What is the key distinction between direct ticketing and interline ticketing?

Direct ticketing refers to the process of purchasing a single ticket from one airline that covers a specific itinerary. This means that all segments of the journey are operated by the same airline or by a partner within the airline’s alliance, ensuring that the entire trip is booked under one ticket. It allows for a streamlined booking process, easier baggage handling, and typically provides better consumer protection in case of delays or cancellations since the same airline is responsible for the whole journey.

In contrast, interline ticketing involves coordination between multiple airlines, where a single ticket can cover flights operated by different carriers. This is often more common in cases where one airline does not service all legs of a journey and requires passengers to switch planes and airlines along the way.

This distinction between the two types of ticketing is crucial, as it affects how travel is managed, how connections are handled, and what support a traveler can expect in the event of changes or disruptions. Understanding this key difference allows travel agents to better assist clients in selecting the most suitable option for their travel needs.