Jun 10, 2015, 2:33 pm
Last edit by: Prospero
How much am I allowed?
Can I check it through?
Im on award travel...
How long can my connection be to through check? Etc.
Link to American Airlines' policy on through checking baggage as of 1 Sep 2016.
Notice that different protocols are followed in IROPS / OSO conditions.
EXCEPTION: "Customers traveling on separate tickets where one
segment is an award ticket and another has been purchased can
through-check bags. Travel must be on American or oneworld partners,
and not on partners outside the oneworld alliance (like Etihad or Air
Tahiti Nui). Tickets much be in the same reservation."
-Gary Leff, Boarding Area
Link to FT thread: Separate PNR: oneworld AA, protection, through baggage issues as of 2016
Q. Can I check my baggage through?
YES: Due to new rules instituted by oneworld in June, and by AA 1 September of 2016, baggage between the fifteen oneworld airlines on the same PNR are required be through-checked.
NO: However, if the trip is booked ticketed separately, or with non-one world partners, through checking by AA will not occur; baggage will have to be recovered at baggage carousels landside and rechecked at the next operating airline's counter (depending on your initial operating carrier's policies about through-checking on separate booking).
On U.S.A. domestic or regional travel, you will have to retrieve your baggage and re-check the following day if your stop is overnight, or recheck, if your connection is 12 hours or longer. On international travel with overnight connections under the same PNR, you often will be able to through check (as long as the new ticket conditions are met).
If you are flying AA and a non-oneworld partner on separate PNR / tickets, you will have to recover and recheck baggage, particularly on separate PNRs. If there is no interline agreement between the airlines (e.g. AA and Spirit, Southwest, etc.) you will certainly be required to do so.
See Multi-Reservation Through-Checking across oneworld no longer required
See Australian Business Traveller article. (Link)
Q. If I'm connecting using AA on a single PNR but have a stopover at my connecting airport, can I check through or recheck?
AA will generally not through check bags or allow you to recheck bags if your layover exceeds twelve hours.
Q. Which carrier's rules apply?
Note: Checked baggage allowances may vary by status, class of service, origin or/and destination, type of baggage. Some AA affiliated credit cards allow one free checked bag on domestic travel - some up to four or eight passengers on the same itinerary.
A. It depends. On separate PNRs AA will collect baggage fees due, and the other airlines will collect what is due under their baggage policies.
On through-checked baggage, USDOT regulations require the marketing carrier of the initial segment baggage rules apply to USA originating (or ending, iirc) flights. E.g. flying QF as an AA codeshare, or QF connecting from AA marketed by AA, AA rules would apply. These take precedent of IATA rules if travel begins (or ends) in the USA.
For IATA governed international itineraries, baggage rules of the Most Significant / Prevailing Carrier apply:
Q. Can I through check my baggage if I have an overnight stop?
That will probably depend on your first operating carrier. Some carriers have no problem with through checking bags if you're stopping overnight, e.g. Qatar Airways with an overnight in DOH, but AA uses a maximum of under 12 hours to determine whether you can through check or must recover bags on overnight stops. (However, ground agents may vary.)
Q. What are my AA and oneworld baggage allowances with [_______] status?
See here on aa.com for updates
A. Complimentary bags
In some cases, you won't have to pay the baggage fees for up to three 23 kg / 50 lb bags (32 kg / 70 lb some premium passengers). Find out if this applies to you. EXPs could have to three checked 32 kg / 70 lb bags.
1st checked bag is complimentary for:
1st and 2nd checked bags are complimentary for:
2nd and 3rd checked bags are complimentary for:
Executive Platinum / oneworld Emerald are allowed one more checked bag:
*See AA reducing some checked baggage allowance tickets pchs on / after 29 Mar 2016
Note: on through baggage: oneworld policy no longer entitles checking baggage through when using oneworld flights when connecting on separetily ticketed segments. Only AA and MH will still through-check baggage with separate PNRS.
Q. Do I have extended baggage allowance as AAdvantage Executive Platinum / oneworld Emerald? (Yes, as of 1 Feb 2013
A. All oneworld Emerald customers, including AAdvantage Executive Platinums, will be entitled to an extra bag.
See:Customer Planning Advisory
Subject . . . APS 13002 – Extra bag for oneworld Emerald
Date . . . . . . Effective: February 1st, 2013
Issued . . . . .January 31st, 2013
Overview . . .Extra bag for oneworld Emerald
. . . . . . . . . . To improve the travel experience for our top tier customers
. . . . . . . . . . we are pleased to offer all oneworld Emerald members
. . . . . . . . . . one extra bag in addition to their free allowance.
Detail. . . . . All oneworld Emerald customers, including AAdvantage
. . . . . . . . . . Executive Platinums, will be entitled to an extra bag.
. . . . . . . . . . Emeralds will have the following allowance:
. . . . . . . . . . First/Business 4 free pieces up to 70lbs (32kgs)
. . . . . . . . . . Main Cabin 3 free pieces up to 70lbs (32kgs)
. . . . . . . . . . This applies to both international and domestic travel
. . . . . . . . . . on/after 1st February.
Processing . Please override the excess baggage mask using the OT
. . . . . . . . . . code using the explanation Emerald. Automation for this
. . . . . . . . . . change will be in place later in the year.
<redacted issuing personnel>
Reference . . .APS13002
Q. How many bags can I check?
A. Check up to 10 bags if your trip is:
Check up to 5 bags if you’re traveling to / through / from:
*There are seasonal and year-round baggage embargoes and restrictions
Q. Can I "split" my allowance? E.g. can I split a 23 kg / 50 lb per bag allowance and check two bags weighing up to 23 kg / 50 lb together?
A. No. Per bag weight maxima or number of bags allowed can not be shared or split.
Q. What are my Overweight Baggage Charges?
A. aa.com: Oversize and overweight baggage
We’re pleased to say that your bag can weigh up to 70lbs./32kgs at no extra cost if you are:
If you are checking more than 3 bags charges will apply.*
Additionally:
Link to checked baggage policy
Link to oversized and overweight baggage policy AA has a "hard limit" of not accepting any baggage that exceeds 45 kg / 100 lb for check-in.
Q. Must I recover and re-check my bags arriving from another country?
A. If you are arriving in the U.S.A. from an international airport, it will depend:
1) If you check in at airports like AUH, DUB, YVR etc. where you process USCBP immigration and customs prior to boarding, your flight will arrive in the U.S. as a domestic flight. Your bag can be checked through (assuming other conditions mentioned above are met), you will be able to proceed to your next flight airside.
2) If you are otherwise arriving from an international airport, you will generally be required to pass USCBP immigration, recover your baggage at the indicated carousel and process through Customs. As you depart the Customs hall, you can re-check your baggage for your continuing flights prior to departing the airside part of arrivals. You will generally have to produce a valid boarding pass and pass through TSA Security to return airside to continue your travel.
3) DFW, MIA (only) in the USA allow through ("ITI") checking for certain passengers arriving internationally and departing on another international flight. This will result in an "ITI" (International to International) check with ITI sticker on your boarding pass, and baggage will not have to be collected and rechecked. ITI passengers may still be required to pass through immigration, exit through customs gate and pass back through security. See this FT thread.
Helpful resource links:
Link to American Airlines' policy on through checking baggage as of 1 Sep 2016. Notice that different protocols are followed in IROPS / OSO conditions.
AA: American Airlines a Checked baggage policy (includes infant assistive and medical devices, mobility devices, pets and specialty sports items).
See No More Multi-Reservation Through-Checking across oneworld
See Change to through-checking Oct 2014 (interlining) baggage on separate tickets
oneworld: oneworld Extra baggage allowance (status / class of service)
Please see FT: EXP / Emerald extended baggage / luggage allowance 1 FEB 2013 (master thread) if you are AA Executive Platinum / oneworld Emerald.
Link to archived thread with older posts.
Can I check it through?
Im on award travel...
How long can my connection be to through check? Etc.
Link to American Airlines' policy on through checking baggage as of 1 Sep 2016.
Notice that different protocols are followed in IROPS / OSO conditions.
Code:
Through Checked Baggage Policy (AA, 1 Sep 2016) To align American Airlines (AA) with our oneworld partners and to reduce baggage mishandlings, we will now only through check customers and baggage when all the tickets are in the same PNR. Through check-in will be honored between the following carriers only:
- Code:
American Airlines and American Eagle
- Code:
oneworld airlines and affiliates
Code:
What if I have separate tickets in the same PNR for itineraries
with American to a non-oneworld carrier?
Our policy on American to non-oneworld airline tickets has not changed.
We will not through check customers or bags even if the tickets are in
the same PNR.
What would be the bag charges if the customer holds separate tickets
in separate PNRs?
American will not through check a customer’s bag, regardless if it is
a oneworld carrier. The customer will need to collect their bag at
the final destination on the AA ticket. They will pay for the bag on the
second ticket when they recheck it. This may involve exiting the secure
area, then claiming and re-checking the bags. The Minimum Connecting
Time (MCT) will usually not be sufficient when the customer has separate
tickets issued for each airline.
International flights will usually require claiming bags, clearing
customs and rechecking bags on another carrier to be continued to
their next destination.
What will customers be charged if we can through check the bag?
The charges would depend on what tickets the customer holds in the same PNR.
Do JetBlue (B6) and our other codeshare/interline partners count as affiliate airlines?
No, the oneworld affiliate airlines are generally the regional partners
of the other oneworld carriers. If a customer held an B6 ticket and an
AA ticket in the same PNR we would not through check the bag. They
would need to reclaim then recheck their bag with B6.
segment is an award ticket and another has been purchased can
through-check bags. Travel must be on American or oneworld partners,
and not on partners outside the oneworld alliance (like Etihad or Air
Tahiti Nui). Tickets much be in the same reservation."
-Gary Leff, Boarding Area
Link to FT thread: Separate PNR: oneworld AA, protection, through baggage issues as of 2016
Q. Can I check my baggage through?
YES: Due to new rules instituted by oneworld in June, and by AA 1 September of 2016, baggage between the fifteen oneworld airlines on the same PNR are required be through-checked.
NO: However, if the trip is booked ticketed separately, or with non-one world partners, through checking by AA will not occur; baggage will have to be recovered at baggage carousels landside and rechecked at the next operating airline's counter (depending on your initial operating carrier's policies about through-checking on separate booking).
On U.S.A. domestic or regional travel, you will have to retrieve your baggage and re-check the following day if your stop is overnight, or recheck, if your connection is 12 hours or longer. On international travel with overnight connections under the same PNR, you often will be able to through check (as long as the new ticket conditions are met).
If you are flying AA and a non-oneworld partner on separate PNR / tickets, you will have to recover and recheck baggage, particularly on separate PNRs. If there is no interline agreement between the airlines (e.g. AA and Spirit, Southwest, etc.) you will certainly be required to do so.
See Multi-Reservation Through-Checking across oneworld no longer required
See Australian Business Traveller article. (Link)
Q. If I'm connecting using AA on a single PNR but have a stopover at my connecting airport, can I check through or recheck?
AA will generally not through check bags or allow you to recheck bags if your layover exceeds twelve hours.
Q. Which carrier's rules apply?
Note: Checked baggage allowances may vary by status, class of service, origin or/and destination, type of baggage. Some AA affiliated credit cards allow one free checked bag on domestic travel - some up to four or eight passengers on the same itinerary.
A. It depends. On separate PNRs AA will collect baggage fees due, and the other airlines will collect what is due under their baggage policies.
On through-checked baggage, USDOT regulations require the marketing carrier of the initial segment baggage rules apply to USA originating (or ending, iirc) flights. E.g. flying QF as an AA codeshare, or QF connecting from AA marketed by AA, AA rules would apply. These take precedent of IATA rules if travel begins (or ends) in the USA.
For IATA governed international itineraries, baggage rules of the Most Significant / Prevailing Carrier apply:
In compliance with the new baggage policy issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), free baggage allowance and extra baggage charges for tickets issued on or after 1 April 2011 which involve one or more flights provided by other airlines will be based on a new method. If your journey includes connecting flights with more than one airline, the baggage allowances and fees of the airline that operates the longer leg of the itinerary (MDC) will apply throughout the itinerary. For example, if you fly a transpacific leg with one carrier and a domestic leg with another, the baggage allowances and fees of the carrier that operated the transpacific leg would apply to the whole journey, regardless of which carrier issued the ticket. (Language from Cathay Pacific.)
The Most Significant Marketing Carrier (MSC) is:
IATA divides Areas and sub-areas. For example:
Area: North America, Central and South America, Hawaii
Subareas:
Area: Europe, Middle East
Subareas:
Area: Asia, Guam, Southwest Pacific
Subareas:
The Most Significant Marketing Carrier (MSC) is:
- For travel between IATA areas: The first carrier flying in between two of the IATA areas
- For travel between IATA sub areas: The first carrier flying in between the sub areas
- For travel within an IATA sub area: The first carrier crossing an international border
IATA divides Areas and sub-areas. For example:
Area: North America, Central and South America, Hawaii
Subareas:
- Canada, Mexico
- Caribbean
- Central America
- South America
Area: Europe, Middle East
Subareas:
- Europe
- Middle East
- Africa
Area: Asia, Guam, Southwest Pacific
Subareas:
- Japan, Korea
- Southeast Asia
- South Asian Subcontinent / India
- Southwest Pacific
That will probably depend on your first operating carrier. Some carriers have no problem with through checking bags if you're stopping overnight, e.g. Qatar Airways with an overnight in DOH, but AA uses a maximum of under 12 hours to determine whether you can through check or must recover bags on overnight stops. (However, ground agents may vary.)
Q. What are my AA and oneworld baggage allowances with [_______] status?
See here on aa.com for updates
A. Complimentary bags
In some cases, you won't have to pay the baggage fees for up to three 23 kg / 50 lb bags (32 kg / 70 lb some premium passengers). Find out if this applies to you. EXPs could have to three checked 32 kg / 70 lb bags.
1st checked bag is complimentary for:
- Eligible AAdvantage® Aviator™ and Citi® / AAdvantage® cardmembers (on domestic American Airlines operated flights)
- AAdvantage Gold
- oneworld Ruby
- Alaska MVP members
1st and 2nd checked bags are complimentary for:
- Platinum
- oneworld Sapphire members
- Alaska Airlines MVP Gold (AS is a oneworld member now)
- Confirmed Business Class customers*
2nd and 3rd checked bags are complimentary for:
- Confirmed First Class customers on 3-cabin aircraft*
- AAdvantage Executive Platinum
- oneworld Emerald, including Alaska Airlines MVP Gold 75K
- Active U.S. military and/or dependents with ID traveling on orders (1st - 5th bags free of charge)
- Active U.S. military with ID on personal travel
Executive Platinum / oneworld Emerald are allowed one more checked bag:
*See AA reducing some checked baggage allowance tickets pchs on / after 29 Mar 2016
Note: on through baggage: oneworld policy no longer entitles checking baggage through when using oneworld flights when connecting on separetily ticketed segments. Only AA and MH will still through-check baggage with separate PNRS.
Q. Do I have extended baggage allowance as AAdvantage Executive Platinum / oneworld Emerald? (Yes, as of 1 Feb 2013
A. All oneworld Emerald customers, including AAdvantage Executive Platinums, will be entitled to an extra bag.
See:Customer Planning Advisory
Subject . . . APS 13002 – Extra bag for oneworld Emerald
Date . . . . . . Effective: February 1st, 2013
Issued . . . . .January 31st, 2013
Overview . . .Extra bag for oneworld Emerald
. . . . . . . . . . To improve the travel experience for our top tier customers
. . . . . . . . . . we are pleased to offer all oneworld Emerald members
. . . . . . . . . . one extra bag in addition to their free allowance.
Detail. . . . . All oneworld Emerald customers, including AAdvantage
. . . . . . . . . . Executive Platinums, will be entitled to an extra bag.
. . . . . . . . . . Emeralds will have the following allowance:
. . . . . . . . . . First/Business 4 free pieces up to 70lbs (32kgs)
. . . . . . . . . . Main Cabin 3 free pieces up to 70lbs (32kgs)
. . . . . . . . . . This applies to both international and domestic travel
. . . . . . . . . . on/after 1st February.
Processing . Please override the excess baggage mask using the OT
. . . . . . . . . . code using the explanation Emerald. Automation for this
. . . . . . . . . . change will be in place later in the year.
<redacted issuing personnel>
Reference . . .APS13002
Q. How many bags can I check?
A. Check up to 10 bags if your trip is:
- Domestic
- Transatlantic
- Transpacific
Check up to 5 bags if you’re traveling to / through / from:
- Mexico / Caribbean / Central America*See footnote
- South America*See footnote
*There are seasonal and year-round baggage embargoes and restrictions
Q. Can I "split" my allowance? E.g. can I split a 23 kg / 50 lb per bag allowance and check two bags weighing up to 23 kg / 50 lb together?
A. No. Per bag weight maxima or number of bags allowed can not be shared or split.
Q. What are my Overweight Baggage Charges?
A. aa.com: Oversize and overweight baggage
We’re pleased to say that your bag can weigh up to 70lbs./32kgs at no extra cost if you are:
- First Class
- Business Class
- Executive Platinum
- oneworld Emerald
If you are checking more than 3 bags charges will apply.*
Additionally:
Link to checked baggage policy
Link to oversized and overweight baggage policy AA has a "hard limit" of not accepting any baggage that exceeds 45 kg / 100 lb for check-in.
Q. Must I recover and re-check my bags arriving from another country?
A. If you are arriving in the U.S.A. from an international airport, it will depend:
1) If you check in at airports like AUH, DUB, YVR etc. where you process USCBP immigration and customs prior to boarding, your flight will arrive in the U.S. as a domestic flight. Your bag can be checked through (assuming other conditions mentioned above are met), you will be able to proceed to your next flight airside.
2) If you are otherwise arriving from an international airport, you will generally be required to pass USCBP immigration, recover your baggage at the indicated carousel and process through Customs. As you depart the Customs hall, you can re-check your baggage for your continuing flights prior to departing the airside part of arrivals. You will generally have to produce a valid boarding pass and pass through TSA Security to return airside to continue your travel.
3) DFW, MIA (only) in the USA allow through ("ITI") checking for certain passengers arriving internationally and departing on another international flight. This will result in an "ITI" (International to International) check with ITI sticker on your boarding pass, and baggage will not have to be collected and rechecked. ITI passengers may still be required to pass through immigration, exit through customs gate and pass back through security. See this FT thread.
Helpful resource links:
Link to American Airlines' policy on through checking baggage as of 1 Sep 2016. Notice that different protocols are followed in IROPS / OSO conditions.
AA: American Airlines a Checked baggage policy (includes infant assistive and medical devices, mobility devices, pets and specialty sports items).
See No More Multi-Reservation Through-Checking across oneworld
See Change to through-checking Oct 2014 (interlining) baggage on separate tickets
oneworld: oneworld Extra baggage allowance (status / class of service)
Please see FT: EXP / Emerald extended baggage / luggage allowance 1 FEB 2013 (master thread) if you are AA Executive Platinum / oneworld Emerald.
Link to archived thread with older posts.
FAQ: Baggage / Luggage Rules, Allowance, Through-check on AA & Other Airlines
May 7, 2019, 11:19 am
#61
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Here and there
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,551
The BA website does note for BA Gold/oneworld Emerald:
Edit: I think I may be misunderstanding the DOT's rules for baggage allowances...US DOT Regulation 399.87 says that the marketing carriers rules apply, which would be 3 at 70lbs for a oneworld Emerald.
A weight allowance of 32kg (70lb) per checked bag
Last edited by deeruck; May 7, 2019 at 11:26 am Reason: DOT rules
May 7, 2019, 11:45 am
#62
Formerly known as joannerose66
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: Gold BA Exec, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 116
That was my understanding too on the 3 bags, though I thought OWE got 70 lbs per bag.
I took 3 bags to the airport, but they insisted it was only 2 bags alllowance @ 50 lbs each. I got charged USD $183 for the 3rd bag (no idea how they came up with that amount) and had to repack the bags because one was at 53lbs.
If I am allowed 3 bags, who do I take the fight up with? The AA staff behind the counter said it was a BA issue and I had to argue the toss with BA. I want to check my facts before I do battle. Any help would be much appreciated.
May 7, 2019, 11:54 am
#63
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,462
That was my understanding too on the 3 bags, though I thought OWE got 70 lbs per bag.
I took 3 bags to the airport, but they insisted it was only 2 bags alllowance @ 50 lbs each. I got charged USD $183 for the 3rd bag (no idea how they came up with that amount) and had to repack the bags because one was at 53lbs.
If I am allowed 3 bags, who do I take the fight up with? The AA staff behind the counter said it was a BA issue and I had to argue the toss with BA. I want to check my facts before I do battle. Any help would be much appreciated.
I took 3 bags to the airport, but they insisted it was only 2 bags alllowance @ 50 lbs each. I got charged USD $183 for the 3rd bag (no idea how they came up with that amount) and had to repack the bags because one was at 53lbs.
If I am allowed 3 bags, who do I take the fight up with? The AA staff behind the counter said it was a BA issue and I had to argue the toss with BA. I want to check my facts before I do battle. Any help would be much appreciated.
You need to take it up with AA, their rules apply as the marketing carrier and they're also the one that overcharged you (assuming this was the AA check-in agent at ORD?).
Here's the aa.com page which clearly lists 3 bags as complimentary for oneworld Emerald: AA.com Checked Baggage Policy
1st, 2nd and 3rd checked bags are complimentary for:
- Confirmed First customers on 3-cabin aircraft
- AAdvantage® Executive Platinum
- oneworld® Emerald
First and Business, Executive Platinum and oneworld® Emerald members can check bags up to 70 lbs / 32 kgs at no extra cost.
May 7, 2019, 2:24 pm
#64
Formerly known as joannerose66
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: Gold BA Exec, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 116
Thanks so much for the feedback. It was actually 5 check-in agents (including supervisors) that didn't know what they were talking about at ORD. I spent over an hour waiting around the desk while they "checked" this for me, whilst I politely argued that it should be 3 bags.
I showed them their website pages on my phone, but was told a load of nonsense, including:
Apparently some tariff screen? they were looking at was the truth and I didn't know what I was talking about.
It was a painful, embarrassing hour (after all, I'm British, and I don't like confrontation) and I had to give up seeing as I running risk of missing my flight to BNA and would have then missed my connecting flight back to UK.
Any idea on the best dept / way to contact AA? $183 is not the end of the world, but I'm pretty cross at the whole way it was handled at ORD
Thanks for the information provided
I showed them their website pages on my phone, but was told a load of nonsense, including:
- OWE do not get the same privileges as AA Exex Plat
- Only First class get 3 checked bags
- Insisting I had to repack my bags, that I was not allowed 50lbs
- That I was wrong to state that I had previously flown back from US being allowed 3 checked bags, that I was mistaken
Apparently some tariff screen? they were looking at was the truth and I didn't know what I was talking about.
It was a painful, embarrassing hour (after all, I'm British, and I don't like confrontation) and I had to give up seeing as I running risk of missing my flight to BNA and would have then missed my connecting flight back to UK.
Any idea on the best dept / way to contact AA? $183 is not the end of the world, but I'm pretty cross at the whole way it was handled at ORD
Thanks for the information provided
May 7, 2019, 4:11 pm
#65
Formerly known as joannerose66
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: Gold BA Exec, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 116
Aaargggghhhhhh!!! Frustration overload here. I sent an email to Customer Service at AA (fair play to them for a quick turnaround), and they are saying 3 bags doesn't count to London because it's not listed in the countries below (per their website).
And when traveling to these destinations
I don't believe your destination matters if you meet the 3 bag criteria (OWE, Exec Plat etc)
Any idea on how I can get AA CS to understand what their own rules are regarding checked baggage?
Thanks
Joanne
And when traveling to these destinations
- Argentina
Australia - Bolivia
Brazil - Chile
- China
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- New Zealand
I don't believe your destination matters if you meet the 3 bag criteria (OWE, Exec Plat etc)
Any idea on how I can get AA CS to understand what their own rules are regarding checked baggage?
Thanks
Joanne
May 7, 2019, 4:39 pm
#67
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,462
Aaargggghhhhhh!!! Frustration overload here. I sent an email to Customer Service at AA (fair play to them for a quick turnaround), and they are saying 3 bags doesn't count to London because it's not listed in the countries below (per their website).
And when traveling to these destinations
I don't believe your destination matters if you meet the 3 bag criteria (OWE, Exec Plat etc)
Any idea on how I can get AA CS to understand what their own rules are regarding checked baggage?
Thanks
Joanne
And when traveling to these destinations
- Argentina
Australia - Bolivia
Brazil - Chile
- China
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- New Zealand
I don't believe your destination matters if you meet the 3 bag criteria (OWE, Exec Plat etc)
Any idea on how I can get AA CS to understand what their own rules are regarding checked baggage?
Thanks
Joanne
Just reply to the message saying that their information is incorrect, 3 bags are complementary for oneworld Emerald for all destinations, and send it back. It may take 3 or 4 replies but hopefully they will take a hint and actually read the rules.
May 7, 2019, 5:03 pm
#68
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP...couple hotels and cars too
Posts: 4,548
I would contact your credit card company and request that they look into the charge. (aka 'a chargeback'). IMPORTANTLY you should create a tight, concise yet exhaustive document that cites why you are right: explanations, interpretations and copies of the AA webpages (copies of your BA status/card, etc). Every shred of documentary evidence to build your argument.. The CC company will suspend the $183. They may in fact decide on the sport you are right, or may ask AA to support the charge
But asking/arguing with AA is going to be useless. They have your $$$. Get the CC company involved.
May 9, 2019, 1:01 am
#69
Formerly known as joannerose66
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: Gold BA Exec, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 116
A little update from me; This is the response to my 2nd email on the topic:
The destinations are listed first and then underneath is what applies to those destinations so you would not be eligible for the 3 bags.
Due to any confusion this time, we will refund the charge but please understand in the future our policy would be 2 free bags for you at your status to London.
So, I'm getting a refund, but they're still insisting a OWE member travelling to London only gets 2 bags. Not sure if that's what they really believe, or whether this is the CS Rep's way of avoiding saying they're in the wrong.
The destinations are listed first and then underneath is what applies to those destinations so you would not be eligible for the 3 bags.
Due to any confusion this time, we will refund the charge but please understand in the future our policy would be 2 free bags for you at your status to London.
So, I'm getting a refund, but they're still insisting a OWE member travelling to London only gets 2 bags. Not sure if that's what they really believe, or whether this is the CS Rep's way of avoiding saying they're in the wrong.
May 9, 2019, 2:18 am
#70
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,580
You will be able to get a one time exception every time though
May 9, 2019, 5:24 am
#71
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,462
A little update from me; This is the response to my 2nd email on the topic:
The destinations are listed first and then underneath is what applies to those destinations so you would not be eligible for the 3 bags.
Due to any confusion this time, we will refund the charge but please understand in the future our policy would be 2 free bags for you at your status to London.
So, I'm getting a refund, but they're still insisting a OWE member travelling to London only gets 2 bags. Not sure if that's what they really believe, or whether this is the CS Rep's way of avoiding saying they're in the wrong.
The destinations are listed first and then underneath is what applies to those destinations so you would not be eligible for the 3 bags.
Due to any confusion this time, we will refund the charge but please understand in the future our policy would be 2 free bags for you at your status to London.
So, I'm getting a refund, but they're still insisting a OWE member travelling to London only gets 2 bags. Not sure if that's what they really believe, or whether this is the CS Rep's way of avoiding saying they're in the wrong.
Using their "logic", there is no list of destinations above the "1st Checked Bag is Complimentary" section, so I guess all or no destinations get a free checked bag except those mentioned below for 2 bags and 3 bags? Of course not.
May 9, 2019, 7:04 am
#72
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
A little update from me; This is the response to my 2nd email on the topic:
The destinations are listed first and then underneath is what applies to those destinations so you would not be eligible for the 3 bags.
Due to any confusion this time, we will refund the charge but please understand in the future our policy would be 2 free bags for you at your status to London.
So, I'm getting a refund, but they're still insisting a OWE member travelling to London only gets 2 bags. Not sure if that's what they really believe, or whether this is the CS Rep's way of avoiding saying they're in the wrong.
The destinations are listed first and then underneath is what applies to those destinations so you would not be eligible for the 3 bags.
Due to any confusion this time, we will refund the charge but please understand in the future our policy would be 2 free bags for you at your status to London.
So, I'm getting a refund, but they're still insisting a OWE member travelling to London only gets 2 bags. Not sure if that's what they really believe, or whether this is the CS Rep's way of avoiding saying they're in the wrong.
May 23, 2019, 1:21 am
#73
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: WAS/TYO
Programs: AA PPro, TP Gold, UA Silver, Bonvoy/Hilton Gold, Global Entry
Posts: 296
Hello. It's been a while since I've flown AA, and it's my first time checking something that's not a suitcase--a bike. Currently I'm a general member, but my 90-day EXP status should kick in 1 day before my flight.
Obviously there's been a discussion on the other thread regarding AA's new policy surrounding sports equipment, and my predicament is somewhat related to that, but I thought would be too off topic for the other thread.
I'm travelling on a ticket issued by AY, with the first flight an AA (marketed & operated) flight ex-YYZ, connecting to an transatlantic AY flight at ORD (and then another AY flight at HEL, then a JL flight at KIX) in business class.
Obviously, AA allows for the bike to be checked free on their flights, even when oversized effective 05/21 (which, coincidentally, is when I booked the flight).
Since the ticket is both originating and ending in Canada, legally, CTA regulation 144-A-2014 should apply rather than IATA 302. So AA's fees should apply for the journey rather than AY's, despite AY being the Most Significant Carrier on this ticket. The e-ticket receipt from AY also clearly states that American Airlines would be determining the baggage policy for the ticket.
I've confirmed that this was true with AA on the phone, and their belief was that the bike would be checked for free for the entire journey.
Despite all this, however, AY is insisting that I need to pay their bike transportation fee, and that AA would be collecting that fee at YYZ because it was booked on AY. Given the CTA regulations, in a general sense, I feel as though my (and AA's) position is correct here.
However, CTA does have a provision for "Embargoes or Transportation of Special Items", stating:
So on the other hand, the provision makes it seem that AY has the right to impose their own policies regarding the bike.
I thought I was sure, but now I'm not anymore. I'd appreciate the input of the people here, as I imagine you're more enlightened than I am.
Thanks in advance!
Obviously there's been a discussion on the other thread regarding AA's new policy surrounding sports equipment, and my predicament is somewhat related to that, but I thought would be too off topic for the other thread.
I'm travelling on a ticket issued by AY, with the first flight an AA (marketed & operated) flight ex-YYZ, connecting to an transatlantic AY flight at ORD (and then another AY flight at HEL, then a JL flight at KIX) in business class.
Obviously, AA allows for the bike to be checked free on their flights, even when oversized effective 05/21 (which, coincidentally, is when I booked the flight).
Since the ticket is both originating and ending in Canada, legally, CTA regulation 144-A-2014 should apply rather than IATA 302. So AA's fees should apply for the journey rather than AY's, despite AY being the Most Significant Carrier on this ticket. The e-ticket receipt from AY also clearly states that American Airlines would be determining the baggage policy for the ticket.
I've confirmed that this was true with AA on the phone, and their belief was that the bike would be checked for free for the entire journey.
Despite all this, however, AY is insisting that I need to pay their bike transportation fee, and that AA would be collecting that fee at YYZ because it was booked on AY. Given the CTA regulations, in a general sense, I feel as though my (and AA's) position is correct here.
However, CTA does have a provision for "Embargoes or Transportation of Special Items", stating:
The Agency recognizes that there may be certain circumstances which prevent or in some manner adversely affect the transport of baggage on an itinerary. This may be as a result of special circumstances, including baggage that requires an above normal degree of care or due to specific types of equipment (aircraft or handling equipment at airports) that may not be universally available to all carriers on an itinerary. There may also be instances where due to the time of year or particular weather conditions, a carrier may be prevented from carrying certain types of baggage, e.g. surf boards, pets, oversized, or overweight carry-on baggage, etc. Any carrier participating in the itinerary may apply these restrictions to the passenger’s travel as long as they are reflected in that carrier’s tariff under its own baggage rules. These restrictions would then be taken into account when the passenger’s baggage rules are established by the selecting carrier at the time of purchase. The Agency encourages carriers to use automated baggage rules systems (e.g. databases, GDS, Web pages, etc.) to help ensure that embargoes and the transportation of special items are communicated amongst participating carriers and that this information is disclosed to passengers.
If a passenger is travelling on a particular itinerary in which a carrier is prevented from carrying their baggage due to the foregoing, the selecting carrier, whenever the circumstances are known to it, should disclose this information to the passenger on:
If a passenger is travelling on a particular itinerary in which a carrier is prevented from carrying their baggage due to the foregoing, the selecting carrier, whenever the circumstances are known to it, should disclose this information to the passenger on:
- any summary page at the end of an online purchase (i.e., the Web page that appears on the carrier’s Web site at the end of the booking process once a form of payment has been provided to purchase the ticket); and,
- the passenger’s e-ticket once the purchase has been completed.
I thought I was sure, but now I'm not anymore. I'd appreciate the input of the people here, as I imagine you're more enlightened than I am.
Thanks in advance!
Jun 3, 2019, 11:47 pm
#74
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 53
Mixed Airline Baggage Allowances?
I have award economy award tickets under a single PRN for the following Itinerary:
OUTBOUND:
SAT-LAX-SYD-NAN
The first two segments are on AA and the last segment is on FJ
INBOUND:
NAN-SYD-LAX-SAT
The first segment is on Qantas and the last two are on AA.
What baggage regulations will apply ? (i.e. size/wt of carryon/personal item/checked)
Also, on inbound...arriving SYD 8:00 pm and departing for LAX at 10:00 am the following day ....so I will have to claim my bags in SYD, correct?
~thx
OUTBOUND:
SAT-LAX-SYD-NAN
The first two segments are on AA and the last segment is on FJ
INBOUND:
NAN-SYD-LAX-SAT
The first segment is on Qantas and the last two are on AA.
What baggage regulations will apply ? (i.e. size/wt of carryon/personal item/checked)
Also, on inbound...arriving SYD 8:00 pm and departing for LAX at 10:00 am the following day ....so I will have to claim my bags in SYD, correct?
~thx
Jun 4, 2019, 12:16 am
#75
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: YYF/YLW
Programs: AA, DL, AS, VA, WS Silver
Posts: 5,950
I have award economy award tickets under a single PRN for the following Itinerary:
OUTBOUND:
SAT-LAX-SYD-NAN
The first two segments are on AA and the last segment is on FJ
INBOUND:
NAN-SYD-LAX-SAT
The first segment is on Qantas and the last two are on AA.
What baggage regulations will apply ? (i.e. size/wt of carryon/personal item/checked)
OUTBOUND:
SAT-LAX-SYD-NAN
The first two segments are on AA and the last segment is on FJ
INBOUND:
NAN-SYD-LAX-SAT
The first segment is on Qantas and the last two are on AA.
What baggage regulations will apply ? (i.e. size/wt of carryon/personal item/checked)