If both carriers have an interline agreement, have your second PNR linked to the first one, and the transatlantic carrier will at least check your luggage through to your final destination, and hopefully issue a boarding pass for your connecting flight. Failing that, there should be a transfer desk airside to issue a BP for your second flight.

For passengers without luggage, some European airlines do accept US-style check-in at the gate, although this is not ideal: there might be no staff at the gate until late, there may be a queue for the lone agent present, and you would be among the last to pick a seat if the above happens.

If your connecting flight is on a discount carrier, you will most likely have to check in landside at the regular check-in desks.

[This message has been edited by monahos (edited 06-26-2003).]