US Airways Dividend Miles - Check all the way through? CAK-PHL-MAD-LIS

I'm flying US Airways for the first time. I'm UA *Gold.

CAK-PHL-MAD US Airways *Alliance
MAD-LIS TAP Portugal *Alliance

I have a 12 hour layover in PHL and don't want to drag my bags around the city. I figured I could check it and wouldn't have to worry about it. If I check it in Akron will it go all the way though to Lisbon? or will I have to pick it up somewhere? In Madrid, I assume I might have to collect baggage to clear customs? Or do I even have to clear customs as I am transiting?

Thx

I've had 2 similar itin's.
PIT-PHL-MAD,
PIT-PHL LIS-MAD

I've checked bags boths times no issues, just make sure in MAD you tell them you've got a connecting bag before boarding for LIS, they usually call and confirm the xfer. I found RFID tags on my bags, first time i've seen those.

You're golden. I did a PHL-LAX-NRT-TPE rt in July, on three different *A carriers each way. Only before my LAX-PHL return segment did I have to get my bags for Customs.

You should have no trouble at all checking your luggage all the way to LIS....And smart thinking about the 12 hour layover in PHL. Just yesterday I was working a PHL flight that was air traffic delayed for over 4 hours. Most passengers were making international connections and were disappointed that they would have to try again the next day reducing their vacation by a day.

I know 12 hours sounds like a lot of time in the airport. You can always take the train or bus into the city. Some hotels offer day rooms. Or you can just plane watch.

Have a great trip! And report back to us.

Cool, thx

So the bags will transfer between US Air and TAP? I don't even have to pick up my bags in Madrid?

I just hope they don't lose it in PHL with such a long layover.

Also, anyone know if I have to clear Spain customs if I am transiting?

Or wait, Spain would be my first point of entry into the EU, so the MAD-LIS flight should be treated as domestic right?

So the bags will transfer between US Air and TAP? I don't even have to pick up my bags in Madrid?

Yes and no. Yes, US will interline your luggage over to TP, so no you won't have to pick it up at all in MAD.

Also, anyone know if I have to clear Spain customs if I am transiting? Or wait, Spain would be my first point of entry into the EU, so the MAD-LIS flight should be treated as domestic right?

In MAD you will go through the transfer/transit area and clear Spanish immigration. When you arrive in LIS and pick up your luggage you will pass through Portugese customs. If you have nothing to declare, just follow the green line out the exit door.

cool, thx

It was really great - Arrived in Amsterdam - No bag and no one could seem to come up with an answer. 7 Days later, just by chance went by the the lost baggage desk and there it was, just in time for the trip home. Got $25 per day reimbursed - Thanks US Air - even tagged "priority handling" as I'm US*G.

My recommendation is carry on as much as possible.

It was really great - Arrived in Amsterdam - No bag and no one could seem to come up with an answer. 7 Days later, just by chance went by the the lost baggage desk and there it was, just in time for the trip home. Got $25 per day reimbursed - Thanks US Air - even tagged "priority handling" as I'm US*G.

My recommendation is carry on as much as possible.


Like no other airline loses luggage?