Understanding Separate Tickets when Booking a Flight

When planning a trip, one of the most important decisions you'll make is how to book your flights. Opting for separate tickets can offer flexibility and potential cost savings, but there are also risks to consider. In this article, we'll explore the nuances of booking separate tickets and help you make an informed decision.

What Does "Separate Tickets" Mean?

Separate tickets, also known as independent bookings, mean that each flight is booked individually. Here's what you need to know:

Independent Bookings: Each flight is booked separately. You'll receive separate confirmation numbers and itineraries for each leg of your journey. No Automatic Connections: The airline does not guarantee your connecting flights. If your first flight is delayed or canceled, you may miss your second flight and have to pay for another ticket. Baggage Considerations: You may need to collect and recheck your luggage between flights, especially if flying with different airlines without an interline agreement. Potential Cost Savings: Sometimes, booking separate tickets can lead to lower overall fares, but careful planning is key to ensure you have enough time between flights. Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers missed connections, as this can provide financial protection.

The Basics of Booking a Round Trip Ticket

Typically, when pricing out a round trip airline ticket, both the outbound and return legs are placed on the same itinerary and record locator. You pay one lump sum for the ticket. However, in some cases, it might be cheaper to book two separate tickets—effectively creating a one-way ticket for each leg of your journey.

When this happens, you'll receive two different itineraries, two record locators, and you'll pay two different amounts that total to the amount quoted. To be more precise, you'll end up paying for two separate tickets, each with its own record locator and itinerary.

The Downside of Buying Separate Tickets

The most significant downside to buying separate tickets versus a single ticket for a round trip is the increased risk of missing connections. This can happen if your outbound flight is delayed or cancelled. Here are some examples:

Example 1: Interline Agreements

Interline agreements are common between airlines, which typically means one airline will take responsibility for your travel even if your flight is with another carrier. This agreement covers baggage and even ensures seat assignments and boarding passes are coordinated.

Example 2: Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is well-known for not having interline agreements with other airlines. This can lead to complications when you need to change airlines. If flying from Milwaukee to Denver on Southwest and then to Seattle on United, you'll need:

2 tickets To check your luggage in Milwaukee on Southwest and retrieve it in Denver To recheck your luggage in Denver on United for Seattle To get boarding passes from both airlines

However, you can simplify this process after 12:01 AM by checking your bags at the respective airlines' websites.

Conclusion

Booking separate tickets can offer flexibility and potential cost savings, but it also comes with increased risks and responsibilities. If you're planning an itinerary that involves multiple airlines or connections, carefully weigh the pros and cons. Consider purchasing travel insurance to help mitigate the risks of missed connections and delays. With thorough planning and knowledge, you can make the most of independent bookings while minimizing potential issues.