Originally Posted by
bscooter26
I can understand why it would not be recommended, but what would be the recommended process if flying in on AA and connecting to BA on separate itineraries? Is it to not check bags? Not book separate itineraries in the first place?
In my case, I had AA and BA credit to use so that's how I had to book if I wanted to use both for the same trip. Also hoping to score a SWU for the overnight leg.
The only reason something like that wouldn't be "recommended" is that 1) any bags won't be checked through by AA, and 2) you wouldn't be protected to your final destination in the event of irrops.
But as long as you don't check bags (or allow enough time in between) and are ok with the risks then there's nothing bad or wrong about it.
I do separate ticket connections like this all the time, most recently about 2 weeks ago, arrived off RDU-LHR and connected to a separate ticket LHR-AMS. My connection time was even 15 mins under MCT, so somewhat risky but I knew that it would be no problem if we departed RDU on time. Ended up with 20 mins of lounge time.
If you don't check bags there's virtually no difference in the connecting process on separate tickets vs. a single ticket. Check in with BA online beforehand so you already have your boarding pass, when you arrive you just proceed to flight connections like usual, take the bus to T5, and proceed through the BP check and security and to the gate/lounge.