Originally Posted by
nick83
Hi everyone,
I've been unable to find a straight answer on this matter from QF or WS (and I'm a travel agent!), and wondering if anyone has experienced it.
I'm travelling on WS from YVR-LAX, and then connecting to QF from LAX-SYD. Both flights are on one PNR and one ticket. I'm anticipating to be travelling with 3 or 4 bags at 23KG each.
I understand that WS and QF have a baggage agreement, and as such, in theory when I check in in YVR my bags will be checked all the way to SYD. According to WS, I will be charged WS's excess luggage charges, and my bags will be checked right through to SYD. ($20 for the first excess bag, $50 for the third and fourth excess bag - an absolute steal if my bags are checked all the way to SYD!) On the other hand, QF have told me that my bags will NOT be checked all the way through, and that I will have to pay WS excess luggage charges in YVR, and my bags will not be checked straight through, so I'll have to recheck them in LAX and then pay the QF excess luggage charges.
Just wondering if anyone has actually done this with WS (or connected to QF by travelling transborder on WS from another Canadian gateway) and can tell me about their experience?
Also, I noticed on AS website that they state they will charge the international carrier's excess luggage charges if you are checking in with AS and connecting to a carrier they interline with, like QF. Has anyone actually had this happen? Or do AS just charge you their luggage fees and happily check it all the way through to SYD?
Thanks heaps for any input!
Cheers
Another welcome,
nick83!
The relevant rule adopted by the IATA is called the "most significant carrier" rule, which states, basically, that on itineraries involving multiple carriers, the carrier with (a) the longest segment and/or (b) one who takes you between the three defined "areas" of the world (Americas, Europe/Africa/Middle East, and Asia/Pacific) has its baggage rules applied to the whole trip, provided the travel is uninterrupted. So WS ought to charge you whatever Qantas would as if you were starting in LA. Now, having said that, it's worthwhile to know this when you arrive at YVR so that any agent unfamiliar with the system doesn't rip you off.
You will preclear US immigration and customs at YVR, and your bags ought to be tagged all the way to SYD.
At LAX you'll arrive at Terminal 2 and depart from the Bradley International terminal, around a 10 min. walk (or shuttle bus) from T2.