US Airways Dividend Miles - Is 39 Min connection time in CLT for luggage transfer enough

I am travelling MCI-CLT-ERW-FRA first class.
I will be checking in all the way through and will have boarding passes but have only 39 minutes connection in CLT.
The agent says it is enough time for the luggage transfer. I am concened that if the luggage can not make it, I will be travelling internationally with delayed baggage.
They could not find any other connection.
Any experiences or suggestions?
Thanks

. Are you unchecking your luggage and re-checking it yourself, or are they just transferring the luggage themselves? CLT is a pretty small airport and very organized, so it should be enough time for them to transfer the luggage from plane to plane. But, if you are unchecking and rechecking yourself, I'd be really careful and pack some clothes in your carryon. It really barely takes any time to go through security at CLT, but I'd be worried if I would have to claim my baggage at the baggage claim and re-check (it does get busy with business travelers during the week). I'd maybe even email customer service and get a response in writing just in case.

Assuming that ERW is really Newark, NJ (EWR) that should be enough time as long as your inbound is on time and your bags are checked through to FRA. Connecting bags go directly from the inbound flight to the outbound flight.

Jim

What Jim said above. You should be ok in Clt.

Anytime you check bags you risk them not getting the connection.
CLT is a good, small airport. I would be more concerned of my inbound flight being delayed to CLT. You will probably still make the connection, but your baggage may not.
May I suggest Envoy Sleeper MCI-CLT-FRA as an alternative, or MCI-CLT-MUC (Lufthansa) - FRA if you want F.
Would be way easier.

Thanks for the responses.
Yes, I meant to say EWR (sorry, typo).
I do not need to claim baggage there. It will be checked all the way though.
I am flying using CO miles award ticket Business class, not first class. Said first class since I was only referring to domestic connection.
My complete trip is
MCI-CLT-EWR (US)
EWR-FRA-HYD (LH)
I am still trying to find alternatives to avoid one extra domestic connection in US. I will check on MCI-CLT-FRA too. Any other suggestions?
Thanks

I was doing a similar connection on US late last year several times PHX-CLT-BDL. Something like 36 minutes. My bags always made it (4 for 4 times). When I asked an agent because I was nervous about the timing, she replied, "both US Air flights? Yeah, no problem." I guess the implication there is that it gets dicey if there's a hand-off...

I guess the implication there is that it gets dicey if there's a hand-off...

The difference is primarily in sorting. With a US to US connection the bags are sent directly to the outbound flight (you'll sometimes see coachrowsey mention the "runners" who do this) whereas with a US to other airline connection (or vice versa) all the bags going to the other airline are dropped off to be sorted for specific flights by that airline's personnel and then sent to the airplanes.

Of course, CLT having a relatively compact terminal doesn't hurt either.

The end result is 39 minutes being enough time at CLT but I wouldn't dream of trying a 39 minute connection from US to CO connection at IAH or US to UA at ORD - chances are neither you or your bags would make those connections.

Jim

Why don't you fly CO MCI-EWR LH EWR-FRA? They're both star alliance so it should be as easy as flying US right?

I will say that on day to day Domestic flights, CLT has to be the BEST airport for luggage handling I have experienced. I am in and out of this hub on connections with checked bags at least 4 times a week and because of the nature of my baggage (due to work) I must check bags. My 2009 stats were 0% lost, delayed or misdirected bags through CLT with just under 200 segments. With 32 segments flown (all through CLT) so far this year, they are still 100% reliable. I routinely have tight connections of less than an hour and sometimes in the 35 minute range but my bags always make it. Others might have horror stories about CLT bag handling, but honestly I rarely worry about my bags being on the same plane as I am when connecting through CLT. And when I do worry because of a tight connection, the CLT baggage folks always prove me wrong. Hopefully I haven’t just jinxed myself.

The bigger concern I would have in this situation is a flight delay coming into CLT and missing your next flight. CLT is horrible with ATC Flow Control delays these days and 39 minutes isn't much wiggle room in case the planes get stacked up in the air and your flight takes a delay either on the tarmac at your departing airport or doing circles in the air over CLT. I thought the new third runway that they opened in January would make a difference, but it hasn't yet. Still delays, delays, delays!

Good luck!

Why don't you fly CO MCI-EWR LH EWR-FRA? They're both star alliance so it should be as easy as flying US right?

The CO direct flights MCI-EWR are single cabin Embraer RJ145 flights, so will have to travel economy I guess. I did not see this before probably because ticket agent may be only looking for premium cabin.
Now I need to decide a direct economy or connecting business class for domestic. This direct flight will let me leave home 3 hours later to catch the same international flight. Time to think. I don't get to travel business class that often.
If I travel econmy with business redumption, would they still allow 2 free 70lb luggage as they would on business international? I am planning on using full 140lb luggage allowance.
Thanks

The CO direct flights MCI-EWR are single cabin Embraer RJ145 flights, so will have to travel economy I guess. I did not see this before probably because ticket agent may be only looking for premium cabin.
Now I need to decide a direct economy or connecting business class for domestic. This direct flight will let me leave home 3 hours later to catch the same international flight. Time to think. I don't get to travel business class that often.
If I travel econmy with business redumption, would they still allow 2 free 70lb luggage as they would on business international? I am planning on using full 140lb luggage allowance.
Thanks

FWIW, personally I'd leave earlier and take the connection, if you're ponying up the miles for Business. I just did EWR-OKC in the 145 (be sure you snag an A seat if you do it) - It's not as bad as a CRJ, but it's not the way to start off a trip if you can avoid it. And beware - any carry-on larger than a backpack (and not an overstuffed backpack) will have to go under-seat or it WILL be gate-checked. Anything resembling a real roll-aboard simply isn't going to fit, including rolling computer bags. Those overheads are beyond tiny, and they get smaller heightwise as you insert the bag - important if you bring a lot of electronics with you.

CLT is the only US airport I would not worry about. If your incoming flight is delayed they'll take care of you there. I wish all my connections could be through CLT, my favorite US airport.