40 Secret and Saavy Airport Hacks Only Frequent Flyers Know

Tip #31: Leverage Budget Airlines for Long-Haul Connections

While often associated with short hops, savvy frequent flyers sometimes use budget airlines strategically for portions of long-haul international trips. Instead of booking one costly ticket on a major carrier, they might find a cheap flight on a budget airline to a major international hub (e.g., flying Ryanair to a European capital) and then book their long-haul flight from that hub on a different airline. This "self-connecting" strategy requires careful planning, ample layover time to account for delays and transfers, and an understanding of separate baggage policies. However, the potential savings on the overall journey can be substantial, making it a viable option for adventurous and budget-conscious travelers.