Q&A

Check how many booking codes you have, if your itinerary consists of more than one, your trip is self-transfer

Booking code is combination of numbers and letters (example: XY12Z3). Usually, when you input this code with your surname/e-mail address on airlines websites, you will see your flight details and can proceed to on-line check-in. 

When you book connecting flight, you will see all flights under single booking code, in case of disruption airlines will take care of you and rebook you for free to final destination.

When booking self-transfers, all flights are independent on each other and in case one of them is late or canceled, airlines provide no assistance or free rebooking. When missing self-transfer flight due disruption, airlines consider flight as no-show. 

This depends on the layout of the airport where you self-transfer, sometimes, airports have direct access to transit area when you exit the aircraft, especially the bigger ones. This mostly applies only if you travel within Schengen. SelfTransfer has established a database of most used self-transfer airports in Europe, where you can find out if you can connect within transit area or will need to leave the airport and go through security checks again, that can be found here.

OTAs are services, which books flights on their behalf (Kiwi, Opodo, eDreams...). They use robots to book these flights on airlines websites and for this service they usually take service fee. When you book flights using OTA, you are not owner of the itinerary, instead OTAs are. OTAs have all rights to modificate booking and receive compensation, if applicable.

When you book self-transfer flights with OTAs, they usually guarantee the self-transfer connection, but they charge you a fee for this service. In case you purchase this service, they reserve the right to receive and keep the compensation for delayed/cancelled flights (such as EU compensations EC 261). They also might have very tricky terms and conditions, so we recommend to check them carefully (limits for new flights/hotels or strikes/natural disasters might not me covered)

In case you booked self-transfer flight but all segments of the trip are operated by single airline, the rule of the booking code applies.

Single booking code = connection covered by airline

More than one booking code = self-transfer flight - connection is not protected/covered

Booking flights within single airline does not guarantee the connection.

Remember, low-cost airlines usually do not self connecting flights, so if you have booked flights operated by Ryanair, WizzAir, EasyJet... They are never connecting flights, always self-transfers

These services provide protection for self-transfer flights, we highly recommend to check reviews on relevant websites and terms and conditions carefully. They usually reserve the right to receive compensations (EU 261) and require you to book flights on their websites and their protection might have limits for reimbursement.

SelfLinker is only service on the market that provides protection for self-transfer flights and allows you to book these flights directly on each airlines websites, so you will have always direct access to your bookings. They do not reserve the rights to receive the compensation for disrupted flights (EU 261) and have quick customer service.