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Old Jun 18, 2016, 2:27 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: Prospero
oneworld announces alliance airlines no longer required to honor missed connections or interline baggage for those on separate PNRs

NOTE: See AA Protection on separate oneworld tickets / PNR

AA policy: “Through Checked Baggage Policy – Separate Tickets“ - see PDF available attached to post #1.

Background:
Originally Posted by OAG

According to OAG’s most recent report, “Self-Connection: The Rise and Roadblocks of a Growing Travel Booking Strategy,” 40 percent of U.S. travellers are bypassing typical booking practices, such as through an airline, travel agency or OTA, and are beginning to self-connect when they travel.

Self-connecting passengers are defined as those that book separate tickets to fly from City A to City C, via City B.

Already popular in Europe, self-connecting is beginning to increase in popularity in the U.S. market as passengers look to save money. Passengers can mix and match airlines in order to score the best deal or connect through a city they would like to visit on the way to their final destination. But what are some of the roadblocks and challenges to successfully self-connect, and how can airlines or airports make this process easier?
oneworld airlines are not required to provide connecting passenger protection of through checked baggage to passengers on separate PNRs; individual airlines may still choose to do so, but it is not required. AA, BA, QF (9/2016) have modified their policies regarding connection protection and baggage through checking of passengers flying on separate PNRs. Read on. (Yes, it means on separate PNRs AA won't even through check on AA to AA - link to ODF.))

Qatar Airways / QR has verified as of 1 March 2017 they will interline baggage on separate PNRs. They must be the first airline (not one honoring the original oneworld policy) one checks in with, and the connection must meet MCT (usually two hours). See more in post quoted below, and link to Australian Business Traveller article. (26 Feb 2017)

MH / Malaysia Airlines STILL HONOR connection protection and through checking / interlining on separate PNRs.

Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon reversed their policy and through check baggage on separate PNRs as of 1 Jan 2017. See post #1.

JL / Japan Airlines began through checking to oneworld partners again in Oct 2016.

Qatar Airways will through check baggage to oneworld partners if it’s the trip origin airline.

See Wikipost for this thread in oneworld forum for the list of oneworld airlines and known through checking policies.

Link to American Airlines' policy on through checking baggage as of 1 Sep 2016. Notice that different protocols are followed in IROPS / OSO conditions.

As well, “if you book an award ticket and a paid ticket at the same time, there are mixed reports here of well trained agents being able to combine these into a single PNR at the time of booking, which enables bags to be through checked. But this takes a good agent, probably several HUCAs, and can only be done at the time of booking. “ - JJeffrey

Code:
Through Checked Baggage Policy (AA, 1 Sep 2016) (link to PDF)

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 on separate PNRs (or to non-oneworld carriers) 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 Alaska 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 AS 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 AS.
When issuing separate tickets it is important your customer be informed that American is unable to ‘through-check' bags with 2 separate tickets (PNRs) if they are traveling on American and non-oneworld carriers. This will result in an airport check-in representative collecting the required baggage fees based on each airline's established policies.

Please advise the customer to allow additional time to claim their baggage, present the required travel documents to enter the country, if relevant, and meet check-in requirements for the connecting flight. The Minimum Connecting Time (MCT) will usually not be sufficient when the customer has separate tickets issued for each airline.

Link

(One PNR can be comprised of several tickets - up to 16, if memory serves.)

Australian Business Traveller (in part): “Despite the two airlines' (AA and QF) joint venture across the Pacific, check-in staff are no longer obliged to tag your baggage through to your final destination from September 1 2016 if your flights are booked separately (separate ONRs) rather than under the one reservation.”

Instead, those bags will only be tagged as far as the destination shown on each individual booking – not where you’re actually headed at the end of the trip. Both Qantas and American Airlines have confirmed the new arrangements to Australian Business Traveller.
Those also announcing they will NOT HONOR connection protection and through checking / interlining on separate PNRs, even on oneworld airline partners. (AA still honors connection protection if your next flight is on AA.)

E.g. CX new policy in line with above:

"+ oneworld Ticketing and Disruption Policy 01 Jun 2016

Separate Ticket Policy - Revised Through Check in Handling

With effect from 01 Jun 2016, all oneworld carriers have agreed that through* check-in will apply ONLY to passengers travelling on an oneworld itinerary ticketed on a single ticket or where segments are ticketed separately but in the same PNR.

*=Through services are defined as the customer and their baggage being through checked to their final destinations.

To align with the change, disruption policy will also be revised to exclude protection for passengers holding separate tickets that is not booked under the same PNR."
NOTE: CX will still offer protection and baggage interlining between Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon.

Oneworld (sic) communications chief Michael Blunt tells Australian Business Traveller that “individual member airlines are free to offer service above and beyond the (Oneworld) alliance minimum standard if they so choose, so some may continue to offer through check-in for customers travelling on separate bookings.”

"All our member airlines will be delighted to continue to check them and their baggage through to any of the 1,000 plus destinations on the alliance network, on multiple sectors,” Blunt says, “provided the itinerary is all on one booking so we are aware of where they and their baggage want to end up and we can plan accordingly and ensure the best possible customer service delivery throughout the journey.”

M. Blunt, as quoted in Australian Business Traveller
Gary Leff, View from the Wing, 16 Aug 2016: reached out to American and learned this new policy goes into effect September 1 although I’m not sure how they can retroactively apply it to tickets purchased before the new policy was implemented.

There’s one small saving grace. 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. Link
"
  • If you’re booked on two separate PNRs on oneworld carriers, you’ve previously been able to check your bags through to your final destination
  • If you’re booked on two separate tickets on oneworld carriers, you’ve been protected in the event of a misconnect or cancelation


As of June 1, 2016, the oneworld alliance has eliminated these benefits for passengers booked on separate tickets. Oneworld carriers no longer have to check your bags through to other oneworld carriers if booked on a separate ticket, and no longer have to protect you in the event of a misconnect when on separate tickets."

Link to full article in Boarding Area
"In a move which could cause connection chaos for many travellers, airlines belonging to the Oneworld (sic) alliance ... are no longer required to check passengers and their baggage through to their final destination on some connecting flights.

"The new scheme, which came into effect from June 1st (2016), impacts passengers whose journey involves flights on more than one airline where their travel encompasses more than one booking, rather than all flights being listed under a single booking reference. "

But, good news for those flying Qatar Airways:

Originally Posted by JDiver
Important change! Qatar Airways has announced they will no longer adhere to oneworld's draconian baggage transfer policy when flights are booked on separate PNRs.

As long as MCT / minimum connection times are met, QR will interline baggage on separate oneworld PNRs as of 1 March 2017.

Australian Business Traveller found the change in the QR ground services manual issued 23 Feb 2017, verified by a QR spokesperson.

NOTE: If one is beginning travel with a one world airline adhering to the oneworld policy and continuing on Qatar, one flying on separate PNRs is still going to have to collect baggage and recheck with QR.

E.g. SFO-LAX on AA, LAX-DOH-CMB on QR, two PNRs - the first sector on AA, remainder on QR, AA will not respect QR ground handling rules so one will have to recover baggage at LAX and transfer it to the QR checkin counter.

(Added to Wikipost 26 Feb 2017)

Link to full article on Australian Business Traveller
Link to update of Aus BT article with airline announcements of their positions

On FT: oneworld no longer interlining between separate tickets / PNRs?

On FT: BA no longer interlining baggage with separate tickets

On FT: CX will not interline to other oneworld airlines if travelling on separate PNRs

On FT: JAL will continue to interline to other oneworld carriers on separate PNRs (4 Oct 2016)

On FT: Qantas - no checking of luggage separate itineraries from 1 Sep (2016) [some exceptions]

Archived previous thread: ARCHIVE: Change to through-checking Oct 2014 (interlining) baggage on separate tickets

Updated 26 Feb 2017 - JDiver
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Separate ticketing / PNR: AA, oneworld, through baggage & protection issues > 2016

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Old Jan 14, 2017, 2:39 pm
  #361  
 
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My experience at JFK flagship check-in January 2017.

Booked two separate tickets early 2016, one with AA to LAX and one with QF to SYD. Asked if the check-in agent could through check the bags, given I booked the tickets long before the policy changes. Was advised that this was not possible as even though the system would allow it, the baggage handlers at LAX would not transfer a bag to SYD.

I indicated this was incorrect as it's possible to book the same combination of flights on the one PNR. After looking at the computer, I was then told that the policy changed in 2014(!) and that if it was indeed changed in 2016 then I'd be able to get the bags interlined.

Gave up at this point as my flight was departing in less than in hour, however it's disappointing not just from a policy point of view, but also the mis-information being provided by the agent.

Last edited by gravii; Jan 14, 2017 at 2:40 pm Reason: typo
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Old Jan 19, 2017, 12:00 pm
  #362  
 
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Hi everyone

Based on Gary's blog post regarding the separate award ticket exception..

Has anyone successfully combined an AA paid ticket with an AA award ticket into one PNR for the thru baggage to work? Or is the exception already granted if the 2nd PNR is an award ticket?

I have the following
JFK-LAX-HKG(AA) on an AA paid PNR
HKG-TPE(CX) on an AA award PNR

Do I need to call the EXP desk to combine the PNRs into one for the thru baggage or am I OK the way it is?

Appreciated any feedback or experiences you can share

Thanks
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Old Jan 21, 2017, 10:22 pm
  #363  
 
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Interline bags

Originally Posted by FobbyFlyer
Hi everyone

Based on Gary's blog post regarding the separate award ticket exception..

Has anyone successfully combined an AA paid ticket with an AA award ticket into one PNR for the thru baggage to work? Or is the exception already granted if the 2nd PNR is an award ticket?

I have the following
JFK-LAX-HKG(AA) on an AA paid PNR
HKG-TPE(CX) on an AA award PNR

Do I need to call the EXP desk to combine the PNRs into one for the thru baggage or am I OK the way it is?

Appreciated any feedback or experiences you can share

Thanks
I was told interlining bags still not possible with separate PNRs, even if both reservations on American. AA agent at MIA did say she heard
they were reversing the policy, however. Haven't heard or been able to find anything to verify this, however.
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Old Jan 21, 2017, 11:05 pm
  #364  
 
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Originally Posted by FobbyFlyer
Hi everyone

Based on Gary's blog post regarding the separate award ticket exception..

Has anyone successfully combined an AA paid ticket with an AA award ticket into one PNR for the thru baggage to work? Or is the exception already granted if the 2nd PNR is an award ticket?

I have the following
JFK-LAX-HKG(AA) on an AA paid PNR
HKG-TPE(CX) on an AA award PNR

Do I need to call the EXP desk to combine the PNRs into one for the thru baggage or am I OK the way it is?

Appreciated any feedback or experiences you can share

Thanks
If you've already bought the tickets, you won't be able to call as merge them into one PNR. This has to be done at booking. This is really a horrific policy. AA really should have some type of exception for situations like yours because most passengers won't even know to come here and check. They'll just be screwed. Depending on the rules of your ticket to HKG it may be worth the change few to re-purchase your ticket to HKG. And you're EXP so no charge to cancel an award. Or just make sure you have enough time at HKG to claim/recheck your bag but that sounds like a massive PITA.

I'm sure some other posters will defend AA on this as usual. Just mind-boggling.
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Old Jan 21, 2017, 11:30 pm
  #365  
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Can also goto the transfer desk at most international airports and give the agents your bag tags and explain AA would only tag to that airport. They'll call down to baggage and have the bags picked up, retagged and on their way.
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Old Jan 22, 2017, 7:28 am
  #366  
 
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Originally Posted by no1cub17
If you've already bought the tickets, you won't be able to call as merge them into one PNR. This has to be done at booking. This is really a horrific policy. AA really should have some type of exception for situations like yours because most passengers won't even know to come here and check. They'll just be screwed. Depending on the rules of your ticket to HKG it may be worth the change few to re-purchase your ticket to HKG. And you're EXP so no charge to cancel an award. Or just make sure you have enough time at HKG to claim/recheck your bag but that sounds like a massive PITA.

I'm sure some other posters will defend AA on this as usual. Just mind-boggling.
The other day, an EXP agent told me they could only add an award ticket to a revenue booking AFTER the latter was ticketed. This was strange, but they insisted. When I called back after ticketing was complete, a different agent told me the exact opposite: that an award can only be included in a revenue PNR BEFORE the latter is ticketed. When I wrote Customer Service to (again) express my disappointment with the thru-check policy change, and ask if they could do anything to have it all re-issued in one PNR - they simply referred me to the normal reservation number (not even the EXP desk).

Stupid all around.
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Old Jan 22, 2017, 7:33 am
  #367  
 
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Originally Posted by checkerboard
The other day, an EXP agent told me they could only add an award ticket to a revenue booking AFTER the latter was ticketed. This was strange, but they insisted. When I called back after ticketing was complete, a different agent told me the exact opposite: that an award can only be included in a revenue PNR BEFORE the latter is ticketed. When I wrote Customer Service to (again) express my disappointment with the thru-check policy change, and ask if they could do anything to have it all re-issued in one PNR - they simply referred me to the normal reservation number (not even the EXP desk).

Stupid all around.
But AA saves 10 cents so why not!!! Come on you AA homers, defend this one!

I'm not at all surprised. AA phone service sucks so bad these days. The burden is on us the consumer to know how they're supposed to do their job. Last time I needed to combine a revenue ticket with an award, it took 3 calls. The cool part was when I got an agent who actually knew what to do, it felt like I'd won Powerball!
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Old Jan 22, 2017, 1:19 pm
  #368  
 
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AA Interlining Policy Change for Separate PNRs (No Longer for OW Partners)

After reading the question from this thread "http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-airlines-aadvantage/1817016-chances-aa-interlining-bags-separate-pnrs-what-do-phx-7-hours.html" I decided to call the EXP Desk to see what was going on.

Apparently AA has decided to change to policy of interlining checked baggage with OW partners as of the beginning of the year. They will not if on separate PNRs, but will continue to do so for AA to AA.
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Old Jan 22, 2017, 1:24 pm
  #369  
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Originally Posted by teemuflyer
Apparently AA has decided to change to policy of interlining checked baggage with OW partners as of the beginning of the year. They will not if on separate PNRs, but will continue to do so for AA to AA.
So.. AA to AA on separate PNRs will be checked through/interlined?

That has not been my experience on 2 occasions in the last 3 months.
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Old Jan 22, 2017, 1:26 pm
  #370  
 
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Originally Posted by Antarius
So.. AA to AA on separate PNRs will be checked through/interlined?

That has not been my experience on 2 occasions in the last 3 months.
According to the EXP Desk agent they are supposed to. I asked the question explicitly..
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Old Jan 22, 2017, 1:28 pm
  #371  
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Originally Posted by teemuflyer
After reading the question from this thread "http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-airlines-aadvantage/1817016-chances-aa-interlining-bags-separate-pnrs-what-do-phx-7-hours.html" I decided to call the EXP Desk to see what was going on.

Apparently AA has decided to change to policy of interlining checked baggage with OW partners as of the beginning of the year. They will not if on separate PNRs, but will continue to do so for AA to AA.
You may want to read the wiki in the existing thread http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...ne-2016-a.html
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Old Jan 22, 2017, 1:28 pm
  #372  
 
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Originally Posted by teemuflyer
According to the EXP Desk agent they are supposed to. I asked the question explicitly..
Which does not mean anything, really. You know how inconsistent AA can be
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Old Jan 22, 2017, 1:32 pm
  #373  
 
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Originally Posted by mbfanos
Which does not mean anything, really. You know how inconsistent AA can be
LOL, fair enough..
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Old Jan 22, 2017, 1:33 pm
  #374  
 
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Originally Posted by Dave Noble
You may want to read the wiki in the existing thread http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...ne-2016-a.html
Sorry. Looked up the term "Interlining" in the title, and nothing on the topic came up.
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Old Jan 22, 2017, 5:19 pm
  #375  
 
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Originally Posted by flyerCO
Can also goto the transfer desk at most international airports and give the agents your bag tags and explain AA would only tag to that airport. They'll call down to baggage and have the bags picked up, retagged and on their way.
Thanks for this suggestion flyerCO...I assume Cathay will have no issue doing this for an OWE or has anyone experienced the opposite?

Otherwise, definitely a crappy new policy on AAs part, even CX reverted as of Jan 1.

Worst case, I have HKG e-channel and I'll have 2 hours to recheck my bags to TPE.

Thx to others who replied on this topic!

Last edited by FobbyFlyer; Jan 22, 2017 at 5:35 pm Reason: typo
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