Noticing more than one reservation number on your flight itinerary? You may be booked on separate airline tickets. This setup is more common than you might think, and we’re here to walk you through what it means and what to expect as you travel.
What are separate tickets?
Separate tickets mean your flight itinerary is booked under more than one reservation and ticket number, usually because they're with different airline partners. This setup is especially common for destinations like Iceland, Australia, and New Zealand, where flight availability can be more limited.
Here's how it typically breaks down:
- Domestic flights are usually on one ticket
- International flights are on another
- You may have separate tickets for your outbound journey, return trip, or both
This booking approach allows us to access more flight options by combining different airline alliances, giving you better routes and flexibility. When you’re traveling on separate tickets, we always build in at least a four-hour layover to ensure you have plenty of time to make your connection.
What to expect during travel
Viewing your flights online
You likely won’t see your entire itinerary on one airline’s website. To view each leg, log in separately to the websites of the airlines you’re flying with. The most complete, up-to-date view of your itinerary will always be in your Go Ahead online account (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers) or mobile app (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers).
Rechecking luggage during layovers
Because the tickets are separate, your checked bags won’t automatically transfer between flights. When you land, you’ll need to:
- Exit the plane and go to baggage claim
- Collect your checked luggage
- Leave the secured area and go to the next airline’s terminal
- Recheck your bag and check in for your next flight
- Go through security again and head to your gate
Luggage reimbursement
If you're charged for a checked bag on a domestic flight due to this setup, hang on to your receipt. After your tour, contact us with a photo of the receipt and a brief summary of the charge, and we’ll reimburse you.
Long layovers
If your layover is longer than 12 hours, Go Ahead will book a hotel for you to rest between flights - we’ve got your comfort in mind.
Next steps:
- View your full itinerary in your Go Ahead account (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers) or mobile app (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers) and note any separate tickets.
- Plan to recheck luggage during layovers.
- Keep receipts for any unexpected baggage fees on domestic flights.
- Contact us after your tour for bag fee reimbursement, if needed.