How to Book Connecting Flights Separately and Save Up to 40%

Most travelers don't realize that booking two separate one-way tickets can be significantly cheaper than a single connecting flight. This travel hack, known as "self-connecting" or "hacking connections," can save you 30-40% on international flights—but it comes with risks you need to understand.

What Are Self-Connected Flights?

Self-connected flights are when you deliberately book two separate tickets to create your own connection, rather than buying a single ticket with a connection from the airline. For example, instead of booking London → New York → Los Angeles as one ticket, you book:

• Ticket 1: London → New York (Budget carrier)
• Ticket 2: New York → Los Angeles (Different airline)

Airlines don't coordinate these tickets, so you're entirely responsible for making the connection.

Why This Saves Money

The savings come from several factors:

• Budget Carrier Competition: Low-cost airlines often offer dramatically cheaper point-to-point flights
• Market Pricing Differences: Airlines price routes based on competition and demand in specific markets
• Unbundled Services: You're not paying for the convenience of checked bag transfers and guaranteed connections
• Positioning Flights: Sometimes flying to a nearby hub and catching a budget flight saves more than direct routes

Real Example: I recently booked Frankfurt → New York → Miami. The direct United connection was $890. Instead, I booked Norse Atlantic Frankfurt → New York ($220) + JetBlue New York → Miami ($89) = $309 total. Savings: $581 (65%).

The Risks You Must Understand

This strategy isn't for everyone. Here are the major risks:

1. No Protection for Missed Connections

If your first flight is delayed and you miss your second flight, you're on your own. The second airline owes you nothing—you'll need to buy a new ticket at potentially 3-4x the price.

2. Checked Baggage Complications

You must collect your bags and recheck them. This requires:

• Sufficient connection time (minimum 3-4 hours recommended)
• Valid entry visa if leaving the international transit area
• Additional baggage fees for the second ticket

3. Terminal Changes

Different airlines often use different terminals. JFK has 6 terminals requiring shuttle buses. If your first flight is delayed, the transfer time can be critical.

When This Strategy Works Best

Self-connecting is ideal for:

• Flexible Travelers: If you can afford to miss a connection without major consequences
• Carry-On Only: No checked bags = no recheck hassle
• Major Hub Cities: Airports with many daily flights (NYC, London, Paris, Bangkok, Dubai)
• Long Connections: 6+ hour layovers that give you buffer time
• Low Season Travel: When rebooking wouldn't be catastrophically expensive

Essential Tools and Resources

Flight Search Engines

• Kiwi.com: Specifically designed for self-connecting flights with "Nomad" feature
• Skiplagged: Shows hidden city ticketing and self-connections
• Google Flights: Use multi-city search to manually compare combinations
• Momondo: Often shows budget carrier options major sites miss

Checking Flight Schedules

• FlightStats: View on-time performance data for specific routes
• FlightAware: Real-time flight tracking and historical data
• Airline Apps: Download apps for both carriers to get instant delay notifications

Step-by-Step: How to Do This Safely

Step 1: Research the Route

Look for major hub cities where budget carriers operate. Example hubs:

• Europe: London, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin
• Asia: Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong
• North America: New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto
• Middle East: Dubai, Doha, Istanbul

Step 2: Build in Buffer Time

My recommended minimum connection times:

• Same terminal, carry-on only: 3 hours
• Different terminals, carry-on only: 4 hours
• Same terminal, checked bags: 4-5 hours
• Different terminals, checked bags: 5-6 hours
• International entry required: Add 1-2 hours for customs/immigration

Step 3: Choose the Right Flights

• Book your first flight on a route with multiple daily departures
• Avoid booking the last flight of the day for your second leg
• Check the airline's on-time performance (aim for 80%+ on-time rating)
• Prefer morning connections over evening ones

Step 4: Have a Backup Plan

• Research alternative flights on your connection day
• Set aside emergency funds for rebooking ($200-500)
• Consider travel insurance with "cancel for any reason" coverage
• Join loyalty programs for both airlines for better rebooking options

Pro Tips from Frequent Self-Connectors

The Overnight Layover Hack: Book a connection for the next day. Spend $50-80 on an airport hotel, and you eliminate all risk of missing your connection while getting a good night's sleep. The combined cost is still often cheaper than a direct flight.

More Expert Strategies

• Book Refundable First Flights: If it costs just $30-50 more for a refundable ticket on the first leg, do it. If that flight is severely delayed, you can cancel and rebook both legs
• Use Credit Card Benefits: Cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve offer trip delay reimbursement after 6+ hour delays
• Monitor Weather: Don't self-connect during winter in Chicago or summer hurricane season in Florida
• Stay Airside If Possible: Some airports (Singapore, Dubai, Seoul) allow easy terminal changes without clearing customs
• Pack Smart: Keep essentials in your carry-on. If you're checking bags, pack one complete outfit in your carry-on

Real-World Examples That Saved Big

Example 1: Europe to Southeast Asia

Traditional Route: London → Bangkok direct = $750

Self-Connection: London → Dubai (£180 on Wizz Air) + Dubai → Bangkok ($220 on Air Arabia) = $400 total

Savings: $350 (47%)

Strategy: 8-hour Dubai layover, visited the city, completely safe connection

Example 2: Cross-USA

Traditional Route: Boston → Los Angeles direct = $420

Self-Connection: Boston → New York ($59 on JetBlue) + New York → Los Angeles ($129 on Norwegian) = $188 total

Savings: $232 (55%)

Strategy: 5-hour JFK layover, both terminals have free shuttle, carry-on only

When NOT to Self-Connect

Avoid this strategy if:

• You're traveling for a time-sensitive event (wedding, funeral, important meeting)
• You're traveling with young children or elderly passengers
• You have expensive checked bags (camera equipment, sporting gear)
• The savings are less than $100-150 (not worth the risk)
• You're not comfortable navigating foreign airports
• The connection city requires a visa you don't have
• There's severe weather forecasted
• You're booking during peak holiday travel

Final Thoughts

Self-connecting flights can unlock incredible savings and open up travel opportunities that would otherwise be unaffordable. I've personally saved thousands of dollars using this strategy over the years. However, it requires careful planning, flexibility, and understanding of the risks.

Start with low-risk connections—same-day, major hubs, carry-on only—and build your confidence. As you gain experience, you'll develop an intuition for which connections are safe and which savings are worth the risk.

Remember: the best connection is one where missing it wouldn't ruin your trip. If the flight is critical, pay for the peace of mind of a traditional connecting ticket.