Using more than one airline is often the cheapest way to travel but it may require a certain amount of planning to reduce the risks involved. Airport transit visas ? if your passport typically requires a visa to visit most countries, then you need to do your research before booking a trip.

Flying on multiple airlines—often called "interlining" or "self-transferring"—can be both good and bad depending on your priorities. The primary advantage is cost and flexibility; by mixing and matching carriers (e.g., flying a legacy carrier for a long-haul flight and a low-cost carrier for a regional jump), you can often save hundreds of dollars compared to booking a single-airline itinerary. It also allows you to choose better flight times or visit unique hubs. However, the downside is the lack of protection. If you book two separate tickets and your first flight is delayed, the second airline is under no obligation to rebook you for free, and you could lose your entire fare. This is known as a "self-connection" risk. If the airlines are part of the same alliance (like Star Alliance or Oneworld), your bags can often be checked through to the final destination, making the process much easier. If they are not partners, you will have to collect your bags and check in again. For savvy travelers, using multiple airlines is a great way to "hack" a trip, but it requires leaving long layovers (3-4 hours) to mitigate the risk of missed connections.