This is brilliant.
The WSJ points out in an article this week that you can save an average of 30 percent by purchasing airfare for multi-leg trips with multiple tickets and possibly different airlines.
"Pairing two discounted tickets together to create your own connecting itinerary can often be less expensive than flying on one ticket, if you take advantage of airlines' city-specific specials, or create your own route using discount airlines," the WSJ reported Thursday.
As they explain, there are negative aspects like re-checking bags or even staying overnight in a connecting city. But, if all goes well, there are savings to be had.

(photo from Wall Street Journal article)