U.S. travelers are open to "self-connection"—booking
connecting flights through separate tickets—to save money, but business
travelers are more wary of the practice, according to an OAG survey of 2,968
travelers.
When the combination of savings and practicality is right, 92
percent of travelers would consider self-connecting. Only 30 percent, however, would
do it for business travel.
"With more sensitive deadlines, a missed connection can
be far more impactful," according to OAG. "Yet, when they travel
internationally, business travelers are more open to embracing this
trend."
Travelers also are more reticent when traveling with checked
luggage, even in cases when airline-to-airline baggage transfers are possible,
according to the survey. Additionally, travelers fear not being rebooked
automatically should they miss their connection.
While some airports and airlines in Europe cater
to self-connecting travelers via "fast-track" programs with baggage
insurance, U.S. airlines and airports haven't nurtured the trend, according to
OAG.