There are many reasons to book connecting flights on different airlines. Often, the best airfare can be found by mixing and matching carriers. Sometimes, there is no choice but to switch airlines mid-route in order to reach under-served destinations. Making airport connections is seldom a stress-free experience and making connecting flights on competing airlines offers unique challenges. Proper planning can make these transfers fairly hassle-free.
When booking trips that connect on two or more carriers, there are a few guidelines that can make the journey run smoothly. Avoid tight connection times or short layovers. Leave plenty of wiggle room for inevitable delays. It is often possible to book flights on different airlines through a single airline's reservation system. This is preferable to booking each segment through each individual airline, as airlines are more likely to accommodate a passenger who misses a flight due to a delay on another carrier if they sold the ticket for that carrier. For extra protection, consider trip insurance, which will cover the cost of a missed connection.
Remember that baggage rules vary from airline to airline; make sure your carry-on is allowed on each leg of the trip. Checked bags will have to be re-checked with the airline operating the second flight. If possible, avoid checking bags; baggage claim is always on the wrong side of TSA screening.
Research the airport where the connecting flight is scheduled. Having a working knowledge of the terminal is essential. In particular, find out if passengers must be re-screened by the Transportation Security Administration when traveling between terminals.
Check in with the second airline as soon as possible upon arriving at the connecting airport. Let the crew and gate agents know that you have a connecting flight on a different airline. Something as simple as being seated near the front of the aircraft can make the difference between making a flight and missing a connection.
