Originally Posted by
airoli
It is not in doubt that it is fine to through-check bags for layovers up to 24h when departing ZRH on LX. Braswch however departs ZRH on UA and while I am optimistic, I (and you) lack relevant experience for this scenario. If you originate in ZRH, you cannot check in bags with UA more than 3h before departure.
I did this route in reverse as many times as I did going forward. Dubai to Zurich on Swiss and then 5 hours 45 minutes (just checked the old itinerary) before connecting to United flight to IAD. It would be insane and unrealistic to make you reclaim the bags and forward them to United. Nobody would fly via Zurich airport if that was the case.
The rule of 3 hours only applies to the ZRH as originator airport, and only because that's when they open their check in desks for flights going to US.
It's safe to assume that they will transfer your bag automatically at ZRH up to 23:30 hours between connections on the same itinerary, unless directed otherwise by the passenger during check in process at the origin airport.