Connecting between two flights operated by different airlines without the assistance of airport personnel or the initial airline is typically referred to as a self-connect. This involves retrieving checked baggage from the arriving flight and personally transferring it to the departing flight. For example, a traveler might fly from New York to London on one airline and then, after claiming their luggage and proceeding through customs and immigration, fly from London to Rome on a separate airline they booked independently.
Managing one’s own connection offers potential cost savings, as these itineraries are often cheaper than those booked through a single airline or alliance. It provides greater flexibility in choosing airlines and flight times, opening up a wider range of travel options. However, this approach also places greater responsibility on the traveler. Historically, such independent bookings were more common before the widespread adoption of interline agreements and baggage transfer systems. With rising airfare costs and the increasing availability of online travel resources, arranging separate flights has again become a viable option for budget-conscious travelers.
