Connecting Flights - book separately ?

Bill_Lindsay

I am trying to find the best deal from Newcastle to Colombo, Sri Lanka and have discovered that booking the connecting flight to Heathrow separately appears to more than half the cost of the flight !!

Example :

NCL to Heathrow >CMB ....................... £669

compare with -

NCL to Heathrow ................ £85
Heathrow to CMB ............... £469
Total ............................... £564 - SAVING £100 !

Or am I missing something? I need to book soon, so any help will be appreciated...

Diamond_Olly

Are the two flights with separate airlines? If so, that could be the reason and yes, go ahead and book separately. Remember to allow enough time for connection. If you do this, you'll have to retrieve your bags at Heathrow outbound and return as they won't be checked through on one ticket.

Sam_Bee

Bill_Lindsay wrote: »

I am trying to find the best deal from Newcastle to Colombo, Sri Lanka and have discovered that booking the connecting flight to Heathrow separately appears to more than half the cost of the flight !!

Example :

NCL to Heathrow >CMB ....................... £669

compare with -

NCL to Heathrow ................ £85
Heathrow to CMB ............... £469
Total ............................... £564 - SAVING £100 !

Or am I missing something? I need to book soon, so any help will be appreciated...

Yes, when airlines (probably Sri Lankan in your case) utilise sector fares from other airlines (i.e Newcastle - Heathrow on BA I presume) these sectors can be higher than if you book if your yourself. However, should you book the cheaper fare, and the Newcastle - Heathrow flight is delayed (I gather the airport struggles with fog sometimes) and you miss the connecting flight, Sri Lankan won't be held responsible, and you will lose your international flight, and possibly your holiday as you won't want to pay again, as you are probably on a cheapo non-refundable ticket.

So, my recommendation is either pay the extra, book yourself a connecting flight with plenty of time in Heathrow, or have a look and see what Emirates are offering from Newcastle!