Russia - How far is the luggage going?

I thought I'd ask this question here first before calling the airline since I've had different experiences on different trips. My wife is flying on KLM/NWA from MSP to AMS. Then on Aeroflot from AMS to SVO and on to OVB. My question is how far they will check her luggage through? Based on previous experiences with Aeroflot, I think they might want to kick her luggage out at AMS and make her recheck it with Aeroflot. The only problem with this is that she'll be in the transit terminal at AMS and I don't think she'd even have access to the baggage claim.

It seems it's different on every trip I've made myself. On one trip to OVB, they checked my bags all the way through from SEA. On another trip on the exact same route two months later, they insisted I had to retrieve my luggage at SVO-2 and hand carry it over to SVO-1 and re-check it (a miserable experience).

Very often with a domestic Russian start pax had to take their luggage from SVO-1 to SVO-2.

I think the answer to this question is going to depend on when your wife is flying.

Flights to and from OVB have already moved to Terminal D.

It seems flights to and from AMS are moving to Terminal D from SVO-2 in March.

I would guess that after March, you could check them all the way through. Before that, I think you would be best served by calling SU.

Very often with a domestic Russian start pax had to take their luggage from SVO-1 to SVO-2.

I think the answer to this question is going to depend on when your wife is flying.

Flights to and from OVB have already moved to Terminal D.

It seems flights to and from AMS are moving to Terminal D from SVO-2 in March.

I would guess that after March, you could check them all the way through. Before that, I think you would be best served by calling SU.

Her flight is in January, so I guess we'll call SU.

Her flight is in January, so I guess we'll call SU.
Bad news is Russian Customs won't allow to check luggage through to the final destination in Russia. Your wife will need to clear customs at the port of her first entry (i.e. Moscow).
So, she will have to reclaim her checked-in baggage upon arrival in SVO-F, then go SVO-D and drop her bags there.
Hopefully SU will have arranged bag drop in SVO-F by the time your wife flies. If not, there's a shuttle bus running b/w terminals; she only needs to make sure one she takes goes to terminals E/D and not B (B is on the other side of airfield).

Maybe the way around this knotty problem is just an airline-max-size carry-on roller bag and a big purse? You don't mention anything about the length of her visit, but I've managed a month overseas with that sort of configuration. Some washable stuff, a 3 ounce bottle of concentrated detergent, and maybe the purchase of a new item or two. Really looking at the weight and bulkiness of every item.

Romelle

Well, she just moved here 7 months ago, so she's going back with a huge empty suitcase to bring back more stuff at the end of her 2 week visit.

Is anyone patient enough to explain this whole Terminal D and F thing to us? The last time either of us went through to OVB either way we were stilling dealing with the SVO-1 and SVO-2 insanity. Does this mean we don't have to go to SVO-1 at all anymore?

I remember seeing my granddaughter off to a visit in China. Air China or ChinaAir. The LAX terminal was jammed with Chinese people either returning home or visiting. It seemed most of them were pushing very large heavy cardboard cartons of pretty much the same size. Lots of rope and tape holding things together. I'm assuming the size and weight were the max that that airline allowed.

Cardboard boxes do lack a certain class/chic, but otherwise not a bad solution. If your wife found a suitable box in Russia, she would only have her check-through problems on the return?

Alternatively, I remember often seeing these very large carry-alls in Moscow. Big rectangular ones with a shoulder strap. People were using them to bring their goods to some street markets, or just to carry things around. Some sort of nylon/plastic/?. White background, and then fine black and red stripes that formed a plaid. I've only seen them there, and am still kicking myself that I didn't buy one for a souvenir.

They seemed like such work-horses, and perhaps would serve as luggage for the return side of your wife's trip, and then as a memory?


Romelle

Is anyone patient enough to explain this whole Terminal D and F thing to us? The last time either of us went through to OVB either way we were stilling dealing with the SVO-1 and SVO-2 insanity. Does this mean we don't have to go to SVO-1 at all anymore?
SU has just completed moving all of their domestic flights to the new terminal D. International flights still fly to/from the infamous SVO-2, which (under the new SVO naming convention) has been renamed to F. Terminal E opens in January and will serve Alitalia, Air France and KLM operated flights. SVO-1 is now terminal B and serves domestic flights of other carriers.
So, if you take SU operated flight from AMS, you will arrive in Terminal F (aka SVO-2). Ask SU transfer desk if there are special arrangements for the passengers continuing to destinations in Russia. If not, collect your luggage, clear customs and take shuttle bus to Terminal D. Once in the terminal take elevator to the departures area (3rd floor). Check-in your bags at the counters there and proceed to your departure gate.
Should not be a big deal. On your return flight bags will be checked through to the final destination.
I would strongly recommend calling Aeroflot 2-3 days before the flight to check if they have any special arrangements for their international transfer passengers. And make several calls to make sure you receive a genuine answer and not a particular agents personal opinion:)
NB: If you could give exact flight numbers, that'll help a lot. Some of SU flights are codeshares; information above is provided on the assumption your flights are operted by SU themselves.

I only know about Aeroflot to Aeroflot transfers -- if your departing flight is less than four hours after your arrival flight you should check your luggage all the way to your destination. If your transit time is greater than four hours, you should check your luggage only to SVO and pick it up yourself and take it through customs. They have special handling for short transit times (less than four hours.)

I only know about Aeroflot to Aeroflot transfers -- if your departing flight is less than four hours after your arrival flight you should check your luggage all the way to your destination. If your transit time is greater than four hours, you should check your luggage only to SVO and pick it up yourself and take it through customs. They have special handling for short transit times (less than four hours.)

Although sometimes that varies too. My last time doing the SVO-2 to SVO-1 shuffle, I only had a 2 hour connection. Aeroflot (at LAX) still refused to check my luggage all the way through to OVB, saying new rules prevented it. I remember my anger boiling when I heard the PA announcement right before landing, "All passengers must clear customs and retrieve their luggage, regardless of connection time." By the time I waited for luggage at SVO-2, I barely made it to SVO-1 on time. This was one year ago.

I appreciate the other advice as well, that helps us alot. I'll get the actual flight numbers posted soon.

I haven't tested Terminal D yet but people who have say it's total mayhem. Maybe your wife (congrats, btw) could do without bringing that empty suitcase from the States? Then she'll only have to deal with luggage on the way back. Absolutely make sure she checks in online and prints her BP, too.

My last time doing the SVO-2 to SVO-1 shuffle, I only had a 2 hour connection. Aeroflot (at LAX) still refused to check my luggage all the way through to OVB, saying new rules prevented it.

My advice assumes you have an option. If they won't check it through, then you have your answer. ;)

Last time through for us was June of 2009. Baggage was checked through with no problem.

Maybe your wife (congrats, btw)

Yes, congrats indeed. It's been quite a journey for you guys! I go back Feb 16 so looks like we'll miss each other once again.

I'm clueless as to the answer to your original question but am following the thread closely and do hope you'll post what you learn post trip.

Happy New Year to you both!

My advice assumes you have an option. If they won't check it through, then you have your answer. ;)

Last time through for us was June of 2009. Baggage was checked through with no problem.

I have to update this as of Jan 6th 2010. On a flight from JFK to MRV via SVO they would NOT check through the luggage. The ticket agent said they don't do short transits anymore. However the transit time was a little longer than the former four hour limit.

It's highly possible the ticket agent is wrong, but maybe they don't do short transits anymore.

It's highly possible the ticket agent is wrong, but maybe they don't do short transits anymore.
Ticket agent is right; this is a new customs regulation that came into force sometime last year. All passengers must clear customs at the point of their first entry in the Russian Federation. Because this law is so new, airlines haven't yet established a process around it and I doubt they will any time soon.