Would a flexible ticket mitigate the risk of a self-connection?

[j-w]

Hi folks, I’m sure this is trivial if you know the answer already so I’m hoping you can help me out!

I have a VS flight landing in LHR and will be making the jump to Manchester on a self booked ticket. The only BA flight I can make on the same day is 2 hours after I land and I have no checked luggage, so if things are on time, I think I have a reasonable shot of making it.

Of course, having said this, I’ve tempted fate. In case my VS flight lands too late for me to make the connection, would it be wise to book a flexible BA ticket so I can cancel it?

My concern really is does a flexible ticket help if I land after the flight’s already gone. Am I actually entitled to a refund assuming I check in but miss boarding?

[j-w]

I suppose the airline would tell me this is what travel insurance is for – but I’m curious what the experts think 🙂

[masaccio]

Crikey is LHR so awful that a 2 hour connection is impossible? That is plenty of time in most parts of the world. In functioning airports like HKG I am happy with an hour with hand luggage.

[j-w]

I’ve managed it in less than that before – my concern is more around if a delay turns the 2hr connection into 1hr and there are queues at the border and security that start eating into my time