Interlining bags with separate tickets

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Jul 11, 2015, 12:21 pm

rjn21

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Join Date: Mar 2006

Location: UK

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Posts: 719

Interlining bags with separate tickets

Summary

as at 26 February 2017 the only clear policies which permit through checking on separate tickets are:

CX to "airline partners [that provide separate ticket through-check service]" from 01 January 2017
JAL to OW
MH to OW
QR to OW from 01 March 2017
UA to *A

NB: As of 01 June 2016 OW members are free to decline interlined bags between OW members on separate tickets. Individual airlines may still choose to do so at their own discretion. This was confirmed by Oneworld communications chief Michael Blunt here http://www.ausbt.com.au/did-oneworld...of-a-nightmare Individual airlines have not yet updated their policies but going forward expect all separate ticket OW interlines to be declined. Note AA will not check to AA for tickets issued after 01 September 2016

NB As of 15 November 2016, BA will not interline to anyone, including BA, if on separate tickets.

Recently, there have been several queries on through checking bags with separate tickets. This post attempts to detail connecting flight checked baggage transfer policies on various alliances and airlines for non through tickets. Whilst this board is for BA, and some OneWorld, the information on other airlines is useful generally and if connecting from another airline to BA.

Information correct at time of post based on what I can find from airlines’ own web sources. Links to web sources provided, as anecdotal situations are not sufficient evidence of an underlying airline policy that enable other travellers to politely inform a misinformed check in agent. Feel free to use the links if useful. If faced with a check in agent who still declines through checking where according to policy it should be done, other than asking for a supervisor, not much can be done lest you are deemed a disruptive passenger. In such circumstances, all you can do is complain later. If you achieve a check through on separate tickets where it would appear not to be policy, be very pleased with your result but don’t assume it will occur again.

If additional / updated source information becomes available, please post a link.

The following text is condensed and edited from an Irishguy28 post http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/etiha...l#post25041952:

It is technically possible to interline bags from airline A onto airline B provided an interline agreement exists between A and B. Generally any full service airline in operation today has such an agreement with each other full service airline in operation today. A full list of any airline’s interline agreements can be found using the KVS tool from http://www.kvstool.com/. Under reference Information Lookup, use Interline Agreements [IET]. AA and DL have terminated their interline agreement. No interlining of bags AA<>DL can occur under any circumstance now, whether single or multiple tickets.

If no interline agreement exists between relevant airlines, no through check between such airlines is possible in any circumstance.

However, the right (as distinct from a technical possibility) to have your bags interlined at connection points only arises when travelling on a single ticket that involves a valid through connection between airlines, or the checking-in airline’s policy permits such a through bag check on separate tickets.

It is increasingly the case that airlines refuse to interline bags across separate tickets; all will require there to be a minimum amount of time at the transfer point; some will require that the airlines are in the same alliance; and some refuse in all circumstances. Certain jurisdictions always require baggage collection and re-check such as (amongst others) the USA (subject to certain international to international connections and certain pre-departure US clearance operations operated at certain locations).

An airline that through checks a bag is assuming liability if the bag should go missing or be delayed at any point of the checked through journey. In buying 2 single tickets the first airline did not have the opportunity to price that risk into a through ticket price and therefore may not be willing to check bags through onto a separate ticket with an onward destination.

If an airline check-in agent checks bags through to different airlines on different tickets, whilst very welcome, that of itself is not a confirmation of the airline’s policy and that it would be repeated again in the future. It could be the then current policy, which could easily be changed with no notice. Or it could be down to misinformed check-in staff who are (for instance) less likely to refuse a request from a status passenger, or don’t want the hassle of an argument, and don’t follow any applicable no through-check policy.

When a passenger decides to travel on separate tickets, they assume added risks. They must allow sufficient time between tickets for all eventualities - if an inbound flight is delayed causing an onward flight to be missed, the passenger will not have a right to (i) be accommodated or (ii) rebooked or carried at no additional cost on a later flight to the final destination.

Check with initial airline re check through in advance of travel, but absent a very clear policy, still plan pessimistically when travelling on separate tickets. Assume that flights will be delayed. Assume bags will not be interlined (but check if they will be). Ensure you have any necessary visas for entry land side at the connection point. Assume that you will face long queues at immigration, customs, baggage return and check-in for your next flight.

If a bag is interlined across separate tickets, keep the luggage receipt, and enquire with a staff member of the next airline (and any subsequent “new” airline) before boarding the next flight of the next ticket to alert them of a bag in transit. The next airline won’t have been expecting bags in transit, as far as they know, the passenger is only starting travel with them, and in some cases the bag may not be loaded unless they are alerted to its existence despite it being labelled for their flight and handed over to them at the interconnection point.

Baggage allowances on multi airline itineraries whether through ticket or separate tickets can be complex and are beyond the scope of this post. These pages attempt to explain the Most Significant Marketing Carrier IATA resolution 302 http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_H...r-journey.html and http://www.ana.co.jp/wws/uk/e/asw_co...e/iata-32.html and http://www.flysas.com/en/uk/travel-i...h-connections/

OneWorld – OW

Quote:

If you are travelling on connecting oneworld flights, your luggage will be checked through to your final destination at the time of check-in. You may be required to collect and re-check your bags at certain airports due to local security or customs policies.
If the time between connecting oneworld flights is more than 12 hours, you may need to collect your luggage on arrival and check-in again with the outbound carrier.

http://www.oneworld.com/airports-des...-during-travel

The policy does not define “connecting flights” as multiple flights on 1 ticket (irrespective of if there is only 1 PNR but 2 or more tickets), but doesn’t expressly include (or exclude) 2 or more tickets. Various air travel conventions do specifically define what a connecting successive air carrier ticket is, but the OW policy does not incorporate those definitions by reference. The drafting is therefore imprecise and cannot be relied on (but may be useful).

See above - As from 01 June 2016, OW airlines are free to decline interlining on separate tickets.

OneWorld "affiliates" are various sub brands of OneWorld Member airlines. Some debate has ensued as to whether "affiliates" should offer the same terms as "members" such as lounge access, baggage interlining etc.

OneWorld says:

Quote:

These affiliates provide services in conjunction with individual oneworld member airlines, meaning you can enjoy even greater choice and flexibility when you fly with oneworld. They offer the full range of oneworld services and benefits.

https://www.oneworld.com/member-airl...ine-affiliates

Anecdotally, check-through to affiliate airlines has been declined by member airlines, but that may be down to the agent's operator error of not understanding which airlines are "affiliates" of OW, rather than policy of no through checks to "affiliates" only to "members".

Air Berlin – OW – AB
OW rules apply. No specific policy published.
AB also includes NIKI HG as an affiliate OW Member

American Airlines – OW – AA
OW rules apply. AA will no longer check through for separate tickets. AA will only check to AA or OW if on the same ticket/PNR.

Now out of date (version 1.0):

Quote:

Through Checked Baggage – When Traveling on Separate Tickets
Updated January 30, 2015

In October 2014, American announced baggage policy revision to align our baggage check-in procedures with US Airways assisting in our efforts to provide a more consistent customer experience.

As a refresher, for travel on/after February 1, 2015, for tickets issued on/after October 15, 2014 American will continue to ‘through-check’ bags when separate tickets have been issued for travel on the following carriers:

· American Airlines and American Eagle
· US Airways and US Airways Express
· oneworld® partner airline and affiliates

The above means American will no longer 'through-check' bags to the customer's final destination when presenting separate tickets at airport check-in for carriers other than referenced above when booked as the other airline prime flight or AA codeshare flight. This results in airport check-in representatives collecting the required baggage fees based on each airline's established policies. Our revised baggage policy revision also aligns our baggage check-in procedures consistent with other airline competitors.

We appreciate you advising your customers the importance of allowing additional time to re-check baggage and presenting the required travel documents. As you know, Minimum Connect Times (MCT) are agreed standards for customers and their baggage to connect between interline partners in a connection city when the customers are traveling on one ticket. When traveling on separate tickets, please take into consideration your customers will require additional above these established standards.

We appreciate your support and commitment to our mutual customers. Through Checked Baggage – When Traveling on Separate Tickets
Updated January 30, 2015

http://www.aasaleslink.com/TestPageB...0000008WhCqMAK This page has now been removed from the AA site, but is available under old news p.2 here:https://ssc.aa.com/prmportal_enu/Age...ru%20March.pdf

AA includes American Eagle as an affiliate OW member.

Following termination of their interline agreement, no interlining of bags AA<>DL can occur under any circumstance now, whether single or multiple tickets.

Now outdated. AA used to say (version 2.0):

Quote:

Through Checked Baggage - When Traveling on Separate Tickets
Customers traveling on separate tickets, issued in the same PNR/booking. Through check-in will be honored between the following carriers only:
American Airlines and American Eagle
oneworld airlines and affiliates
Please note that the airport check-in representative will collect separate baggage fees based on each airline's established policies/allowance. Customers travelling on separate tickets issued in separate PNRs/bookings will not be accepted for through check-in, regardless of which oneworld carrier(s) they are connecting to. When issuing separate tickets, whether in the same PNR/booking or not, it is important your customer be informed that American is unable to ‘through-check' bags with 2 separate tickets if they are traveling on American and non-oneworld carriers. Please advise the customer to allow additional time to claim their baggage, present the required travel documents to enter the country, if relevant, and meet check-in requirements for the connecting flight. The Minimum Connecting Time (MCT) will usually not be sufficient when the customer has separate tickets issued for each airline.

Now outdated. AA used to say (version 3.0):

Quote:

Through Checked Baggage - When Traveling on Separate Tickets

American will “through-check” baggage for customers when separate tickets have been issued. Through check-in will be honored between the following carriers only:

• American Airlines and American Eagle
• oneworld airlines and affiliates

When issuing separate tickets it is important your customer be informed that American is unable to ‘through-check' bags with 2 separate tickets if they are traveling on American and non-oneworld carriers. This will result in an airport check-in representative collecting the required baggage fees based on each airline's established policies.

Please advise the customer to allow additional time to claim their baggage, present the required travel documents to enter the country, if relevant, and meet check-in requirements for the connecting flight. The Minimum Connecting Time (MCT) will usually not be sufficient when the customer has separate tickets issued for each airline.
Updated: February 24, 2016

Now outdated. AA used to say (version 4.0):

Quote:

Through Checked Baggage Policy

To align American Airlines (AA) with our oneworld partners and to reduce baggage mishandlings, we will now only through check customers and baggage when all the tickets are in the same PNR.

Through check-in will be honored between the following carriers only:
• American Airlines and American Eagle
• oneworld airlines and affiliates

What if I have separate tickets in the same PNR for itineraries with American to a non-oneworld carrier?
Our policy on American to non-oneworld airline tickets has not changed. We will not through check customers or bags even if the tickets are in the same PNR

What would be the bag charges if the customer holds separate tickets in separate PNRs?
American will not through check a customer’s bag, regardless if it is a oneworld carrier. The customer will need to collect their bag at the final destination on the AA ticket. They will pay for the bag on the second ticket when they recheck it. This may involve exiting the secure area, then claiming and re-checking the bags. The Minimum Connecting Time (MCT) will usually not be sufficient when the customer has separate tickets issued for each airline. International flights will usually require claiming bags, clearing customs and rechecking bags on another carrier to be continued to their next destination.

What will customers be charged if we can through check the bag?
The charges would depend on what tickets the customer holds in the same PNR:
Do Alaska and our other codeshare/interline partners count as affiliate airlines?
No, the oneworld affiliate airlines are generally the regional partners of the other oneworld carriers. If a customer held an AS ticket and an AA ticket in the same PNR we would not through check the bag. They would need to reclaim then recheck their bag with AS.

Summary Table
The table shows what will be offered to customers who hold separate tickets in the same PNR or separate PNRs:

Tickets in same PNR? Baggage through check? What bag charges? Assistance in IROPS?
AA-AA Y Y Charge as single journey Yes, rebook through to final destination

AA-AA N N Only charge first AA ticket as customer will need to recheck for second ticket Yes, rebook through to final destination

AA-oneworld Y Y Customer will pay the applicable charges on both tickets Yes, rebook through to final destination using same connecting point

AA-oneworld N N Only AA charges as bag will only be checked for AA ticket Yes, rebook through to final destination using same connecting point

AA-OA Y N Only AA charges as bag will only be checked for AA ticket Yes, rebook through to final destination if we have a ticketing agreement with the OA

AA-OA N N Only AA charges as bag will only be checked for AA ticket Only on AA ticket

Update: September 1, 2016

https://ssc.aa.com/prmportal_enu/Age...%20Tickets.pdf

AA now says (version 5.0):

Quote:

To align American Airlines (AA) with our oneworld partners and to reduce baggage mishandlings, effective for tickets issued on/after September 1, 2016, we will now only through check customers and baggage when all of the tickets are in the same PNR.
Through check-in will be honored between the following carriers only:

 American Airlines and American Eagle

 oneworld airlines and affiliates

Frequently Asked Questions:
How does the through-check baggage policy affect customers?

For customers holding a ticket that involves other airline flights down-line from American, American will through-check bags to the next point of stopover, provided we have interline agreements with those carriers.

When the customer holds a separate ticket for down-line connecting flights booked in the same PNR, we will through-check bags to oneworld airlines to the point of stopover. Note, American, will collect the other airlines’ applicable baggage charges.

Customers combining an AAdvantage® award ticket with a oneworld airline’s ticket will receive throughcheck baggage to the point of stopover on the American 001 ticket.

What if I have separate tickets in the same PNR for itineraries with American to a non-oneworld
carrier?

Our policy on American to non-oneworld airline tickets has not changed. We will not through-check customers or bags even if the tickets are in the same PNR. The customer will need to collect their baggage at the final destination on the American 001 ticket. The customer is responsible for the baggage fees associated on the second ticket when the baggage is re-checked with the non-oneworld airline. This may involve exiting the secure area to claim and re-check the baggage. International flights may require clearing customs and rechecking on the other airline to the final destination.

What if I have separate tickets in the separate PNRs for itineraries with American to a oneworld carrier?

When there are separate tickets issued in separate PNR’s, the customers baggage will be checked to the final destination of the American 001 ticket regardless if it is a oneworld carrier. The customer is responsible for the baggage fees associated on the second ticket when the baggage is re-checked with the oneworld airline. This may involve exiting the secure area to claim and re-check the baggage.International flights may require clearing customs and rechecking on the other airline to the final destination.

Will American through-check baggage when separate tickets containing “connecting” flights to an air carrier American does not have an interline agreement with, such as Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, Frontier, etc?

No - the customer is responsible for the baggage fees associated on the second ticket when the baggage is re-checked with other airline. This may involve exiting the secure area to claim and re-check the baggage. International flights may require clearing customs and rechecking on the other airline to the final destination.

What would be the bag charges if the customer holds separate tickets in separate PNRs?

American will not through-check a customer’s bag, regardless if it is a oneworld carrier. The customer will need to collect their bag at the final destination on the American 001 ticket. They will pay for the bag on the second ticket when they recheck it. This may involve exiting the secure area, then claiming and rechecking the bags. The Minimum Connecting Time (MCT) will usually not be sufficient when the customer has separate tickets issued for each airline. International flights will usually require claiming bags, clearing customs and rechecking bags on another carrier to be continued to their next destination.

What will customers be charged if we can through check the bag?

The charges would depend on what tickets the customer holds in the same PNR:

Do Alaska and our other codeshare/interline partners count as affiliate airlines?

No, the oneworld affiliate airlines are generally the regional partners of the other oneworld carriers. If a customer held an AS ticket and an AA ticket in the same PNR we would not through check the bag. They would need to reclaim then recheck their bag with AS.

If I have an existing mileage award ticket and a separate revenue ticket will the customer’s bags be through checked to the final stopover point?

No - the customer is responsible for the baggage fees associated on the second ticket when the baggage is re-checked with other airline. This may involve exiting the secure area to claim and re-check the baggage. International flights may require clearing customs and rechecking on the other airline to the final destination.

For future booking it is suggested the customer have their complete travel in the same PNR to allow for the baggage to be through checked. The agency or customer should contact AAdvantage for assistance in booking their travel.

Summary Table
The table shows what will be offered to customers who hold separate tickets in the same PNR or separate PNRs:
Tickets in same PNR? Baggage through check? What bag charges?
AA-AA Y Y Charge as singlejourney
AA-AA N N Only charge first AA ticket as customer will need to recheck for second ticket
AA-oneworld Y Y Customer will pay the applicable charges on both tickets
AA-oneworld N N Only AA charges as bag will only bechecked for AA ticket
AA-OA Y N Only AA charges as bag will only be checked for AA ticket
AA-OA N N Only AA charges as bag will only be checked for AA ticket
Issued: October 28, 2016

https://www.aasaleslink.com/en-US/do...te_Tickets.pdf

British Airways – OW – BA
OW rules apply. BA will not interline to anyone, including BA, if on separate tickets.

For historical reference only as all now out of date:
Where multiple tickets are issued in 2 or more PNR's BA will not check through for separate tickets to anyone except for BA. Where 2 ticket numbers are contained in 1 PNR, BA will check through to OW. This is BA's view on the matter:
http://www.britishairways.com/assets...h-check-in.pdf

Quote:

Changes to Accepting Customers with Separate Tickets

Summary of Changes
From 1 June 2016, the oneworld policy on accepting customers travelling on separate tickets was changed. BA, along with our oneworld partners, has implemented this change in policy which is as follows: Only those customers that have separate tickets issued in the same PNR/booking will be accepted for through check-in.

How to handle customers with separate tickets in different PNRs
Customers that have separate tickets issued in separate PNRs/bookings will not be accepted for through check-in, regardless of which carriers they are connecting on to, including BA or any oneworld partner. These customers, and their baggage, will only be checked in to the destination showing in the system. No on carriage details are to be added into the check-in system at any stage. Please note that where a customer has separate tickets, the Most Generous Allowance (MGA) rule for baggage does not apply and any excess baggage will apply as per the ticketed sector for that ticket.

What it means for BA and the customer
This change means that the originating carrier is not liable for any rebooking and additional costs incurred as a result of disruption, for flights on other PNR/bookings. Customers who have booked a through ticket will continue to receive the full benefits including through checked bags, MGA and full assistance should their journey be disrupted.

Example Customer Scenarios
[ ]

FAQ’s
1. When does the new policy take effect?
The oneworld obligation changed on 1 June 2016 and BA has implemented this change from this date.

2. Why are we making these changes?
Legally speaking, two separate tickets have two separate contracts. Therefore BA is only responsible for carrying baggage to the destination specified on each separate ticket.

3. So why did oneworld originally offer through check-in even if customers were using separate tickets?
This policy was brought in when airlines were changing from paper to electronic tickets, around 10 years ago to ease technical limitations and processes for the customer.

4. At check-in, what information should we give to customers travelling on separate tickets in separate bookings/PNRs?
Unfortunately for customers who are used to interlining on separate PNRs, BA and other oneworld member airlines have no obligation to provide any services or benefits beyond those specified in the traveller’s ticket.

5. How should we manage customers on separate tickets that have missed their second flight due to disruption?
We will continue to assist customers in rebooking their journey. However, customers will be subject to the terms and condition of the tickets and there may be additional costs associated to the ticket changes based on the fare rules. BA is not liable for any duty of care costs.

Their policy is now:

Quote:

Separate Tickets Policy

Benefits of purchasing a through ticket
Single contract covering all the flights on the ticket
Through check-in
Most significant baggage allowance
Disruption handling

Customers choosing to traveling on separate tickets
Separate contracts for each ticket
Cannot be accepted for through check-in (see oneWorld agreement below)
Different baggage allowance may apply to each ticket
Disruption guidelines only apply to the ticket with a disrupted flight

What it means for customers if they are not accepted for through check-in:
Do not use Minimum Connecting Times
They will have to collect their bags on arrival at the destination on the ticket
They will have to re check-in at the departure airport of their onward travel
Different baggage allowance may apply to for each flight
If the arrival flight is delayed they are eligible for normal compensation (i.e. EU Legislation) for the delayed flight only
They cannot claim any costs associated to their onward flight if the arrival flight is delayed

oneWorld guidelines for separate tickets
Only customers with separate tickets issued in the same PNR will be accepted for through check-in
Customers must be transferring to/from a oneWorld partner
Customers holding separate tickets are only eligible for disruption assistance after they have been accepted for through check-in.

Scenario: Interline journey on one ticket number in a single PNR

LHR-DOH-BKK
PNR: AB12CD
Ticket #: 000-xxxxxx123
Eligible for through check-in: Yes
Disruption Assistance Before check-in - Yes
Disruption Assistance After checked-in - Yes

Scenario: Interline journey on two ticket numbers in a single PNR/booking

LHR-DOH (BA) - Ticket 1
DOH-BKK (QR) - Ticket 2
Single PNR: AB12CD
Eligible for through check-in: Yes
Disruption Assistance Before check-in - No
Disruption Assistance After checked-in - Yes

Scenario: Interline journey on two ticket numbers in a single PNR/booking

LHR-SIN (BA) - Ticket 1
SIN-BKK (SQ) - Ticket 2
Single PNR: AB12CD
Eligible for through check-in: No
Disruption Assistance Before check-in - No
Disruption Assistance After checked-in - No

Scenario: Two ticket numbers in a 2 different PNRs/bookings

GLA-LON (BA) - Ticket 1
LON-JFK (BA) - Ticket 2
Two PNRs: AB12CD and 34EFGH
Eligible for through check-in: No
Disruption Assistance Before check-in - No
Disruption Assistance After checked-in - No .

http://www.speedbirdclub.com/au/rese...ckets/?print=1
The link may require an IATA number and location. 12345678 and Australia work.
BA includes BA Cityflyer, British Airways (BA) Limited, Comair, OpenSkies and SUN-AIR of Scandinavia as affiliate OW members.

On Ba.com:

Quote:

Checking in baggage for connecting flights

Baggage will normally be checked through to your final destination, provided your journey is on the same ticket or booking reference. However, if you hold separate tickets for the flights in your journey, we will only check your baggage to your final destination if the connecting flights are contained within the same booking reference, for flights operated by British Airways or another oneworld airline.

Some countries will require you to clear customs at the first point of entry. For that purpose, please collect your baggage on arrival, even if it is tagged to the final destination, clear it through customs and then hand it back to an airline representative for your next flight(s).

If your journey involves a change of airport (e.g. arriving at Heathrow, departing from Gatwick or arriving at New York JFK and leaving from La Guardia), your baggage will not be checked to your final destination. Please reclaim your baggage at the arrival airport and check them in again once you reach the airport that your next flight will depart from.

http://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/...on/checking-in click on the > next to Checking in Baggage.

Cathay Pacific – OW - CX
OW rules apply.

Quote:

Separate Ticket Policy 01 Jun 2016[sic]
Effective from 1 January 2017, Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon as a courtesy, will through-check passengers and their bags to their final destination* even if they are travelling on separate tickets connecting with our airline partners. Please note however that through-check may not be possible if travel begins with an airline that does not to provide this service.
*Passengers may be required to collect and re-check your bags at certain airports due to local security or customs policies

http://www.cxagents.com/cxa/gc/en_HK/ln2 then click on separate tickets policy.
CX includes Dragonair as an affiliate OW member.

Also here: http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_H...e-tickets.html it says:

Quote:

Effective 1 January 2017, as a courtesy, Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon will through-check you and your bags to your final destination if you are travelling on separate tickets involving connections with our airline partners. However, through-check may not be possible if your travel begins with an airline that does not provide separate ticket through-check service.

Finnair – OW – AY
OW rules apply. No policy published any longer.

AY used to say, but has now been removed:

Quote:

Through check-in of passengers and baggage

Finnair takes care of the through check-in of all passengers transferring onto a connecting flight if that flight is operated by Finnair or a oneworld partner. If you have a connecting flight operated by another airline, the through check-in process may differ – ask at a check-in desk when you reach your transfer airport.

If the ticket for your connecting flight has been issued as a separate ticket, Finnair cannot be held liable for lost connections caused by a delay or cancellation of a Finnair flight.

When baggage is not checked through for a connecting flight, it is delivered to the baggage claim area. You must collect your baggage and check it in for your connecting flight.

http://www.finnair.com/gb/gb/informa...ecting-flights
AY includes Flybe Finland but only when they operate on routes on behalf of Finnair as an OW affiliate,

Iberia – OW - IB
OW rules apply. No check through to anyone inc IB unless on same PNR.

Quote:

"Transfer Luggage" is defined as checked-in luggage which has to travel on two or more connecting flights and therefore must be transferred from one aircraft to another.
You can check in with your baggage for connecting different flights, provided that the locator or booking reference is the same.
In most cases, your baggage will be labeled to go directly to your final destination. The baggage tag receipt that we give you when dropping off your baggage always states your bag´s final destination.
When transferring, you only need to collect your baggage and check it in again for your connecting flight, if:
You have purchased two or more tickets under different locator or booking reference.
You transfer from a Iberia flight to a domestic flight (when country regulations require travelers to comply with customs and immigration procedures at their first point of entry,for example in the USA).
You arrive at one airport and your connecting flight departs from another airport.
Your transfer lasts longer than 12 hours or your next flight departs the next day.
Part of your journey is by bus or rail.
Passengers will be advised at the airport of origin regarding where they should collect their luggage.

http://www.iberia.com/es/assistant/?language=en Then search for luggage check-in
IB includes Iberia Regional Air Nostrum and Iberia Express as OW affiliates.

Japan Airlines –OW – JL
OW rules apply. However:

Quote:

Thank you for your patronage of the JAL Group.
Member airlines of oneworld alliance have agreed to change their minimum requirements for through check-in (issue of boarding pass and carriage of baggage to the final destination between connecting flights) which applies only to the following situations.
·Passengers travelling on a single ticket.
·Where segments are ticketed separately but show the same booking code.
Japan Airlines will continue to honor all tickets, including those with different PNR/booking codes, and make best efforts to provide through check-in service in compliance with the industry rules/procedures to the final destination. However, if your first flight is not a Japan Airlines flight (including codeshare flights operated by other airlines) in a connecting itinerary, and you are holding separate tickets with different PNR/booking codes, you may encounter situations in which through check-in service may not be offered for your seat assignment and baggage to the final destination.
Should such situations occur, you may have to re-check-in at the transiting airport, which will require a longer connection time.

http://www.jal.co.jp/en/info/inter/161003.html/
JL includes J-AIR and Japan Transocean Air as OW affiliates

LAN – OW - LA
OW rules apply. However:

Quote:

3.7 The Carrier will not check-in the baggage to a destination other than the one that appears in the passenger’s Ticket.

http://www.lan.com/en_uk/sitio_perso...ransportation/
LAN includes LAN Argentina, LAN Colombia, LAN Ecuador, LAN Express and LAN Peru as OW affiliates.

Malaysia Airlines – OW - MH
OW rules apply. MH's policy is to through check to OW and MH codeshared flights operated by non OW.
http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/my/e...n/counter.html

Quote:

Through check-in for guests holding separate tickets

You can now perform through check-in over the counter if you’re travelling on separate tickets on the following flights operated by Malaysia Airlines (MH) connecting with our oneworld or codeshare partner carriers. With this facility, you’ll enjoy the convenience of having your bags checked through to your final destination when you check in.

Applicable Flights Example
Malaysia Airlines connecting with Firefly or MASwings

Malaysia Airlines connecting with oneworld partners Kuala Lumpur > MH > Sydney > QF* > Auckland
*Qantas (QF), oneworld partner

[...]

Through check-in of baggage to final destination is not available on the following flight connections.
Flight Example
Between MH and non-oneworld partners
Between MH and non-codeshare partners.

Separate ticket check-in requirements for oneworld multi-sector journey

Effective 1 June 2016, oneworld alliance members are not obligated to offer through check in services for passengers and their baggage to their final destination when they travel on separate tickets on separate bookings. This means that if you have chosen to purchase two or more separate tickets on separate bookings for travel with one or more oneworld carriers, you may have to check yourself and your baggage in again at the end of each sector.

Malaysia Airlines will however, continue to through check-in passengers and baggage to their final destination for travel on one or more oneworld carriers where travel begins with Malaysia Airlines, even if the sectors are ticketed separately on separate bookings. Please note that this may not be possible on your return journey if travel begins with another oneworld member airline that chooses to adhere to the new oneworld obligation.

There are reports that MH will not through check to OW flights on separate tickets here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...e-tickets.html
On certain days in January 2016, MH refused to carry any checked bags whether interlined or not, on flights from KUL to certain destinations in Europe citing strong winds and fuel capacity. No other airline had any restriction during that time.

Qantas – OW - QF
OW rules apply. No through check unless on 1 ticket.

Quote:

Question
If I am travelling on more than one flight to an international destination will my bags be checked through onto my next flight?
Yes, if both your flights are booked on the same single booking and your flights are all with Qantas or Qantas, Emirates and/or and another oneworld® airline your baggage will be transferred between flights for you and you will receive your boarding pass for your onward flight*.
If both your flights are booked on the same single booking and your initial flight is with Qantas, but the subsequent flight is not with Qantas, Emirates or a oneworld airline, transferering your baggage to your next flight depends on whether a specific agreement exists between Qantas and that carrier. You will be advised by Qantas staff at check-in, but if you require more notice, either your travel agent or Qantas Contact Centres will be able to advise you.

If traveling on to a oneworld flight and travelling on separate tickets in separate bookings, your baggage will not be checked through and you will not receive your boarding pass for your onward flight*. Please allow enough time to collect your baggage at the end of each flight, clear customs and immigration if necessary, move between different terminals and re-check in with your next carrier.

However, if you are travelling on separate tickets but in the same booking, your bags will be transferred between flights for you and you will receive your boarding pass for your onward flight.

For example:
If you or your agent have booked travel from Sydney to London with Qantas, and then separately booked travel from London to Frankfurt with a oneworld carrier or a non oneworld carrier, when you check in at Sydney you will be issued a boarding pass and bags tagged only to London. You will need to collect your baggage in London, clear customs if the authorities require you to do so, and check in with the other carrier for your onward journey to Frankfurt.

Read more about through check when connecting with Jetstar.

Why can't I check my bags through onto other carriers?
The servicing of customers with flights booked in different reservations or with different carriers is much more complex and we may not be able to access your separate reservation. However, if you book your entire journey in a single reservation, we will be able to provide better service to you and in the event that a flight is disrupted for some reason, we can streamline our rebooking process and get you to your destination more efficiently.

*When checking in for your first flight.

Quote:

Through Check-In

Where possible your client is offered the Through Check facility between Qantas and Qantas, or Qantas and another carrier services.

Domestic Australia with International Travel Connection
If your client is travelling on a Qantas Domestic service with a Qantas International connection they will be through checked from the domestic port to the International destination.

Example: HBA QF X/MEL QF LAX

International Travel with Domestic Australia Connection
If your client is travelling on a Qantas International service with a Qantas Domestic connection they will be through checked from the International port to the Domestic destination.

Example: HKG QF X/SYD QF CBR

Your client will be required to collect their bags at the gateway port and proceed through immigration and customs. Your client must lodge their bags at the either the domestic transfer desk at the international terminal or the domestic terminal.

http://www.qantas.com.au/agents_us/d...gageallowances
https://qantas.custhelp.com/app/answ...6638/related/1
QF includes QantasLink 6 and Jetconnect as OW affiliates.

Qatar Airways – OW - QR
OW rules apply. QR will check to OW.
https://www.qatarairways.com/en/abou.../oneworld.html Go to Benefits then Through Check-in.

Quote:

Qatar Airways is pleased to offer passengers the courtesy of through check of themselves and their bags to their final destination when travelling on multi-sector journeys involving connections onto other oneworld member airlines, even when the trip is booked using separate tickets.

However, customers should note that through check may not be possible on their return journey if their trip starts with another airline that does not provide the same level of service.

Royal Jordanian – OW - RJ
OW rules apply. No specific policy published.

S7 Airlines – OW – S7
OW rules apply.

Quote:

4.3.4 When proceeding along the transportation route from the airport (point) of departure on the territory of Russian Federation to the airport (point) of destination outside the customs territory of the Customs union with intermediate landing in point of leaving from the territory of the Russian Federation a simplified procedure of customs operations may be applied in according to Russian legislation, under which customs control of transfer baggage is performed without presenting it to customs authority by transfer passenger himself.
Check in of transfer baggage at the airport of departure to final destination is performed by declaring of transfer passengers to carrier, and (or) operator authorized by the airport of departure:
the absence in his transfer baggage of goods subject to customs declaration in writing;
that there is no need to present a transfer baggage at the airport of transfer for customs declaration in writing.
When proceeding along the transportation route from the airport (point) of departure on the territory of Russian Federation to the airport (point) of destination outside the customs territory of the Customs union with intermediate landing in point of leaving from the territory of the Russian Federation the baggage can be checked in to the final destination only under condition that it does not include goods subject to customs declaration in writing.
When check in transfer baggage to the final destination airport (point) the basis for presenting the transfer baggage of transfer passengers by Carrier to customs authority for customs control at the airport (point) transfer is the presence on the transfer baggage the baggage tag with number, confirming the fact of check in of transfer baggage in the Russian Federation to airport (point) of destination.
Availability on the transfer baggage of baggage tag with number indicates declaration by transfer passengers to the customs authority that in the transfer baggage there are no goods subject to customs declaration in writing.
The use of a simplified procedure in which a transfer baggage can be checked to the final airport (point), does not exempt the transfer of passenger compliance with other requirements of the customs legislation of the Customs union and the Russian Federation legislation on customs.
Presenting of transfer baggage, checked in in accordance with Russian Federation legislation, by Carrier to the customs authority for customs control at the airport (point) transfer is not exempt a passenger from liability for breach of customs legislation Customs Union and the Russian Federation legislation on customs.

http://www.s7.ru/home/info/rules.dot..._id=1#razdel-4
S7 includes Globus, LLC as a OW affiliate.

Sri Lankan Airlines - OW
OW rules apply.

Quote:

Passengers holding two separate documents (tickets) for the onward journey are advised that your baggage can be interlined (tagged to the final destination) from all airports where Srilankan Airlines flies except Indian destinations other than Mumbai & New Delhi. Baggage shall not be interlined to Domestic points within the same country.

http://www.srilankan.com/a/plan-and-book/luggage

TAM Airlines – OW - JJ
OW rules apply. See LAN above.

Star Alliance - *A
Through ticketed checking only. However certain airlines deviate from that.

Quote:

Q. IF I HAVE CONNECTING FLIGHTS ON OTHER STAR ALLIANCE MEMBER CARRIERS, CAN I EXPECT THAT MY BAGGAGE WILL BE CHECKED TO THE FINAL DESTINATION?

A. To have baggage checked-in on flights that are operated by Star Alliance member carriers, the flights must be included in the same booking record. Baggage cannot be checked-through, regardless of booking on the same record, if government restrictions are in effect or it the passenger is changing airports within their connection point (e.g. arriving into New York John F. Kennedy airport and departing from New York LaGuardia airport).

http://www.staralliance.com/en/faqs/ Then select "flights and baggage"

Adria Airways - *A – JP
No published policy

Aegean Airlines –*A - A3
Unclear.
http://en.aegeanair.com/travel-infor...port-check-in/

Quote:

As far as connecting flights are concerned, Aegean Airlines allows you to check in your luggage at your point of departure and pick it up at your final destination – provided that certain conditions are met. For more information, please contact our reservations department.

Air Canada – *A - AC
No through check beyond last ticketed destination or stopover.
Rule 60, E, 1 (p.11)
http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelin...rule_55-60.pdf
However, a company lurker has posted

Quote:

We've recently modified our baggage rules - even if you're on 2 seperate tickets, as long as we have an interline baggage agreement with the other carrier, we will be able to tag your bag(s) all the way through to the final destination.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-c...l#post11891124
No policy has been publicly provided or ticket terms amended to implement that statement.

Air China - *A - CA
No published policy

Air India – *A – AI
No published policy

Air New Zealand - *A – NZ
NZ to certain NZ domestic fares only.
http://www.airnewzealand.co.uk/checked-in-baggage

Quote:

Connecting travel, i.e. Air New Zealand to Air New Zealand or Air New Zealand to other airlines
If you have a connecting flight on the same ticket, your baggage may be through-checked if Air New Zealand has a baggage transfer agreement with the other airline.
If you have a connecting flight on a separate ticket, your baggage cannot be through-checked. You will need to collect your baggage and check in for your separately ticketed flight, where the baggage allowance and excess charges of that flight will apply. The only exception to this is that your baggage may be through-checked if you have a domestic Air New Zealand connection that is ticketed separately as an international conjunction fare (i.e. not a stand alone domestic fare). Please contact your booking agent if this requires further clarification.
Please refer to your electronic ticket which shows your checked baggage allowance and which carrier’s allowances and charges apply.
If you are connecting from another airline to an Air New Zealand flight on separate tickets, please contact the other airline to determine if your baggage may be through checked.

ANA - *A - NH
Through check to most airlines.
http://www.ana.co.jp/wws/uk/e/asw_co...n/checkin.html

Quote:

Through check available for Partner Airlines Offering Through Check-in* Availability on code share flights is determined by the operating carrier.
Air Canada (AC)/ Air France (AF)/Air India (AI)/Avianca (AV)/ Aegean Airlines (A3)/ Copa Airlines (CM)/ CATHAY PACIFIC (CX)/ Air Dolomiti (EN)/ Ethiopian Airlines (ET)/ Ethihad Airways (EY)/ Garuda Indonesia (GA)/ TAM Airlines (JJ)/ Adria Airways (JP)/ LACSA Airlines (LR)/ Swiss International Air Lines (LX)/ Egypt Air (MS)/ Air New Zealand (NZ)/ Austrian Airlines (OS)/ Croatia Airlines (OU)/ Bangkok Airways (PG)/ Phillippine Airlines (PR)/ TAM Mercosur (PZ)/ Scandinavian Airlines (SK)/ Brussels Airlines (SN)/ Singapore Airlines (SQ)/ Taca International Airlines (TA)/ THAI Airways (TG)/ United Airlines (UA)/ US Airways (US)/ Virgin Atlantic (VS)/ Germanwings (4U)
－Available with restrictions－*
EVA Air (BR)/ Air China (CA)/ Hong Kong Dragon Airlines (KA)/ Lufthansa (LH)/ LOT Polish Airlines (LO)/ Asiana Airlines (OZ)/ South African Airways (SA)/ Turkish Airlines (TK)/ TAP Portugal (TP)/ Vietnam Airlines (VN)/ Vladivostok Air (XF)/ Shenzhen Airlines (ZH)/ Jet Airways (9W)
*Please note that issuance of boarding passes for connecting flights may not be available or baggage may not be checked due to limitations of the partner airlines’ system or connecting airport. Through check-in service may not be available at some airports. For details, please contact ANA.

Asiana Airlines *A - OZ
OZ to OZ and airlines with interline agreement through checked.
https://kr.flyasiana.com/C/en/homepa...0&menuType=CMS

Quote:

This itinerary has flights for which reservations have been confirmed. Passengers using domestic flights of Asiana Airlines departing from domestic airports on the day and international flights of Asiana Airlines or other airlines departing from Incheon International Airport on the day or the following day
The baggage transfer service is available only for international flights operated by other airlines through agreements with Asiana Airlines. Please check before using the service.
Passengers using flights for which the operating carrier is Asiana Airlines and the marketing carrier is another airline for international codeshare flights (Check-in of connected international flights operated by other airlines is not available)
The connected services are available when domestic tickets are issued separately from international tickets, but the services may be restricted under some exceptional circumstances.
The connected services may not be available If the security check and the customs report are required at the Incheon International Airport.

Austrian *A - OS
No published policy

Avianca *A - AV
No published policy

Brussels Airlines – *A - SN
No published policy

Copa Airlines - *A - CM
Vague

Quote:

Connecting with Copa Airlines. What makes flying with Copa Airlines a seamless experience? Copa Airlines flights are scheduled to minimize connection times, which on average take 90 minutes. Baggage is checked straight through to the passenger’s final destination.

https://www.copaair.com/sites/cc/en/...-americas.aspx

Croatia Airlines - *A - OU
No published policy

Egyptair - *A - MS
Vague

Quote:

Through Check in
Baggage through Check in is not allowed from international overseas stations to Cairo via domestic Stations in Egypt and Vice Versa.
Carriage in Conjunction with Other Companies
Luggage of declared value will not be accepted for transport on other companies’ airlines, unless they consent thereto.

http://agents.egyptair.com/Pages/Carryonbaggage.aspx

Ethiopian Airlines - *A – ET
No published policy

EVA Air - *A - BR
Usually checked through

Quote:

Will my check-in baggage be checked through to the final destination?
EVA Air will check through your baggage to the final destination according to the following rules. However, if you are going to travel on another carrier’s flight to connect to BR’s flight, please contact that carrier for their baggage rules.
Confirmed reservation on a onward-connection flight.
Transfer time is within 24 hours.
Transfer point is at the same airport.
There is an interline Baggage Agreement between EVA Air and the onward connection carrier.
The checked baggage complies with the laws of the country.
Please contact the ground staff for the regulation.

http://www.evaair.com/en-us/frequent...at-the-airport

LOT Polish Airlines - *A - LO
Vague
http://www.lot.com/gb/en/transfer-center

Quote:

9.3.2.
REGISTRATION OF BAGGAGE
The passenger may register his/her baggage exclusively to the place of passenger’s destination, according to the routing presented in the ticket (on a given flight segment or segments). The passenger is not allowed to break his/her journey at any transit or transfer point if his/her baggage was registered to a different, further destination, and the carrier is not able - without delaying the aircraft’s departure - to find passenger’s complete baggage and hand it to the passenger who asked to leave an aircraft at a transit point. If the passenger insists to break his/her journey anyway, he/she will be obliged to cover all costs arising from finding the baggage and delaying the flight.

http://www.lot.com/gb/en/conditions-of-carriage

Lufthansa - *A - LH
No published policy

Scandinavian Airlines - *A - SK
Vague

Quote:

Is it possible to check in my baggage to my final destination?
Whether you can check in your baggage to your final destination depends on several factors. Please call SAS Customer Contact Center for more information about your trip.

Shenzhen Airlines - *A - ZH
No published policy

Singapore Airlines - *A - SQ
No check through unless on to an SQ ticketed partner.

Quote:

If you are travelling on a Singapore Airlines operated flight and connecting to any of the below carriers, you will be able to perform a through check-in for both flights, provided that the booking is on a Singapore Airlines ticket.
However, if your journey begins with any of the following carrier and connecting to a Singapore Airlines flight, you may wish to check with that carrier directly.

http://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/tr...ckin-partners/

South African Airways -*A - SA
No published policy

SWISS - *A - LX
No published policy

TAP - *A- TP
No published policy

THAI -*A - TG
No published policy

Turkish Airlines - *A- TK
TK check to TK only

http://www.turkishairlines.com/en-in...ger-procedures

United Airlines -*A – UA
UA will check through for separate tickets to UA or *A.
http://www.united.com/CMS/en-US/trav...geChecked.aspx

Quote:

For a trip that includes one or more connections, United will check bags to the final destination stated on the ticket. United will transfer bags to a connecting flight on your United itinerary, or on a separate itinerary that includes a Star AllianceTM partner airline flight, if the connecting flight is scheduled to depart within 12 hours after arriving at the connection city.

You'll need to claim and re-check baggage if you are:

Making a voluntary stopover
Making a connection that involves an overnight stay
Connecting to an itinerary booked on a separate ticket that doesn't include a Star Alliance partner airline
Traveling internationally and connecting to a domestic flight within your destination country

Skyteam – SKY
No SKY published statement, individual airlines appear to make their own rules.
The SKY website provides little info.

Quote:

Figuring out how much baggage to carry? Need help with lost baggage? Our carriers have different ways of looking after your baggage

http://www.skyteam.com/en/Why-SkyTea...ween-Airlines/

Aeroflot - SKY - SU
Subject to customs laws, SU seem to check through
http://www.aeroflot.ru/cms/en/before...er_fly/transit

Aerolíneas Argentinas - SKY - AR
No published policy

Aeromexico - SKY - AM
No published policy

Air Europa - SKY -UX
No published policy

Air France - SKY - AF
Vague

Quote:

In most cases, your baggage is checked in all the way until your final destination, so you do not have to worry. However, if you change your airport, you must collect your baggage from the conveyor belt and follow the “baggage reclaim” signs and check them in again at “baggage drop-off” of the terminal or departure lobby.

http://www.airfrance.co.uk/GB/en/com...ndance_cdg.htm

Alitalia - SKY - AZ
No published policy

China Airlines - SKY - CI
No published policy

China Eastern - SKY - MU
No published policy

China Southern - SKY - CZ
No published policy

Czech Airlines - SKY - OK
No published policy

Delta Air Lines - SKY - DL
DL will not check through to anyone (inc DL) beyond the final ticketed point or stopover point if earlier. Rule 116, E, 2 (p.67)

Quote:

Except as otherwise provided in this rule, baggage will be checked only to the passenger’s destination or next point of stopover.

http://www.delta.com/content/dam/del...riage_intl.pdf

Following termination of their interline agreement, no interlining of bags AA<>DL can occur under any circumstance now, whether single or multiple tickets.

Garuda Indonesia - SKY - GA
No published policy

Kenya Airways - SKY - KQ
No published policy

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines - SKY - KL
KL will generally only check to KL

Quote:

Baggage and transferring
If your trip includes a transfer, your check-in baggage will usually be sent to your final destination. The baggage claim tag that you receive when dropping off your baggage always states your bag’s final destination.
When transferring, you only need to collect your baggage and check it in again for your connecting flight, if:
You have purchased 2 or more tickets from different airlines that have dissimilar conditions
You transfer from a KLM flight to a domestic flight (for example in the United States)
You arrive at one airport and your connecting flight departs from another airport
Your transfer lasts longer than 12 hours or your next flight departs the next day. When transferring at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol or Paris-Charles de Gaulle, you can ask for your baggage to be sent to your final destination.

http://www.klm.com/travel/gb_en/prep...ance/index.htm

Korean Air - SKY - KE
Appear to check through but unclear if referring to 1 ticket:
https://www.koreanair.com/content/ko...fer-procedures

Middle East Airlines - SKY - ME
No published policy

Saudia - SKY - SV
No published policy

TAROM - SKY - RO
No published policy

Vietnam Airlines - SKY - VN
No published policy

Xiamen Air - SKY - MF
No published policy

Others

Alaska Airlines - AS
No through checks

Quote:

Baggage will not be checked:
a) To a point that is not on the passenger's routing.
b) Beyond the passenger's next point of stopover or, if there is no
stopover, beyond the final destination designated on the ticket.
c) Beyond a point at which the passenger wants to reclaim the
baggage or any portion thereof.
d) Beyond the point to which all applicable charges have been paid.
e) Beyond a point at which the passenger is to transfer to a
connecting flight, if that flight is scheduled to depart from an airport
different from the one at which the passenger is scheduled to
arrive

http://www.alaskaair.com/~/media/Fil...l%20Tariff.pdf
International ticketed flights - Rule 116 AS, 5 (p.58)
http://www.alaskaair.com/~/media/Fil...c%20Tariff.pdf
US Domestic ticketed flights - Rule 190AS, 5 (p.29)

Easyjet – U2
No check through to anyone
http://www.easyjet.com/en/help/at-th...ct-and-transit

Emirates - EK
Unclear
http://www.emirates.com/english/help...other-airlines

Quote:

Depending on how their tickets were purchased and systems available at the airport, passengers travelling on Emirates and connecting to another airline may or may not have their baggage checked through for their flights. Please check with your local Emirates office.

Etihad Airlines – EY
No through check to any airline other than EY.
http://www.etihad.com/en-us/faqs/#
Look at the Baggage FAQ headed - Does my baggage go all the way through to my final destination if I have a stop?

Quote:

Yes, if you have booked one ticket with Etihad Airways and you do not leave the airport at the location of your transit stop. If you have booked two flights with different airlines, or you want to have a stopover in the middle of your journey, you will have to collect your baggage where you stop.
In addition, for travel in the US, you may be required to collect your baggage at the mid-point of your journey. For further clarification on the route you are flying, please contact us.

Jet Blue - B6
No published policy

Ryanair - FR
No check through to anyone
http://www.ryanair.com/en/terms-and-...ons/article17/

Liability for baggage delay, damage and loss

Liability with respect to baggage delay, damage and or loss, is generally covered by the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air (Montreal, 28 May 1999). Known as the Montreal Convention.
http://www.jus.uio.no/lm/air.carriag...montreal.1999/
The airline's own conditions of carriage should match the terms, but the convention will usually supercede the terms if they don't match, for international flights.
There is a general concept of 'damage' for any claims which will broadly be actual loss naturally flowing from the event in the circumstances.

Baggage damage
Carrier is liable for damage to bags unless caused by the inherent defect of the bag.

Quote:

Article 17
2. The carrier liable [sic] for damage sustained in case of destruction or loss of, or of damage to, checked baggage upon condition only that the event which caused the destruction, loss or damage took place on board the aircraft or during any period within which the checked baggage was in the charge of the carrier. However, the carrier is not liable if and to the extent that the damage resulted from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage. In the case of unchecked baggage, including personal items, the carrier is liable if the damage resulted from its fault or that of its servants or agents.

4. Unless otherwise specified, in this Convention the term "baggage" means both checked baggage and unchecked baggage.

There is a cap on baggage damage claims of 1,000 SDRs

Quote:

Article 22
2. In the carriage of baggage, the liability of the carrier in the case of destruction, loss, damage or delay is limited to 1,000 Special Drawing Rights for each passenger unless the passenger has made, at the time when the checked baggage was handed over to the carrier, a special declaration of interest in delivery at destination and has paid a supplementary sum if the case so requires. In that case the carrier will be liable to pay a sum not exceeding the declared sum, unless it proves that the sum is greater than the passenger's actual interest in delivery at destination.

Damage should be notified ideally immediately on receipt, but in any event within 7 days.

Quote:

Article 31
1. Receipt by the person entitled to delivery of checked baggage or cargo without complaint is prima facie evidence that the same has been delivered in good condition and in accordance with the document of carriage or with the record preserved by the other means referred to in paragraph 2 of Article 3 and paragraph 2 of Article 4.

2. In the case of damage, the person entitled to delivery must complain to the carrier forthwith after the discovery of the damage, and, at the latest, within seven days from the date of receipt in the case of checked baggage and fourteen days from the date of receipt in the case of cargo. In the case of delay, the complaint must be made at the latest within twenty-one days from the date on which the baggage or cargo have been placed at his or her disposal.

Baggage loss
Carrier is liable up to the cap for lost baggage. Baggage is deemed lost after 21 days.

Quote:

Article 17
2. The carrier liable [sic] for damage sustained in case of destruction or loss of, or of damage to, checked baggage upon condition only that the event which caused the destruction, loss or damage took place on board the aircraft or during any period within which the checked baggage was in the charge of the carrier. However, the carrier is not liable if and to the extent that the damage resulted from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage. In the case of unchecked baggage, including personal items, the carrier is liable if the damage resulted from its fault or that of its servants or agents.

3. If the carrier admits the loss of the checked baggage, or if the checked baggage has not arrived at the expiration of twenty-one days after the date on which it ought to have arrived, the passenger is entitled to enforce against the carrier the rights which flow from the contract of carriage.

There is a cap on loss damages of 1000 SDRs.

Quote:

Baggage delay
Carrier is liable for damages caused by delay.

Quote:

Article 19
The carrier is liable for damage occasioned by delay in the carriage by air of passengers, baggage or cargo. Nevertheless, the carrier shall not be liable for damage occasioned by delay if it proves that it and its servants and agents took all measures that could reasonably be required to avoid the damage or that it was impossible for it or them to take such measures.

There is a cap on delay damages of 1000 SDRs.

Quote:

Responsible carrier
Realistically you should complain for damage, delay or loss to the last carrier as they will have a ground agent at the final point of delivery. However, you can claim against any or all of the first, intermediate (if damage occurred on the intermediate carrier) or last carrier, for successive carrier tickets. This means 1 ticket through journeys. If it's separate tickets, but checked through, that's not a successive carrier ticket, so only the operating carrier (subject to codeshares see below) for the sector where the damage occurred is liable.

Quote:

Article 36
3. As regards baggage or cargo, the passenger or consignor will have a right of action against the first carrier, and the passenger or consignee who is entitled to delivery will have a right of action against the last carrier, and further, each may take action against the carrier which performed the carriage during which the destruction, loss, damage or delay took place. These carriers will be jointly and severally liable to the passenger or to the consignor or consignee.

Codeshares and tickets sold by airline A for travel on airline B
Both airlines jointly liable

Quote:

Article 41
1. The acts and omissions of the actual carrier and of its servants and agents acting within the scope of their employment shall, in relation to the carriage performed by the actual carrier, be deemed to be also those of the contracting carrier.
165
2. The acts and omissions of the contracting carrier and of its servants and agents acting within the scope of their employment shall, in relation to the carriage performed by the actual carrier, be deemed to be also those of the actual carrier.

Protection against IRROPS on multiple bookings
Broadly there is none. YMMV.
No officially published OW policy is available however, AA has a policy for separately ticketed OW flights:
https://ssc.aa.com/prmportal_enu/Age...ng%20Index.pdf
p.13 - oneworld Reaccommodations – Separate Tickets

Quote:

oneworld Reaccommodations – Separate Tickets
Changes to itineraries for Customers holding separate tickets:

AA to/from Non- oneworld® Carrier
Schedule Irregularity procedures and AA Conditions of Carriage do not apply to separate tickets purchased by the customer as part of their journey. Example: customer holds a ticket from ABQ-ORD-ABQ on AA (001 ticket stock) and a separate ticket on another carrier for continuing travel from ORD. If the AA flight is late or cancelled, AA has no responsibility for onward travel on a separate ticket for travel on a non- oneworld carrier. Advise customers who may be affected that they will need to work separately with the other airline for assistance.

AA to/from AA or a oneworld® Carrier
If a customer is holding separate tickets on AA or another oneworld carrier, customers holding separate tickets where travel is on oneworld airlines should be treated as through ticketed Customers. In the event of a disruption on the originating ticket, the carrier responsible for the disruption will be required to reroute the customer to their final destination. The ticket stock of the second ticket must be of a oneworld carrier, eligible under the Endorsement Waiver Agreement. You may contact AA Reservations 1-800-433-7300 (U.S. and Canada) or outside the U.S. and Canada, reference Worldwide Reservations Numbers for additional information if the separate ticket is for travel on a oneworld carrier.
Updated: May 18, 2016

The full document can be located under Booking Index at: https://ssc.aa.com/prmportal_enu/Age...yRefernce.html

Guidelines on what you can do on AA following IROPS are at:
https://ssc.aa.com/prmportal_enu/Age...%20(IROPS).pdf

Last edited by rjn21; Jun 16, 2017 at 5:55 am

Jul 11, 2015, 12:52 pm

jerry a. laska

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Oct 1999

Location: Juneau, Alaska.

Programs: AS 75K;BA Silver;AA G;HH Dia;HY Glob

Posts: 15,827

Alaska Airlines is not a member of the Oneworld Alliance and oneworld policies do not apply to AS. It is a non-aligned partner of BA (and a couple of other OW airlines).

Jul 11, 2015, 12:56 pm

rjn21

Original Poster

Join Date: Mar 2006

Location: UK

Programs: BA GGL, BA LTG/GFL, Honors Diamond, Accor Platinum, Bonvoy Silver

Posts: 719

AS edited out. Mistaken use of an old OW list.

Jul 11, 2015, 4:09 pm

Backsmith

Join Date: Jul 2015

Programs: Ba exec

Posts: 2

Alaskan Air

Thanks for you very informative post. I have been on the phone tonight to Alaskan Air to try to get to the bottom of this. I wish to travel on two tickets (one is an Exec Club reward) LHR-SEA-Kelowna. As you say Alaskan are a "partner" of BA but not OW. From reading your post I assume my journey is in the possible but not required category.

Alaskan say I should ask BA if they intend to check by bags through. I'm on a "legal" connecting flight with a 2h 10 lay over. I'm not motivated by avoiding the charges but by the difficulty of passing all the way out of the airport and then all the way back in. This will probably make my connection too tight and the next flight is 10h later. Through bags can be rechecked straight after U.S. Customs at SEA.

In reality, does anyone have experience of BA interlining with Alaskan? what are my chances? My BA flight is club world if that adds anything to the show.

Thanks for any advice.

John

Jul 11, 2015, 4:27 pm

Often1

Suspended

Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: DCA

Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL

Posts: 50,262

Quote:

Originally Posted by Backsmith

You are at the mercy of the check-in agent at the time of check-in. Calling either BA or AS in advance will not yield you a definitive answer. You are on separate tickets on a non-OW transfer (not connection). You are not entitled to have your bags checked through and must plan for the possibility that BA will only check to SEA.

But, all is not lost. Even if your bag is checked through to YLW, you will nonetheless retrieve it at SEA, move it through Customs and then drop it at AS. If the bag is only checked to SEA, rather than dropping the bag at the AS drop point, you will need to stand there until the bag is checked. If there are any fees, you will need to pay those. Either way, you will also need to reclear security and head to your gate.

Jul 11, 2015, 4:53 pm

ijkh

Join Date: Jun 2001

Location: Lake Oswego, Oregon or Costa Alegre take your pick

Programs: AS MVPG,

Posts: 1,066

once more for the slow ones in the back of class

We have purchased two AS (Alaska Air) PDX-SEA-PDX tickets. This is in accompaniment our BA ticket SEA-LHR-EDI-LHR-TLV-LHR-SEA booking. It was much cheaper buying them separately for some reason.

I am hoping we can send our luggage from Portland to EDI that first travel day. It would be a pain to have to go all the way out to check in again at SEA from the front.

On the way home we have to go through customs in SEA anyway. It really doesn't matter at that point. We will have to deal with our bags anyway.

Jul 11, 2015, 6:26 pm

cperciva

Join Date: Jan 2013

Location: YVR

Programs: AC:50K

Posts: 708

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjn21

Air Canada – *A - AC
No through check beyond last ticketed destination or stopover.
Rule 60, E, 1 (p.11)
http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelin...rule_55-60.pdf

I think that document is out of date -- I've had no trouble getting bags checked through from an Air Canada ticket to a Lufthansa ticket, and Air Canada's representative stated that this was now allowed a few years ago: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-c...l#post11891124

Jul 12, 2015, 4:52 am

rjn21

Original Poster

Join Date: Mar 2006

Location: UK

Programs: BA GGL, BA LTG/GFL, Honors Diamond, Accor Platinum, Bonvoy Silver

Posts: 719

@ijkh

Portland to EDI (via SEA and LHR) will be up to AS' check in at Portland. The AS rules say they will not through check to BA on a separate ticket. If they don't you will need to collect your bags at SEA and then check them in for SEA LHR EDI with BA, paying any applicable baggage charges if levied by BA. You are entitled to be through checked SEA LHR EDI as you are (i) on one ticket and (ii) it is BA to BA so through checking permitted even if it were 2 tickets.

On your return, BA's policy will only check bags to SEA. As you say you will need to collect them anyway for US customs, then drop them in AFTER being tagged to PDX with AS and if AS require, paying any applicable excess baggage charges.

Last edited by rjn21; Jul 12, 2015 at 5:08 am

Sep 5, 2015, 12:31 am

Pfm46

Join Date: Sep 2015

Posts: 5

BA to Qatar at Copengagen

We asked to interlink our bags from Heathrow to Phuket with a transfer from BA to Qatar at Copenhagen.
The check in had to call through to a superior to ask if it could be done. The answer came back in the affirmative, but to check at CPH to ensure they had. This we did, all was well and we were reunited at Phuket airport.

Will the same apply on the return trip ?

Sep 5, 2015, 12:59 am

#10

rjn21

Original Poster

Join Date: Mar 2006

Location: UK

Programs: BA GGL, BA LTG/GFL, Honors Diamond, Accor Platinum, Bonvoy Silver

Posts: 719

Regarding Phuket: So if on one 1 ticket, yes.

If on 2 tickets ie:
HKT>DOH>CPH on QR on ticket 1,
Then CPH to LHR on BA on ticket 2,

then QR's own policy and the OneWorld policy applies. The OneWorld policy doesn't define "connecting" flights, which in a transport for carriage contract used in the various airline conventions, means they have to be on one ticket. The OneWorld policy doesn't state that it uses such a defined term, so YMMV. QR have no issued policy for themselves. Anecdotally QR appear to be less inclined to check through to OneWorld if on separate tickets. OneWorld don't/can't police member compliance with policies, it seems to just be a marketing tool with frequent flyer mile cross airline allocation.

So if you are on 1 ticket, yes it should be checked through. If on 2, OneWorld policy is helpful but not precise in its definition of 'connecting', so you can but ask at HKT. If declined, show the OneWorld policy, if further declined, not much you can do. BA to QR on the outbound is nice (and correct) but has no standing for QR to BA on the return.

Hope you get a good result.

Nov 28, 2015, 11:34 am

#11

Bloomsbury

Join Date: Nov 2009

Location: London, England

Posts: 366

This is very helpful and answers my main question of whether BA to Qatar on separate tickets is going to be an issue.

I do have an outstanding conundrum... Qatar are allowing me to check-in online now. Is that wise or should I wait until the interline is confirmed when I drop my bags with BA? Also, I take it that if I do check-in online, I still need to state how many pieces of luggage I've checked, despite not 'handing it over' when I get to the Qatar desk?

Nov 30, 2015, 12:59 pm

#12

Great_circle

Join Date: May 2015

Programs: BAEC back to silver, Flying Blue Silver

Posts: 406

Regarding Thai, I once travelled Thai HKT-HKG in J and connecting on BA travelling HKG-LHR-AMS in Y and these were separate tickets. Thai tagged my bag all the way to AMS were it appeared first on the carrousel due to the Star Alliance priority tag, despite travelling the most part on BA that day (or rather, night)..

Dec 30, 2015, 3:52 am

#13

Passmethesickbag

Join Date: Feb 2003

Location: NCL

Programs: UA 1MM/*G. DL Gold for one more year.

Posts: 5,305

I tweeted BA before finding this thread, and they told me BA would not check a bag through on a separate ticket with MH. Has the above changed, or were they ill informed?

Dec 30, 2015, 4:06 am

#14

caz312

Join Date: Jan 2008

Posts: 1,492

Quote:

Originally Posted by Passmethesickbag

I tweeted BA before finding this thread, and they told me BA would not check a bag through on a separate ticket with MH. Has the above changed, or were they ill informed?

there is often incorrect answers given on Twitter....maybe the responder forgot MH were part of One World

Dec 30, 2015, 4:09 am

#15

rjn21

Original Poster

Join Date: Mar 2006

Location: UK

Programs: BA GGL, BA LTG/GFL, Honors Diamond, Accor Platinum, Bonvoy Silver

Posts: 719

The policy published at the link in the 1st post has not been changed. It is possible, but unlikely, that the policy has been changed and not published. More likely that the Twitter person was in error.

Suggest you take a printed copy of both the OneWorld policy (not worth much due to its use of undefined terms) and the BA policy (which is very clear), with you to check in, in case of resistance.

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