Originally Posted by
ESpen36
I doubt that you would be able to retrieve your luggage at MIA if you misconnect, since the luggage will remain in the bowels of AA's operation. It will be moved to your new flight to BCN (presumably connecting through LHR or MAD, or perhaps the next day's nonstop flight to BCN). Of course, if you change your mind and decide not to travel, AA will release your luggage to you.
I don't know AA's policy, but several years ago when I misconnected on UA and was rebooked the next day, I was told that I had to retrieve my checked luggage (I would rather not have). It was already being held in the baggage office at baggage claim.
Originally Posted by
Often1
If you ask AA to reticket you to MIA, as part of that process, AA will have the bag sent over to baggage claim. This will likely take several hours...
Can't speak to MIA/AA specifically, but (again on UA) I once had my checked bags offloaded after having to declare trip in vain due to an extensive ATC delay, and I only beat my bags to baggage claim by 10 minutes.