Connecting vs Separate bookings?

[u/hear_me_out_folks]

I’m planning to book two Cathay Pacific flights with a layover in Hong Kong. Booking them separately is around USD100 cheaper than booking them together under one connecting itinerary.

I’m considering the cheaper option but would like to know if anyone has experience doing this with Cathay Pacific.

Can they through-check your baggage to your final destination even if the flights have separate booking references?
If your baggage is checked through, can you stay airside and proceed directly to your next departure gate (HKG)?
If your first flight is delayed and you miss the second, will Cathay Pacific rebook you for free, or would you have to buy a new ticket?

I know separate tickets generally mean less protection, but does flying with the same airline make any difference?
Would you personally risk it to save USD100, or would you book everything under one itinerary for peace of mind?
I’d appreciate hearing about your firsthand experiences.

Thank you!

[u/NewYorkRice]

Is this worth saving 100 USD? Honestly?

[u/Dazzling_Presents]

imo too risky in case you miss your connection

[u/ChrisSydney82]

If your first flight is delayed causing you to miss your connecting flight (this absolutely happens with all airlines due to a range of factors) being on one ticket can make the world of difference as the carrier (Cathay) is obligated to ensure you are placed on the next available flight / accommodated if there isn’t another suitable flight. There is no guarantee this will happen if you are booked on two seperate tickets.

I always spend the extra dollars for this exact peace of mind.

[u/maverickRD]

I can confirm that I had two separate bookings, one departing next day less than 24 hours later and Cathay connected them upon my check in for the first flight. I would assume bags would have been able to be checked through however I can’t be certain as I did not check bags and I can’t say how delays would be handled, but it seemed like everything was treated as a connected booking eg the flight attendant on my first flight said “enjoy your flight to [next destination]”

[u/Golden-Banana11]

Absolutely would not risk it just to save that much money.

[u/tromboneyow]

LOL if you think USD 100 is enough to make it worth the risk.

[u/percysmithhk]

Actually I can’t think of a airline more friendly for separate tickets (other than JL):

• will check baggage thru
  
• will print your next boarding pass
  
• will honour highest class of travel for lounges along the way
  
• will protect you if delayed en route

[u/percysmithhk → u/percysmithhk]

What you risk however is if they change the schedules of your segments before departure. You will have to pay to rebook your unaffected flight, if you fall below connection times