Originally Posted by
NgatesSEA
Checking in luggage for a UA reservation that connects to a separate reservation on a different carrier is an "interline" baggage issue. Lots of information on this forum about interlining bags. Generally, should not be an issue to have United transfer bags to CX. I've done this a number of times into and out of Asia (though never to CX) and have never had an issue. Always arrive at your baggage check-in counter (here, UA in SFO) with a printout of your other (here, CX) reservation.
Check here to start:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...greements.html
"Interline" by definition is when both airline's flights are on the same ticket. Flying on two separate tickets is not an interline. It is just two separate tickets whether they are on the same day or weeks apart.
Also, checking bags interline are always at the discretion of the airline. I remember when I worked for CO in IAH, we were instructed to never check a bag to connect in Mexico City because they frequently got lost. The fact that we had an interline agreement with both Mexicana and AeroMexico at the time made no difference.
The problem with checking baggage through is that if the bag is lost and both flights are on a single ticket, then CX is responsible for tracing the bag all the way back to SFO. If you have two separate tickets, CX is only responsible for tracing the bag back to TPE. If they have no record of ever receiving the bag in TPE, then they won't do any more for you and won't pay any compensation.
I am always leery of people in Flyertalk who say "I have done this several times and it works fine." EVERYTHING always works fine until it does not work at all.