Mixing Airlines for Lower Prices: A Complete Guide to Smarter Travel
Travel costs can add up quickly, but there’s a little-known trick that many budget-savvy flyers use: mixing airlines. Instead of booking a traditional round-trip ticket with one carrier, travelers combine flights from different airlines to find cheaper fares, better schedules, and more flexibility. While this approach may sound complicated, it can dramatically reduce costs if you know how to use it. In this guide, we’ll explore how mixing airlines works, the pros and cons, and practical strategies to help you save money on your next trip.
What Does “Mixing Airlines” Mean?
Mixing airlines, also known as interline ticketing, split-ticketing, or airline combination booking, refers to buying different legs of your journey with separate carriers.
Say you fly New York to London on Delta, and then pick up a Ryanair flight to Rome.
Instead of locking yourself into one airline’s network, you piece together flights that work best for your budget and schedule.
Why Travelers Mix Airlines
There are several reasons why this trend has gained popularity:
- Cost savings: Airfare comparison sites often show that mixed-airline itineraries can be 20–40% cheaper than single-carrier bookings.
- Better routes: Some airlines specialize in certain regions, so combining them may create faster or more convenient connections.
- Flexibility: Travelers can adjust one part of their trip without canceling the entire itinerary.
- Access to low-cost carriers: Mixing allows you to combine major airlines with budget carriers for maximum savings.
How to Book Mixed-Airline Tickets
Booking flights on multiple airlines can be done in a few different ways. Here are the main methods:
1. Using Flight Search Engines
Platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak often highlight “mix and match” options. These websites automatically combine flights from different carriers into one suggested itinerary.
2. Booking Manually
If you want total control, you can book each leg of your trip separately. For example, you might buy your long-haul international flight with a full-service airline and then book a budget carrier for short regional connections.
3. Through Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)
Some OTAs such as Expedia or CheapOair bundle mixed-airline flights into one booking. This approach simplifies the process since you only need one confirmation.
Advantages of Mixing Airlines
| Benefit | Description |
| Lower prices | Often the biggest draw, saving up to hundreds on international trips. |
| Route flexibility | Create your own travel path rather than being restricted by one airline. |
| More choice | Access both premium and budget carriers. |
| Different perks | Try various airlines’ services, in-flight amenities, and lounges. |
| Custom layovers | Extend stopovers to explore another city along the way. |
Challenges and Risks of Mixing Airlines
While mixing airlines offers savings, it also comes with a few caveats:
- No through-checking of baggage: If booked separately, you may need to collect your luggage and recheck it.
- No guaranteed connections: If one flight is delayed, the second airline isn’t responsible for rebooking you.
- Separate policies: Each airline has different rules for cancellations, baggage, and refunds.
- Multiple check-ins: You might need to check in separately with each airline.
Best Practices for Mixing Airlines
To make the most of this strategy, keep these tips in mind:
1. Allow Extra Time Between Flights
When mixing airlines, avoid tight layovers. Give yourself at least 3–4 hours between flights if you need to recheck baggage or go through immigration.
2. Use Major Hubs for Connections
Flying into large airports like London Heathrow, Dubai, or Singapore increases your chances of finding budget-friendly connections with multiple airlines.
3. Pack Light if Possible
Since baggage rules vary, traveling with carry-on only eliminates the hassle of rechecking luggage.
4. Compare Costs Carefully
Sometimes, booking a single airline’s round trip may still be cheaper once baggage fees and add-ons are considered.
5. Consider Travel Insurance
Insurance that covers missed connections can protect you in case of delays when flights are on different carriers.
When Mixing Airlines Makes the Most Sense
- Long-haul trips: Save money by combining a full-service international airline with regional low-cost carriers.
- Multi-destination vacations: Perfect for travelers who want to explore several cities in one trip.
- Last-minute travel: Mixing airlines can open up cheaper options when one carrier is sold out.
- Budget-conscious trips: Students, backpackers, and frequent travelers benefit the most.
Mixing Airlines vs. Codeshare Flights
It’s easy to confuse mixing airlines with codeshare agreements.
- Codeshare flights: Two airlines partner so you can book one ticket but fly on different carriers. Your bags are checked through, and the airlines coordinate.
- Mixed-airline bookings: You book separate tickets yourself. Airlines do not coordinate schedules or baggage.
In short: codeshares are safer and easier, but true mixing usually saves more money.
Tools and Websites That Help You Mix Airlines
- Google Flights – Great for spotting combinations automatically.
- Skyscanner – Known for budget-friendly “mix and match” options.
- Kiwi.com – Specializes in mixed-airline itineraries with built-in connection protection.
- ITA Matrix – Powerful for advanced travelers who want full control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is mixing airlines safe?
It’s generally safe, as long as you plan ahead. Since airlines don’t coordinate, you must allow extra time between flights and manage your baggage yourself.
2. Can I check luggage through when mixing airlines?
Usually no. Unless the airlines have an interline agreement, you’ll need to collect and recheck your bags.
3. What happens if my first flight is delayed?
If you booked flights separately, the second airline isn’t obligated to help. Travel insurance or platforms like Kiwi.com can offer “connection protection.”
4. Do I need multiple boarding passes?
Yes. Each airline requires its own check-in, so you’ll get separate boarding passes.
5. Will I still earn frequent flyer miles if I book with different airlines?
Yes, but only for the flights booked with an airline that has a loyalty program. Miles won’t combine across separate tickets.
6. Is it better value to arrange mixed-airline tickets manually or via search engines?
It depends. Search engines automate the process, but booking manually can sometimes unlock even cheaper deals.
7. Can I mix budget airlines with premium ones?
Absolutely. Many travelers fly long-haul with full-service carriers, then connect on budget airlines for regional travel.
8. Are refunds more complicated with mixed-airline bookings?
Yes. Since each ticket is separate, you’ll need to request refunds or changes with each airline individually.
9. Is mixing airlines better for international or domestic travel?
It works well for both, but international routes usually offer bigger savings because of the price difference between full-service and budget carriers.
10. How far in advance should I book mixed-airline tickets?
For international trips, booking 2–4 months ahead is ideal. For domestic or regional flights, 4–6 weeks is usually enough.
Conclusion
Mixing airlines is a powerful strategy for travelers who want to save money, increase flexibility, and create custom itineraries. While it requires more planning and awareness of risks like missed connections and baggage policies, the benefits often outweigh the challenges.
If you’re willing to spend a little extra time researching and comparing, you can unlock routes and prices that traditional bookings don’t offer. On your next trip, try mixing airlines you might be surprised at how much you save.
Ready to explore more travel hacks? Check out our Complete Cheap Flight Guide and start planning your budget-friendly journey today!
