Originally Posted by
Mr. Tickets
I think the document ATOBTTR is referring to is very old (2023) and Delta has just not gotten around to updating it. SAS is now part of SkyTeam and they also have a code-share agreement so checking bags through DL to SAS on separate tickets should be no issue.
This is also what reflects on delta.com under the Through-Check section as well, albeit without the examples as clearly spelled out:
(Of interesting note, while they list out baggage policies of other SkyTeam carriers, SAS is not listed, so the overall page hasn't been updated to list out SAS. That said, DL policy doesn't say they through-check to other SkyTeam carriers across separate tickets - they have a list of a subset of JV partners and close-partners that by policy they will through check to but it's not all of SkyTeam, at least by policy).
Delta’s Through-Checked Baggage PolicyDelta will accept a customer’s checked bags between the ticketed origin and destination airports on a single ticket.
If a separate ticket is presented for travel, Delta will check the bag to the destination of the Delta ticket. Bags must be claimed at the Delta-ticketed destination and be re-checked by the customer for the next flight with the next operating carrier.
Exceptions
When more than one ticket is presented, Delta will continue to through-check bags from the origin to the destination under the following scenarios:
- Delta ticket plus a ticket that includes flights operated by the following Delta partner airlines:
- Aeromexico
- Air France
- China Eastern
- KLM
- Korean Air
- LATAM
- Virgin Atlantic
- WestJet
- Delta ticket plus a ticket that includes:
- A Delta charter flight
- An airline not listed above for active-duty military members who are traveling on orders
https://www.delta.com/us/en/baggage/...C60rR8Xqdzia6_
Originally Posted by
flyerCO
I know what policy is. As has been demonstrated here in this forum, DL agents will generally always check through. This isnt just a "me" experience.
Also note I use the word generally, specifically because there can also be some agent that doesn’t allow it. When it comes to DL the written policy isnt generally what is important, it is what agents generally do.
Bottom line, generally DL agents will check through to any carrier thry have interline with. Acting like all that matters is a policy that is generally ignored (if even know about by most agents) is doing a disservice to people asking gor advice.
But for someone asking, paint the entire picture or else you're setting them up for potential failure unbeknownst to them, especially on an international ticket. Your post didn't acknowledge what policy is versus practice is. I agree that policy is often what's practiced versus what's written but again, all it takes an agent who is either a stickler for policy or less willing to go against policy and then in OPs case, they have no recourse - something they won't know until they show up at the airport that day and then it creates a major problem, especially if they haven't allotted enough time to otherwise complete the transfer with now having to claim bags and recheck. Knowing that detail could drive someone to say "I'll book a 4 hour layover instead of a 2 hour layover and hope bags are tagged through but if not, I have a more ample window to claim and recheck if I have to."
You also don't acknowledge that status may play a factor too. You and others may be more likely to get this waiver/favor/courtesy as a DM/DL elite or SkyTeam elite member while the poster asking the question notes UA status but no DL/SkyTeam status.
Originally Posted by
gold23
We are looking to book a DL flight to ATL, and then SAS to CPH. Will I need to pick up bags and re-check for SAS in ATL, or will Delta interline them even though my first ticket is DL and my second will be SAS? I can't book these flights through either SAS or DL as I want them (SAS allows me to book a DL flight into ATL, but with a 50 minute connection as opposed to the 2hr+ I'd be getting on my own, and which would allow my stress levels to normalize lol).
Try calling DL or SAS. You may be able to get it that way. Unfortunately the DL website doesn't always return all available options but sometimes an agent can find and/or build it.
What are your specific flights and dates and maybe someone here could build something. And perhaps while less ideal for other reasons, sometimes an OTA can generate the itinerary you're looking for and allow you to book it.