What is an airport self transfer?
An airport self transfer is another term for a self-transfer flight. As you might already know, self-transfer flights are DIY connecting flights. It’s when you buy two or more separate flights to get to your destination. Self-transfer flights are not airline-protected flights. If something happens, if one flight is delayed and you miss next flight, this is your responsibility (not any of the airline’s).
Read on to find out more about what is self transfer at airport.
Did you miss a connecting flight? File a compensation claim online.
1. What Is an Airport Self Transfer?
Airport self transfer is another term for a self-transfer flight.
So, what is a self transfer flight?
A self-transfer flight is DIY connecting flight — two or more separately-booked flights. It could be with one or several airlines. Each of these flights has its own booking reference, and is considered to be a separate journey. Self transfers are the complete opposite of airline-protected connecting flights.
A self-transfer flight allows you to transfer from one flight to another at the airport without the assistance of an airline representative, unlike it is with airline-protected connecting flights.
With an airport self-transfer, you are responsible for collecting your checked luggage, exiting the arrival area, and checking in for your next flight at the departure area. Some airports have dedicated self-transfer kiosks or counters where passengers can check in for their next flight, but they are not at every airport.
You are required to go through security and immigration/customs if you are traveling internationally. It is important to allow enough time between flights to complete the self-transfer process, as airlines are not responsible for missed connections due to delayed flights or insufficient transfer time.
Read more: Self-Transfer Flights
2. Are Airport Self Transfers Safe?
Are self-transfer flights safe?
Overall, airport self-transfer can be a convenient option for passengers who want more flexibility in their travel plans or want to save money by booking separate flights. However, it also requires more effort and attention to detail on the part of the passenger.
If you plan to book a self transfer, keep in mind that you will need to give yourself plenty of time for collecting your luggage, going through immigration, checking in for your next flight and navigating between the terminals.
It is because it’s you who’s planning the transfer, not airline.
You plan your layovers and stopovers. You are responsible for making your connection. And that’s why airport self transfers are less safe than regular connecting flights.
3. How to Make an Airport Self Transfer Safe?
Self-transfer flights are not as safe as regular connecting flights.
But you can make your self-transfer flight safer. Here’s how:
- Make sure you book a self-transfer flight with a long connection time.
- Travel with a carry on only.
- Have a Plan B.
- Book a Kiwi self transfer. Kiwi offers a feature called “Kiwi Guarantee” which ensures that customers will be able to reach their final destination even if their flight is disrupted or canceled.
- Buy good travel insurance policy, a policy that covers trip interruptions, delays and missed connections.
Read this article to learn how you can make your self transfer safer.
4. Connecting Flights vs Self-Transfer Flights
What is the difference between a connecting flight and a self transfer?
Here is a table describing the differences between self transfers and airline-protected connecting flights.
You can read more about the differences in this article.
| Connecting Flight | Self-Transfer Flight | |
| Protected? | Connection is protected by the airline. | Connection is not protected. It is your responsibility to make your self transfer flight. |
| Baggage | Baggage is sent to your final destination. No need to collect and recheck it. | You have to collect it after every flight and recheck it. |
| Immigration | No need to go through passport control (immigration). You will stay in the transit area of the airport. | You need to go through passport control (immigration) because you are exiting the arrival area. |
| Check in | You are checked in for all flights | You have to check in for your next flight at the departure area. |
| Missed Connection | You don’t have to worry. The airline will book you on a new flight for free. | Airlines are not responsible for missed connections due to delayed flights or insufficient transfer time. |
What’s your experience with airport self transfer? How do you book self-transfer flights? Do you do it directly or with flight booking websites? Do you buy travel insurance?
About the author:
Una is an organized globetrotter and foodie who’s been living a digital nomad lifestyle since 2013. She always starts her day early with a good book before diving into work. Apart from traveling and aviation, her other passions include gym, hiking and cycling. Una is also a strong proponent of AI technology. She firmly believes in its potential to simplify life and has often advocated for its wider adoption in our day-to-day activities. Her favorite airlines are Qatar Airways, Emirates, and KLM.
