Originally Posted by pdsales

I always manage to carry enough for any trip without checking a bag.

For the first time in decades I am traveling with someone who will have checked bags. So I have no experience on how a checked bag will impact my ability to make international connections.

Stuff like: Will I have to collect my luggage at the carousel and go back through security after my first international leg? Adding that to necessary passport control etc.?

Here is my tentative itinerary.

I have to travel from Chicago to Stockholm. I would like to get credit for AA miles and spend, so I am looking at AA with a connection instead of SAS direct.

Guidance would be much appreciated.

Outbound departure from O’Hare Sunday, May 10, 2020

Return from ARN Sunday, May 17, 2020

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Option 1, Connection at LHR time: 2h 55m

AA 46 ORD - LHR

7:25 PM Departs ORD

9:05 AM Arrives LHR



AA 6583 (Operated by British Airways)

12:00 noon departs LHR

3:35 PM Arrives ARN

Will I have to collect baggage and recheck at LHR departing LHR for ARN? Adding that to immigration and passport control is 2:55 sounds enough time?

===========================================


Option 2, gives me 4h 25m at LHR

AA 86 ORD – LHR

5:05 PM Departs ORD

6:50 AM Arrives LHR



AA 6529 LHR – ARN (Operated by BA)

11:15 AM Departs LHR

2:50 PM Arrives ARN

================================

For my return there is only one flight with a connection time under 5 hours, which follows.

Will I have to collect baggage and recheck at LHR departing LHR for ORD, plus immigration and passport control? Is 2:45 enough time?

Connection time: 2h 45m

AA 6525 Operated by British Airways

7:45 AM Departs ARN

9:30 AM Arrives LHR


AA 87 Sunday, May 17, 2020

12:15 Depart LHR Arrive ORD PM

3:00 PM Arrive ORD


Thanks for your helpl

PS Traveling separately from the checked-baggage passenger is not an option.