Connecting flights vs self-transfer flights.
To put it simply — these are two types of connecting flights. First are airline-protected, and the other are kind of DIY connecting flights. While only the first are “proper connecting flights”, in reality, when self-transfer is often the only option, people tend to call self-transfer flights connecting flights too.
In both cases, you travel from A to B and you are also stopping somewhere on the way (C), where you change airplanes.
Scroll down to learn more about the differences between the two.
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Connecting Flights vs Self-Transfer Flights: Comparison
We have a separate guide on both:
- Connecting flights (all-in-one guide)
- Self-transfer flights (only self-transfer)
This one here is only a simple comparison of the main aspects. To learn more about both and other things related to connecting flights, check out the above-mentioned guides.
Basics:
| Connecting flights | Self transfer | |
|---|---|---|
| Check-in | Once. You get all boarding passes at once | You check in for every flight separately |
| Baggage check-in | Once for the whole journey | You recheck baggage for every flight separately |
| Baggage transfer | Your airline takes care of baggage on connecting flights | You recheck baggage for every flight separately |
| Is it safe? | Yes. Even if you have connecting flights with different airlines | Self-transfer can be safe, and it can also be risky |
| What if you miss a flight? | If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay of the previous flight, airline takes care of that. They give you a new flight for free | If you miss your self-transfer, it’s your responsibility |
Other Things:
| Connecting flights | Self transfer | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa for a layover? | In most cases, a visa for a layover is not needed | You might need a visa for your self-transfer, depending on your nationality |
| Short layovers? | It’s okay. Even 45-minute layovers are okay — if you miss your flight, the airline takes care of that. You may also get flight compensation | High risk of missing a connecting flight |
| Changing airports | Very rarely | Changing airports is common, time-consuming, pricey (but avoidable) |
Anything you want to add? What is your experience with connecting flights and self-transfer flights? Have you been on both?