You have a Jet2 self-transfer flight booking.
If you miss one of your Jet2 flights due delay or cancellation of the previous one, what kind of assistance can you expect from the airline? Will Jet2 provide a new flight to your destination? Will you get a free hotel room? Can you receive compensation in this case? The short answer is – unfortunately, you are less protected with self-transfer flights. Read on to learn more about Jet2 self-transfer flights.
It’s worth noting that self transfer rules are applicable for other airlines as well.
Self Transfer Flights: Definition
What is a self-transfer flight?
A self transfer flight is when you book multiple consecutive flights separately under different booking reference numbers and plan the connection yourself. It is important to note that self transfers are not protected by the airline, which means that passengers have less protection compared to those traveling on airline protected connecting flights. Nevertheless, passengers are still protected, and it’s crucial to know what situations are covered.
Is it possible to book a connecting flight with a budget airline? While some budget airlines do have connecting flights that operate similarly to those of traditional airlines, others do not. For example, Jet2 does not sell connecting flights and does not have codeshare agreements. If you want to book a connecting flight with Jet2, your only option is to arrange a self-transfer. This self-transfer can be either with the same airline or with different airlines.
Jet2 Self Transfer
As Jet2 doesn’t sell connecting flights, you have booked a self-transfer flight consisting of 2 or more Jet2 flights. You booked these flights separately, and you paid for them separately. Each of these flights have their own booking reference number. It’s not an airline-protected connection.
What will happen if you miss your connection due to delay or cancellation of the previous flight?
1. Your First Flight Is Delayed or Cancelled
Have you booked a Jet2 self-transfer flight?
Keep in mind that this transfer is your responsibility.
The airline can’t be held accountable if you miss your connection. Even if all of your flights are operated by one airline, Jet2.
If you have booked multiple flights with Jet2 separately and have combined to create a DIY connecting flight, it is your responsibility to ensure you arrive on time for the next flight. This connection was not made by the airline, so it’s not responsible for this type of connecting flight. Therefore, if your first flight experiences a delay or gets canceled, and you miss your next flight, the airline is not liable for your missed connection. You will need to handle the consequences on your own, including arranging a new flight to reach your destination. Also you will need to arrange accommodation until you can depart.
However, there are situations where you may be able to seek assistance from the airline. If your first flight is canceled last minute (less than 14 days before departure) or delayed for 3+ hours, you have a right to care. If the delay or cancellation was due to the airline’s fault, you may be eligible for compensation for that particular flight. It is important to note that this compensation only applies to the specific flight, and it does not cover the missed connection.
For more information, you can refer to the articles on Jet2 flight delay compensation and Jet2 flight cancellation compensation. The same European laws apply to other low-cost airlines (e.g., Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet) as well.
2. Your Last Flight Is Delayed or Cancelled
This scenario presents a more favorable situation for you.
It is less stressful, and you will ultimately reach your destination without incurring any losses. In such cases, you won’t need to book a new flight or arrange accommodation for yourself, as your airline will take care of these aspects.
Here’s what you may need to do, depending on the circumstances:
- Flight cancellation: If your last flight gets canceled, you should approach the airline to obtain a new ticket for an alternative flight.
- Flight delay: In the event of a delay, you will need to wait for the rescheduled departure time of your flight.
If you find yourself waiting at the airport for three or more hours due to a delay, you have the right to care. For delays lasting 3+ hours, you can get a free meal and refreshments. For significantly long delays that require an overnight stay, the airline is obliged to provide you with a complimentary hotel accommodation and arrange transportation to and from the hotel.
Moreover, if your flight is disrupted due to the airline’s fault, you may also be eligible for compensation from the airline. For more information, you can refer to the articles on Jet2 flight delay compensation and Jet2 flight cancellation compensation.
It’s worth noting that the same European Union laws apply to other low-cost airlines (e.g., Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet) as well.
Jet2 Self-Transfer Flight: Different Airlines
Let’s assume you have a Ryanair & Jet2 self-transfer flight.
This self transfer consists of 2 flights: Ryanair flight and Jet2 flight.
If you happen to miss your connection in this situation, the responsibility lies with you, similar to a Jet2-only self transfer. There is no protected transfer between your flights. Therefore, if your first flight experiences a delay or gets canceled (regardless of the operating airline), resulting in a missed connection, neither of the airlines will assume responsibility for the consequences. It will be your responsibility to handle the situation and make arrangements for a new flight (plus accommodation) to reach your intended destination.
However, there are situations where you may be able to seek assistance from the airline. If your first flight is canceled last minute (less than 14 days before departure) or delayed for 3+ hours, you have a right to care. If the delay or cancellation was due to the airline’s fault, you may be eligible for compensation for that particular flight. It is important to note that this compensation only applies to the specific flight, and it does not cover the missed connection.
Self-Transfer Flight: Baggage
How does baggage transfer work on self-transfer flights?
Unlike connecting flights where baggage transfer is done for you, self-transfer flights require you to collect and recheck your checked baggage after each flight segment. Since self-transfer flights are not on a single ticket, your bag will not be automatically sent to your final destination.
If you have checked baggage, it is advisable to allocate ample time between flights. This allows for baggage collection, passport control (if required), check-in for the next flight, rechecking your bag, and going through security.
If you don’t want the hassle, self transfer with hand luggage is the best option for you. Low-cost airlines usually don’t offer free baggage allowance, so self transfer without luggage will help save money on flights baggage fees, particularly on multiple flights with low-cost carriers, as you won’t need to pay for baggage on each individual flight.
When embarking on a self-transfer involving different airlines, make sure to review the rules for baggage on flights. Baggage policies vary between airlines, so familiarize yourself with their specific regulations.
How to Protect Yourself Against Flight Disruptions?
Have you booked a Jet2 self-transfer flight? How can you protect this connection?
One of the best ways to safeguard yourself, particularly during a self-transfer flight, against possible flight disruptions is to purchase travel insurance that covers flight disruptions. Make sure that your insurance policy specifically includes coverage for such situations.
This type of insurance can provide compensation for missed flights, unused hotel stays, bus or rail tickets, and any enforced stays due to flight delays or cancellations. Even if you are entitled to flight compensation due to airline’s fault, your insurance will still come in handy as it typically deals with issues immediately, whereas flight compensations may take several months to process. As such, it’s recommended to purchase insurance for every trip.
Right to Care
When you find yourself waiting at the airport due to a flight delay or cancellation, you often have the right to care from the airline involved.
Even though you may not be eligible for compensation for a missed connection, and the airline/airlines are not obligated to arrange an alternative connecting flight for you, they are responsible for providing you with care in such situations. The reason behind the disruption is irrelevant in this case. If you have to wait for three or more hours for the affected flight, the airline must offer you complimentary meals.
In the event of an overnight delay, the airline is required to provide you with a free hotel stay and arrange transportation to and from the hotel.
It’s important to note that this does not apply if you are waiting for a new flight after missing a connection. In such cases, where you have purchased a new flight and are now waiting for it, the responsibility falls on you.
Furthermore, if any of your flights experience a delay or last-minute cancellation due to the fault of the airline, you may also be eligible for compensation. It’s essential to remember that in these situations, you are entitled to both the right to receive care and compensation.
Read more:
- Your Jet2 Refund Is Taking Forever? Here’s Your Plan of Action
- Your Jet2 Compensation Claim Is Rejected. What’s Next?
Read more: Right to Care (applies to Jet2 and other low-cost airlines)
Have you ever missed a connection? Was it a connecting flight with Jet2? Jet2 self-transfer flight booking? Share your experience in the comments.