interline baggage @ LHR
 

Hi~

I am scheduled to fly from YYZ-LHR on AC and on a separate ticket, from LHR to ATH through MXP on Alitalia. Do you think I can check my baggage all the way to ATH while checking in at YYZ? What should I do when I arrive at LHR?

I will arrive at LHR at 7:30am and will leave at 10:30am. There is 3 hours for connection.

thanks a bunch.

With the exception of BD which just introduced new rules for connecting baggage, AC will tag your bags all the way through to Athens. Show the agent your second ticket and s/he will tag the bag all the way through so you will not need to pick it up at customs/immigration and re-check it with your onward carrier. However, when you check in for that onward flight at LHR [unless it is a STAR carrier, AC cannot check you in], be sure to mention you have a bag(s) checked in and give the agent the stub so s/he can input the number(s) into that carrier's system so it will be accepted onto the flight.

You can then do the same thing on the way back, but in reverse order. Just be sure to show AC the baggage receipt when you check in at LHR.

[BTW, doing a search would yield dozens of threads that answer this.]

Useful info - does seems bizarre that the only one that will not is actually another *A carrier :confused: . Wonder what happened to the "seamless travel experience" that airline alliances are supposed to offer.

BD is facing a lot of heat over this change as well as the denial of basic STAR benefits for those flying on its "Baby" fares, the only cheap ones bookable on their website by default. Not sure how that debate is going, however. Or how other STAR carriers are reacting.

BTW forgot to mention there is a transfer centre at LHR's terminals where you can go through the various security provisions but not have to clear Immigration/Customs, and then get a shuttle to the appropriate terminal you are travelling from [likely T2]. However, if you are an AC E or SE, or have a Arrivals Lounge pass, you will want to go landside to use the Lounge, then walk yourself over to T2 to check in for your onward flight.

I had a similar and interesting situation last Xmas flying YOW-LHR-BCN and return. YOW-LHR was on AC; LHR-BCN was a separate ticket on BA. Outbound AC tagged them all the way through unproblematically. BA didn't ask for anything when I checked in at the ICC; the agent probably just knew his stuff. On the return, though, the BA agent at BCN was adamant that BA would not interline baggage with AC, despite the fact that I told her they did on the inbound. No biggie; still had plenty of time to pick it up and recheck at LHR, but a small pain in the butt.

This thread just made me remember a question that I had about an upcoming trip. I am flying WDH-JNB-LHR-YYZ-YQT-YAG in Y - ugh!. WDH-LHR on SA, LHR-YQT on AC, and YQT-YAG on JV. The YYZ-YAG portion is on a seperate ticket. Does anybody have an idea if it will be possible to check my bags through on all 5 segments or will I have to re-check at some point.

thanks a bunch!
 

I will check my luggage all the way to ATH! (I will keep my baggage tag as a souvenir @:-) )

Regarding my opinion on BD refusing to accept interline baggage, I think it is fair. I think BD assumes a lot of liability on interline baggage and it really depends on the arriving carrier to deliver the baggage to BD. Also, it depends on the arriving passenger to notify BD. They only take you 30 pounds or so but the liability and cost to deliver delayed baggage is way over 30 pounds.

But to refuse interline baggage from *A partners? That's a disgrace.