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OTA Virtual Interlines

What are OTA Virtual Interlines?​

There is another way for users to book flight connections that aren’t on a shared ticket (so, no airline alliance), but offer a bit more protection than non-protected transfers. These are called self-transfer flights or OTA virtual interlines.

Self-transfer flights are booked by an OTA. That means that, although the airlines won't be able to help if a users flights get delayed or cancelled, the OTA will. So, as soon as a problem occurs, the user must contact the OTA so they can help you with rebooking the flight or flights.

Important things to know about OTA Virtual Interlines:​

  • The user must also collect their hold baggage and check in again for their second flight
  • An OTA will assist the user if anything goes wrong, HOWEVER, different travel agents offer different levels of assistance

Skyscanner has no control over the OTA’s conditions. Even if the OTA offers some protection for a user, we still ask you to make it clear to the user the risks involved with this ticket type.

How to identify an OTA Virtual Interline​

You can learn more about how to identify different Booking Types, including OTA Virtual Interline, here.

Best Practices for implementing an OTA Virtual Interline​

You must make your users aware of the risks associated with a virtual interline:

  • Make users aware of the self transfer and the level of protection/cover if something goes wrong.

How we implement OTA Virtual Interlines at Skyscanner​

While we are happy to share examples of how we implement virtual interlines, please note that we regularly update our UI in line with our own learnings and traveller needs, which are often unique to Skyscanner.