What is a self-transfer?
A self-transfer is a trip made up of separate tickets, often with different airlines. Combining two separate tickets often gives you more route options and a lower price.
The trade-off
At your connecting airport, you handle the transfer yourself. Here's what you need to know.
What to do at your transfer airport
Your bags aren't sent on to your final destination, and your next airline won't know you're on your way. How you transfer depends on whether you have checked bags, where you're coming from and where your transfer airport is. In some cases you'll need to make your way through the airport as if you were starting a new trip.
Travelling with hand luggage only?
Check in online for your next flight before you land. You'll skip baggage claim and bag drop, but at most airports you'll still need to go back through security, and you may need a visa for your transfer airport.
How much time you'll have
We calculate connection times so you have enough time to collect your bags, check in again and get through security. A few things help:
- Check in online for your next flight as soon as it opens.
- Check your terminals before you travel. Some airports have terminals several kilometres apart.
- Keep travel documents to hand, including your booking for the next flight.
- Move straight through. Save shopping and food for after security.
Check your transfer time
Separate tickets mean the second airline doesn't have to help you if you miss their flight. ConnectSure does. We'll rebook or refund you, and cover meals or a hotel if you are stuck.
Travelling with checked bags
When you fly on separate tickets, your bags stop at every connection. They aren't transferred between your flights, so you'll pick them up and check them in again.
Head to check-in
Head straight to check-in once you have your bags. Bag drop usually closes 40 to 60 minutes before departure.
Label every bag
Label your bags inside and out with your name and phone number, and take a photo of each bag.
Pack your essentials in hand luggage
Pack medication, documents, chargers and a change of clothes in your hand luggage.
If a bag doesn't arrive
Report it at the baggage desk before you leave the baggage hall at the transfer airport, and tell them you have an onward flight.
Travelling with children
A self-transfer with children works the same way. It just helps to plan for a bit more time.
Keep everyone's passports together
Each child needs their own passport, and may need their own visa.
Collect your pushchair before customs
It may come back at the aircraft door or at baggage claim.
Use family lanes at security where there are any
Baby milk and food are usually allowed through in larger amounts.
Bring snacks and something to do
Refill water bottles after security.
Travelling with a child without both parents?
Some countries ask for a signed consent letter and a confirmation of custody.
Changing terminals
Your next flight may leave from a different terminal, and at some airports they're a few kilometres apart.
Check both terminals before you fly
Then check again on the day in your airline's app. Terminals can change.
Follow the signs for transfers between terminals
Once you're through customs, follow the signs. Shuttles and trains between terminals are usually free.
Allow time for the journey
At airports like Barcelona or Milan Malpensa, getting to the other terminal and back through security can take up to an hour.
If your connection is affected
Each ticket in a self-transfer is handled on its own. If a delay, cancellation or schedule change on one flight makes you miss your connection, that airline can only help with its own flight. It can't rebook or refund the other flights in your trip, so no one is responsible for your trip as a whole.