The practice of independently arranging connecting flights, without the protection of a single airline itinerary, involves passengers booking separate tickets for each leg of their journey. For example, a traveler might book one flight from New York to London on one airline, and a separate flight from London to Rome on another, assuming responsibility for any potential issues arising from delays or missed connections.
This method can sometimes offer cost savings compared to booking a through ticket, as individual flight segments might be cheaper. However, it places the onus on the passenger to manage potential disruptions. Airlines are typically not obligated to provide assistance or rebooking options if a connecting flight is missed due to a delay on a separately booked flight. Historically, this approach was less common, but the rise of budget airlines and online travel agencies has made it a more prevalent strategy for price-conscious travelers.
