Warning over booking connecting flights

Travellers have been urged to remain aware of the perils of booking their own connecting flights.

According to the Air Transport Users Council (ATUC), passengers who choose to book two separate flights with different carriers on the same journey could lose out as both airlines may not be under any obligation to refund or rebook passengers who miss their connection.

It says that while booking two separate flight tickets in this way might be cheaper or more convenient on some journeys, flyers could find themselves having to pay out for unforeseen accommodation and meals if they miss the connecting flight.

Passengers who book one ticket that includes two flights operated by the same carrier may be more likely to benefit from policies that see the airline covering the cost of any delays or cancellations that make flyers miss their connection - but this should not be taken for granted, according to the ATUC.

"Our advice to passengers who [book two separate connecting flights] is simple: don't risk it. Missing such a connecting flight usually means having to buy a new ticket, often at a more expensive, last-minute fare and paying for any meals and accommodation," ATUC chairman Tina Tietjen commented.

Commenting on the report, Which? travel expert Bob Tolliday said that consumers should be aware they have "far more rights" if they book connecting flights in one reservation than if they do under two separate bookings.

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