You have an Air France — Ryanair self-transfer flight.
What should you do if one of your flights is cancelled or delayed, resulting in a missed connecting flight? Who bears the responsibility in such cases? Who will pay compensation for missed connecting flight? Are you even eligible for it? Continue reading to find out.
In this example, we will focus on Air France and Ryanair self-transfer.
Self Transfer Flights: Definition
What is a self-transfer flight?
What are your rights on an Air France — Ryanair Self-transfer flight?
Self-transfer flights refer to trips where you plan and arrange your connection. Basically, a self-transfer is a DIY connecting flight (connecting flight not made by the airline).
It’s when you have two or more consecutive flights booked individually, under different booking reference numbers. Such connections do not have protection from the airline or airlines involved. This is simply because you have made the flight arrangements separately. Passengers opting for self-transfer have less protection than those travelling on a connecting flight that is protected by the airline.
Air France — Ryanair Self-Transfer Flight
You have booked two (or more) separate flights.
One of the flights is operated by Air France and the other one is with Ryanair. What will happen if you miss one of your flights due to a delay or cancellation of the previous flight?
1. Your First Flight Is Delayed or Cancelled
First and foremost, self-transfer is solely your responsibility.
Neither airline is liable if you miss any part of your journey.
In this scenario, you will need to arrange a new flight to your destination and, if necessary, find accommodation at a hotel. This expense is entirely on you. The cause of the delay or cancellation is irrelevant. It is your responsibility to ensure you connect successfully. Keep this in mind and avoid booking flights with tight connection times.
- If your flight is delayed or cancelled by the airline, you may be eligible to receive certain services from the airline (i.e., you may have a right to care); however, specific conditions apply. More on this below.
- If your initial flight is cancelled on short notice (less than 14 days prior to departure) or delayed due to the airline’s fault, you may qualify for compensation from the airline.
But this applies only to this specific flight. You will not receive compensation for your missed connections. Also keep in mind that EU flight compensation is not paid right away. It may take at least 3 months until you receive it.
Read more:
- Air France Flight Delay Compensation (this applies to Ryanair as well)
- Air France Flight Cancellation Compensation (this applies to Ryanair as well)
2. Your Last Flight Is Delayed or Cancelled
It’s the less stressful scenario.
In this situation, you will reach your destination without incurring additional costs. You won’t need to book a new flight or find accommodation.
All you will have to do is to:
- Obtain a new ticket from the airline in the event of flight cancellation;
- Wait for your delayed flight in case of a delay.
If your wait at the airport extends to three hours or more, you are entitled to receive assistance from the airline. Should your delay require an overnight stay, the airline must provide complimentary accommodation and transport. These guidelines apply consistently across all airlines operating within the EU. More details on this will follow below.
In summary – you can indeed receive compensation from Air France, as well as from Ryanair, but only for that particular disrupted flight and if the airline in question is at fault for the flight disruption. If you miss an Air France flight due to a delay with Ryanair, you will not be eligible for compensation or assistance. The same applies if you miss a Ryanair flight because of an issue with Air France.
How to Safeguard Your Air France — Ryanair Self-Transfer Flight?
A reliable choice is to purchase a regular connecting flight with Air France.
However, this might not always be possible. Another way to safeguard your Air France — Ryanair self-transfer flight (or any other self-transfer for that matter), is by obtaining travel insurance that covers flight disruptions and missed connections.
Before buying a travel insurance plan, ensure that you review what is included. You’ll want coverage that addresses travel disruptions. It should compensate you for missed flights, unused hotel reservations, and bus or train tickets, as well as extended stays due to flight delays or cancellations.
If you qualify for compensation due to a flight’s delay or cancellation, insurance can still be beneficial. Often, insurance providers manage these claims much more swiftly.
Read more: Air France Missed Connection Compensation (if you have a regular connecting flight)
Right to Care
What happens if you have to wait at the airport?
There is an EU flight compensation regulation we frequently discuss on this site – Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. European carriers (even low-cost ones) have to comply with this regulation.
For European carriers, like Air France and Ryanair, this applies to all their flights to and from Europe.
If one of your flights is cancelled or delayed, and you find yourself stuck at the airport for over 3 hours, you are entitled to care from the airline. Regardless of the situation, whether it’s your airline’s fault or not, they must assist you.
- If your wait exceeds 3 hours, your airline must provide you with complimentary meals and drinks.
- If the delay extends overnight — a free hotel room and transportation to it.
Should any of your flights be cancelled less than 14 days before departure or delayed due to the airline’s responsibility, you may also be eligible for compensation from the airline. There is a common misconception — you won’t receive compensation if you accept a free hotel stay or a complimentary meal. Remember, that is just a myth.
Remember, you have the right to care if your flight is delayed or canceled. Airlines won’t provide care if you miss your self-transfer flight. However, if you have a proper connecting flight (booked under one reference number), you’re entitled to care during a wait resulting from the missed connection.
Read more:
- Right to Care (applies to both Air France and Ryanair)
- Air France Self-Transfer Flight Compensation