Complicated itin - can bags be checked through?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 504
Complicated itin - can bags be checked through?
Hi,
I have a complicated itinerary coming up. I'm wondering whether I can check my bags all the way to my final destination, or do I need to pick them up somewhere. I am flying:
MEX-DFW-LAX (day 1, overnight in LAX)
LAX-JFK-LHR-TXL (day 2, arrival on day 3)
Since I will be travelling with 2 suitcases + golfbag and in addition my two pieces of handluggae, I am not too keen on picking them up until I arrive in Berlin
Thanks a lot!
I have a complicated itinerary coming up. I'm wondering whether I can check my bags all the way to my final destination, or do I need to pick them up somewhere. I am flying:
MEX-DFW-LAX (day 1, overnight in LAX)
LAX-JFK-LHR-TXL (day 2, arrival on day 3)
Since I will be travelling with 2 suitcases + golfbag and in addition my two pieces of handluggae, I am not too keen on picking them up until I arrive in Berlin
Thanks a lot!
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
Programs: AA PLT (2.9+ MM), HH GLD, Hyatt Diamond, SPG PLT
Posts: 10,161
how long is the layover in LAX? If its under 12 hrs you can request it; over 12 and it isn't possible.
You might have to pick them up at DFW - but if so, its an easy recheck, there are special desks just outside of customs.
You might have to pick them up at DFW - but if so, its an easy recheck, there are special desks just outside of customs.
#3
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP - Marriott LT Platinum - National Exec Elite
Posts: 1,112
Hi,
I have a complicated itinerary coming up. I'm wondering whether I can check my bags all the way to my final destination, or do I need to pick them up somewhere. I am flying:
MEX-DFW-LAX (day 1, overnight in LAX)
LAX-JFK-LHR-TXL (day 2, arrival on day 3)
Since I will be travelling with 2 suitcases + golfbag and in addition my two pieces of handluggae, I am not too keen on picking them up until I arrive in Berlin
Thanks a lot!
I have a complicated itinerary coming up. I'm wondering whether I can check my bags all the way to my final destination, or do I need to pick them up somewhere. I am flying:
MEX-DFW-LAX (day 1, overnight in LAX)
LAX-JFK-LHR-TXL (day 2, arrival on day 3)
Since I will be travelling with 2 suitcases + golfbag and in addition my two pieces of handluggae, I am not too keen on picking them up until I arrive in Berlin
Thanks a lot!
#5
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Stockholm, Sweden + Austin, Tx
Programs: "But, I'm a GLOBALIST guest...."
Posts: 2,848
sounds like a recipe for lost bags to me....
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 504
Probably true, but I don't have many options at this point. If it increases the chances, I can pick them up in LAX and re-check in the morning for LAX-JFK-LHR-TXL
But my original questions still hasn't been answered. Will it be technically possible to check them through all the way? I know that e.g. with Lufthansa you can only have 5 airport codes on your baggage tag.. How is that for AA?
Thanks!
But my original questions still hasn't been answered. Will it be technically possible to check them through all the way? I know that e.g. with Lufthansa you can only have 5 airport codes on your baggage tag.. How is that for AA?
Thanks!
#7
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SFO, LON
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, Bonvoy Tit, Hilton Dia etc etc
Posts: 2,354
I've had 4, not 5. In any event as bdemaria points out you will be picking your bags up at DFW since it's an international arrival and you need to clear customs, so if they won't tag you at MEX you can try to do it at DFW: at that point it's 4 segments and agents used to dealing with complex itins I would guess. But if it's all one ticket my bet is it all pops out at MEX anyway.
#8
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA PLAT
Posts: 79
Depending on how much $$ you have to blow, I would probably honestly use one of the luggage services to ship the bags to your destination a few days ahead of time.
Otherwise that itinerary sounds like you will have zero luggage while at your destination, and this whole discussion will be moot.
Otherwise that itinerary sounds like you will have zero luggage while at your destination, and this whole discussion will be moot.
#9
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: IND
Programs: AAdvantage Executive Platinum, HHonors Diamond, National Executive
Posts: 1,297
Depending on how much $$ you have to blow, I would probably honestly use one of the luggage services to ship the bags to your destination a few days ahead of time.
Otherwise that itinerary sounds like you will have zero luggage while at your destination, and this whole discussion will be moot.
Otherwise that itinerary sounds like you will have zero luggage while at your destination, and this whole discussion will be moot.
#10
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Gilette, France
Programs: AAdvantage (since 1987) PLAT. USAir Dividend, AF Flying Blue.
Posts: 312
I think it's technicaly impossible ... on the tag. I've always seen it limited to 4 legs.
You might be able to check them in at night for the next morning.
Just think for the baggage handler ; they have less than 1/10th of second to think about which cart to drop into your luggage off the plane (connection / baggage claim). If the tag is too long to read, they could be at any baggage claim of one of your connecting airport while you're flying away...
My advice : don't try to.
You might be able to check them in at night for the next morning.
Just think for the baggage handler ; they have less than 1/10th of second to think about which cart to drop into your luggage off the plane (connection / baggage claim). If the tag is too long to read, they could be at any baggage claim of one of your connecting airport while you're flying away...
My advice : don't try to.
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 504
Okay, will take you advice and check them in for MEX-LAX, pick them up ad re-check for LAX-JFK-LHR-TXL. Do they allow evening checkin for the morning transcon?
Best
Best
#12
Join Date: May 2001
Location: St Croix, Tampa, Nova Scotia
Programs: AA Plat, 2MM Mile
Posts: 91
I'm traveling STX-MIA-LAX-HKG-DPS (Bali) on AA to LAX then CX the rest of the way. (All one ticket) I arrive MIA at 5:40pm on 3/11/14 and leave MIA on AA287 at 3:45pm on 3/12. Why wouldn't my bags just sit in MIA in the AA287 slot until they are loaded? Can someone point me to the rule on AA.com about more than a 12 hour layover? If I check in at a kiosk in STX will it only create a bag tag to MIA? I'm not staying overnight in MIA just for fun, it's the only way the schedule (and available seats) would work. Thanks.
#13
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
It is absolutely possible, but foolish. Because it exceeds 4 segments, OP will need to find an AA supervisor to hand code and then hand write the bag tags and then proofread everything twice.
That is why this is foolish. If you get the right person, you will be fine. If you don't, your bags will be at TPA rather than TXL and it will take forever to locate and recover them. With 10 hours, why risk it?
That is why this is foolish. If you get the right person, you will be fine. If you don't, your bags will be at TPA rather than TXL and it will take forever to locate and recover them. With 10 hours, why risk it?
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
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Since its w/in 12 hrs between arrrival/departure at LAX, you *should* be able to do it there as well.
#15
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Stuck on this planet - mainly in STR and LAX
Posts: 5,019
Depending on how much $$ you have to blow, I would probably honestly use one of the luggage services to ship the bags to your destination a few days ahead of time.
Otherwise that itinerary sounds like you will have zero luggage while at your destination, and this whole discussion will be moot.
Otherwise that itinerary sounds like you will have zero luggage while at your destination, and this whole discussion will be moot.
This might be an option when you don't leave the US, but never for international.
It is true, the more connections you have and the shorter the connections are the higher the likelihood that your luggage will not make it with you. But normally it then shows up a few days later and will be delivered. Pack what you absolutely need for a few days in your carry on, otherwise you can buy a reasonable amount of things and will be reimbursed.
One additional potential problem you need to be aware when you short check: Imagine your luggage does not show tin time at the belt before you need to leave for you onward flight. What do you do? Wait for the luggage, be a no show and potentially loose the rest of the trip?
Or make the flight, arrive without luggage in a sutuation where the airline has no obligation to deliver the luggage to you?
For taht reason alone it s better to check the luggage thru to your final destination.