Originally Posted by
jasonvr
Looking to pass my connections past the experts. I've read thru the thread and think I understand what I should do. I've got 4 (yep, 4) connections thru JNB in August. Any advice is appreciated
I'll have a stab at this...
Originally Posted by
jasonvr
Connection 1
Intl-Dom, SA J to SA J
LHR-JNB-CPT
1:50 connection time
All one ticket
I should hopefully be able to get my bags tagged to CPT when I leave LAX since it is all one ticket and it is all *A. I will need to retrieve my bags in JNB, clear customs, and then recheck the bags. Anything additional special I need to do?
Correct. You might want to use the check-in counters to the left as you exit customs and the arrivals hall. (If there's a queue just go up 2 floors and check in at the regular counters. Your trolley can go on the escalators.)
Originally Posted by
jasonvr
Connection 2
Dom-Intl, SA J to SA J
CPT-JNB-LVI
2:25 connection time
All one ticket
Seems like a simple one. Bags should be checked all the way thru. Just walk to Immigration and head to my plane. Or is it more complex like the Intl-Intl connections where I need to ensure my bags actually make it across by talking to an SA person?
It is simple. There is no reason why your bags shouldn't make it but you can reclaim and recheck if you wish.
Originally Posted by
jasonvr
Connection 3
Intl-Dom, SA Y to SA Y
LVI-JNB-HDS
Overnight stay in JNB
All one ticket
Given the theft from bags issues and bags going missing, I'm assuming the advice here is to tag the bags only to JNB, pick them up, and then recheck them the next morning for the flight to HDS
This is identical to your scenario 1: you must reclaim your bags as it's an international arrival. I don't believe you will be able to re-check immediately for a flight the next day and I wouldn't want to anyway.
Originally Posted by
jasonvr
Connection 4
Dom-Intl, SA Y to TK J
HDS-JNB-IST
3:50 connection time
Two separate tickets
This is probably the most funky one and it looks like I have a couple options. Looking for suggestions on which one I should pursue.
- Don't even try to tag the bags all the way thru. Plan on going outside security upon landing in JNB, get my bags and then recheck in for the TK flight
- Don't even try to tag the bags all the way thru. Find an SA staff member inside security to have them have someone pull my bags and facilitate checking them thru the on next ticket. Is this even possible? I based this on the Intl-Intl description
- Attempt to get the bags checked all the way thru (across the two tickets). Find an TK person inside security to ensure that the bag tags are properly in their system (in order to facilitate, or maybe ensure) the actual transfer of the bags. Is this even possible? Again, based this on the Intl-Intl description.
Is the first one actually the default? Is there a way to stay within security when doing a Dom-Intl connection? I obviously need to clear Immigration since I am leaving....
SA often can't even check you through on alliance partners when it's a single ticket. On separate tickets I think they will refuse. In addition HDS is a tiny airport so the chances are even slimmer that the agents will know how to do this. Given the time you have I would definitely just go for option 1. It also gives you a chance to plastic wrap them if you like - I doubt HDS has such a facility.
Originally Posted by
jasonvr
Have I got it right? I never thought I'd have to write such an extensive post on how to actually make sure my bags get to their destination, especially when all flights are *A and many are even on the same ticket! But this statement from my TA about JNB got me REALLY worried;
As I said previously the problem of bags going missing is far less prevalent (and there is much less you can do about it) than that of bags being opened and stuff removed. My advice is to make your bags as tamper-proof as possible. Don't check a bag with a zip that can be opened with a ballpoint pen and then resealed. Oyster shell bags are best. Or consider having your bags plastic wrapped. At the very least ensure that bags have the zip fastener locked in place.