket. Delays on one leg rarely cover the next.
Not automatically. With separate tickets, you must collect and recheck your baggage. Carry-on only simplifies things.
Often, but not always. They can save you money, especially with low-cost carriers. But hidden costs on transfers, baggage or missed flights can offset those savings.
