Jun 18, 2016, 2:27 pm
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:
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
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.)
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:
NOTE: CX will still offer protection and baggage interlining between Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon.
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
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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
"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
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
"
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
- 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:
Link to full article on Australian Business Traveller
"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:
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)
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
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
Separate ticketing / PNR: AA, oneworld, through baggage & protection issues > 2016
Apr 5, 2019, 1:22 pm
#826
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: RDU
Programs: AA EXP / 1MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, IHG Gold
Posts: 198
Had separate reservations today, BCN-JFK and JFK-RDU. Was able to have them through-check to Raleigh, surprisingly. Obviously had to claim in JFK but was able to just put on the belt for connecting passengers instead of having to go back upstairs and check in again.
Wasnt expecting this to work - initial bag tag was only to JFK - but as soon as I asked, he hit a few keys, and the new bag tag came out within 30 seconds.
Granted, these were not AA employees in BCN... but if it’s that easy for them to do, makes me wonder why (per policy) they don’t do this.
Wasnt expecting this to work - initial bag tag was only to JFK - but as soon as I asked, he hit a few keys, and the new bag tag came out within 30 seconds.
Granted, these were not AA employees in BCN... but if it’s that easy for them to do, makes me wonder why (per policy) they don’t do this.
Apr 5, 2019, 1:54 pm
#827
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
There you go, one instance where getting a rogue non-AA rule following agent works out in the customers' favor. It has always been easy for a check-in agent to do, and there's nothing new in the system that prevents them from checking through bags on separate tickets. It's just another customer un-friendly policy from AA designed to save a few bucks somewhere at the expense of adding tons of hassle to thousands of travellers elsewhere.
Apr 11, 2019, 10:20 am
#828
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Essex
Programs: BA Gold; Hilton Diamond; IHG Spire Ambassador,
Posts: 93
Hi All,
I'm after some advise and your thoughts on the following if at all possible.
I am doing a mileage run (TP Run) on the front end of a work trip. It goes OTP-LHR-JFK-LAX-PHX all on one ticket. Due to no connection to PHX until the following day I'm then doing LAX-PHX a day later.
The issue I now have is i need to connect PHX-MEM on a separate ticket, but the same day as the LAX-PHX. If i book separate tickets (too many sectors to book as one) its leaving me with just over 70 minutes in PHX to collect bags and re-drop for the MEM flight.
Reading the various threads AA will not check through my bags would they? Is 70 minutes enough to collect bags and re-check for my next flight? If I miss the PHX-MEM flight would AA put me on the next available?
For additional information I'd be in business and am OneWorld Emerald.
Thanks for your help in advance.
I'm after some advise and your thoughts on the following if at all possible.
I am doing a mileage run (TP Run) on the front end of a work trip. It goes OTP-LHR-JFK-LAX-PHX all on one ticket. Due to no connection to PHX until the following day I'm then doing LAX-PHX a day later.
The issue I now have is i need to connect PHX-MEM on a separate ticket, but the same day as the LAX-PHX. If i book separate tickets (too many sectors to book as one) its leaving me with just over 70 minutes in PHX to collect bags and re-drop for the MEM flight.
Reading the various threads AA will not check through my bags would they? Is 70 minutes enough to collect bags and re-check for my next flight? If I miss the PHX-MEM flight would AA put me on the next available?
For additional information I'd be in business and am OneWorld Emerald.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Apr 11, 2019, 11:18 am
#829
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 446
Award ticket SAN-JFK-LHR on AA, arrive LHR 1050. Bought separate ticket LHR-CDG on BA, departing 1455 (wanted an award to CDG but thanks AA for being stingy on Saaver awards.) I know these are separate tickets, but how will AA know to protect me if there's a lengthy delay on the JFK-LHR leg that imperils the LHR-CDG flight? Do I tell AA now?
Apr 11, 2019, 11:23 am
#830
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,588
Award ticket SAN-JFK-LHR on AA, arrive LHR 1050. Bought separate ticket LHR-CDG on BA, departing 1455 (wanted an award to CDG but thanks AA for being stingy on Saaver awards.) I know these are separate tickets, but how will AA know to protect me if there's a lengthy delay on the JFK-LHR leg that imperils the LHR-CDG flight? Do I tell AA now?
Apr 17, 2019, 2:13 am
#831
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Diego US and Brisbane AU
Programs: AA EXP/2MM - DL PM - OZ Diamond - Bonvoy LTT - Hyatt Glob - IHG Plat - National EE - Sixt Platinum
Posts: 1,315
I've got a BA award redemption LHR-BCN and then a revenue AA BCN-JFK-DFW flight on two different PNRs, with a 2 hour connection in-between at BCN.
If my LHR-BCN flight is delayed for any reason, will any IRROPs protection only be through BA? Or does the AA IRROPs policy also apply for OW to AA (and not just AA to OW)?
I believe BA removed disruption protection along with their baggage through-check changes a few years back, so it seems like I'd have to rely on AA for any protection, either formal or informal...
Thanks!
If my LHR-BCN flight is delayed for any reason, will any IRROPs protection only be through BA? Or does the AA IRROPs policy also apply for OW to AA (and not just AA to OW)?
I believe BA removed disruption protection along with their baggage through-check changes a few years back, so it seems like I'd have to rely on AA for any protection, either formal or informal...
Thanks!
Apr 17, 2019, 5:30 am
#832
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
I've got a BA award redemption LHR-BCN and then a revenue AA BCN-JFK-DFW flight on two different PNRs, with a 2 hour connection in-between at BCN.
If my LHR-BCN flight is delayed for any reason, will any IRROPs protection only be through BA? Or does the AA IRROPs policy also apply for OW to AA (and not just AA to OW)?
I believe BA removed disruption protection along with their baggage through-check changes a few years back, so it seems like I'd have to rely on AA for any protection, either formal or informal...
Thanks!
If my LHR-BCN flight is delayed for any reason, will any IRROPs protection only be through BA? Or does the AA IRROPs policy also apply for OW to AA (and not just AA to OW)?
I believe BA removed disruption protection along with their baggage through-check changes a few years back, so it seems like I'd have to rely on AA for any protection, either formal or informal...
Thanks!
I say should protect you, because even though there is a policy, it's not well known, and at a foreign outstation like LHR or BCN (or calling AA and getting a junior agent at 2am DFW time) things can get tricky. You may have to try several agents, HUCA, escalate to supervisor, etc. It definitely is not as easy as calling AA, telling them a separate LHR-BCN flight is delayed, and getting rebooked onto another option to DFW.
Apr 19, 2019, 2:58 am
#833
Join Date: Aug 2016
Programs: BAEC GOLD
Posts: 283
Sorry guys, I have a CX ticket from SFO-HKG, and will be purchasing a ticket on American Eagle from LAX. I have a choice of a 7 hour layover or 3 hour layover from LAX-SFO-HKG. One part of me says 3 hours is enough, understand that AA will not check trhough my bags, just wondering if 3 hours will be cutting it too close. I'm OWE with BA if that makes any difference
Apr 19, 2019, 5:16 am
#834
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MDE
Programs: AA-PLT, HH-GLD, PP
Posts: 1,511
Sorry guys, I have a CX ticket from SFO-HKG, and will be purchasing a ticket on American Eagle from LAX. I have a choice of a 7 hour layover or 3 hour layover from LAX-SFO-HKG. One part of me says 3 hours is enough, understand that AA will not check trhough my bags, just wondering if 3 hours will be cutting it too close. I'm OWE with BA if that makes any difference
Apr 21, 2019, 5:53 am
#835
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Diego US and Brisbane AU
Programs: AA EXP/2MM - DL PM - OZ Diamond - Bonvoy LTT - Hyatt Glob - IHG Plat - National EE - Sixt Platinum
Posts: 1,315
AA is the one that should protect you here (by policy), so if your LHR-BCN is delayed you'll need to speak with AA, either on the phone or an airport agent. If you ask a BA agent at LHR to reroute you to DFW because their LHR-BCN is delayed, they will most likely tell you to go pound sand.
I say should protect you, because even though there is a policy, it's not well known, and at a foreign outstation like LHR or BCN (or calling AA and getting a junior agent at 2am DFW time) things can get tricky. You may have to try several agents, HUCA, escalate to supervisor, etc. It definitely is not as easy as calling AA, telling them a separate LHR-BCN flight is delayed, and getting rebooked onto another option to DFW.
I say should protect you, because even though there is a policy, it's not well known, and at a foreign outstation like LHR or BCN (or calling AA and getting a junior agent at 2am DFW time) things can get tricky. You may have to try several agents, HUCA, escalate to supervisor, etc. It definitely is not as easy as calling AA, telling them a separate LHR-BCN flight is delayed, and getting rebooked onto another option to DFW.
May 6, 2019, 12:31 pm
#836
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Avon, CT
Programs: AA ExPlat, Lifetime Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 103
Checked Bags on "Linked PNR" -
When we travel as a family, I regularly purchase my ticket and use miles for wife and kids. Obviously can't have a rev and award tickets on the same PNR so I always call, they do the "linking" in the notes and put us together in MCE. When I get to the airport, never had issues checking bags and have never been charged fees. Same flights - just on 2 PNRs.
This time around, both agents gave me a hard time about saying that the agents that have done it in the past have broken policy and NEVER should have done it. At LAX, was told that it's never done, which I can confirm it was because that's one of the airports I fly with my family out of. They ended up waiving the fees for 2 bags since I get 3 as EP, but told me that it was a once in a lifetime waiver and I would never be able to do this again. Next time, guess I'll pack larger bags for the 5 of us (wife, myself & 3 kids) so I can get to 3 instead of 5 carry-on size ones.
The last time I did this in 2017 as an EP and 2016 as a Plat, no one ever pushed back, told me I was expecting something against policy or even reminded me. Just couldn't believe how much they were pushing back on me this time - sort of seems like there's a policy that's being hard enforced now that wasn't in the past. Guess AA wants me to either buy all of the tickets outright or use miles for all of them so it's 1 PNR.
Anyone else had experience with this?
This time around, both agents gave me a hard time about saying that the agents that have done it in the past have broken policy and NEVER should have done it. At LAX, was told that it's never done, which I can confirm it was because that's one of the airports I fly with my family out of. They ended up waiving the fees for 2 bags since I get 3 as EP, but told me that it was a once in a lifetime waiver and I would never be able to do this again. Next time, guess I'll pack larger bags for the 5 of us (wife, myself & 3 kids) so I can get to 3 instead of 5 carry-on size ones.
The last time I did this in 2017 as an EP and 2016 as a Plat, no one ever pushed back, told me I was expecting something against policy or even reminded me. Just couldn't believe how much they were pushing back on me this time - sort of seems like there's a policy that's being hard enforced now that wasn't in the past. Guess AA wants me to either buy all of the tickets outright or use miles for all of them so it's 1 PNR.
Anyone else had experience with this?
May 6, 2019, 12:50 pm
#837
Join Date: May 2018
Location: PHX
Programs: HH Diamond - Marriott Titanium- AA EP
Posts: 64
When we travel as a family, I regularly purchase my ticket and use miles for wife and kids. Obviously can't have a rev and award tickets on the same PNR so I always call, they do the "linking" in the notes and put us together in MCE. When I get to the airport, never had issues checking bags and have never been charged fees. Same flights - just on 2 PNRs.
This time around, both agents gave me a hard time about saying that the agents that have done it in the past have broken policy and NEVER should have done it. At LAX, was told that it's never done, which I can confirm it was because that's one of the airports I fly with my family out of. They ended up waiving the fees for 2 bags since I get 3 as EP, but told me that it was a once in a lifetime waiver and I would never be able to do this again. Next time, guess I'll pack larger bags for the 5 of us (wife, myself & 3 kids) so I can get to 3 instead of 5 carry-on size ones.
The last time I did this in 2017 as an EP and 2016 as a Plat, no one ever pushed back, told me I was expecting something against policy or even reminded me. Just couldn't believe how much they were pushing back on me this time - sort of seems like there's a policy that's being hard enforced now that wasn't in the past. Guess AA wants me to either buy all of the tickets outright or use miles for all of them so it's 1 PNR.
Anyone else had experience with this?
This time around, both agents gave me a hard time about saying that the agents that have done it in the past have broken policy and NEVER should have done it. At LAX, was told that it's never done, which I can confirm it was because that's one of the airports I fly with my family out of. They ended up waiving the fees for 2 bags since I get 3 as EP, but told me that it was a once in a lifetime waiver and I would never be able to do this again. Next time, guess I'll pack larger bags for the 5 of us (wife, myself & 3 kids) so I can get to 3 instead of 5 carry-on size ones.
The last time I did this in 2017 as an EP and 2016 as a Plat, no one ever pushed back, told me I was expecting something against policy or even reminded me. Just couldn't believe how much they were pushing back on me this time - sort of seems like there's a policy that's being hard enforced now that wasn't in the past. Guess AA wants me to either buy all of the tickets outright or use miles for all of them so it's 1 PNR.
Anyone else had experience with this?
no but will actually be going through a similar situation @ LAX next month when taking family on vacation to BKK. Paid ticket for me on own PNR and family (wife and 2 kids) on their own PNR that are on award tickets . AA did “link” 2 PNRs together.
I’m an EXP but our plan is to have all checked baggage (5) checked on family’s non revenue PNR since they get 2 checked baggage allowance each since it’s international tickets connecting thru LAX then off to BKK. Only downside to this from what I see is that we won’t get the priority tags for the check baggage as family has no status.
Any other disadvantages that anyone else can tell?
May 6, 2019, 12:52 pm
#838
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
When we travel as a family, I regularly purchase my ticket and use miles for wife and kids. Obviously can't have a rev and award tickets on the same PNR so I always call, they do the "linking" in the notes and put us together in MCE. When I get to the airport, never had issues checking bags and have never been charged fees. Same flights - just on 2 PNRs.
This time around, both agents gave me a hard time about saying that the agents that have done it in the past have broken policy and NEVER should have done it. At LAX, was told that it's never done, which I can confirm it was because that's one of the airports I fly with my family out of. They ended up waiving the fees for 2 bags since I get 3 as EP, but told me that it was a once in a lifetime waiver and I would never be able to do this again. Next time, guess I'll pack larger bags for the 5 of us (wife, myself & 3 kids) so I can get to 3 instead of 5 carry-on size ones.
The last time I did this in 2017 as an EP and 2016 as a Plat, no one ever pushed back, told me I was expecting something against policy or even reminded me. Just couldn't believe how much they were pushing back on me this time - sort of seems like there's a policy that's being hard enforced now that wasn't in the past. Guess AA wants me to either buy all of the tickets outright or use miles for all of them so it's 1 PNR.
Anyone else had experience with this?
This time around, both agents gave me a hard time about saying that the agents that have done it in the past have broken policy and NEVER should have done it. At LAX, was told that it's never done, which I can confirm it was because that's one of the airports I fly with my family out of. They ended up waiving the fees for 2 bags since I get 3 as EP, but told me that it was a once in a lifetime waiver and I would never be able to do this again. Next time, guess I'll pack larger bags for the 5 of us (wife, myself & 3 kids) so I can get to 3 instead of 5 carry-on size ones.
The last time I did this in 2017 as an EP and 2016 as a Plat, no one ever pushed back, told me I was expecting something against policy or even reminded me. Just couldn't believe how much they were pushing back on me this time - sort of seems like there's a policy that's being hard enforced now that wasn't in the past. Guess AA wants me to either buy all of the tickets outright or use miles for all of them so it's 1 PNR.
Anyone else had experience with this?
.
May 6, 2019, 12:55 pm
#839
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
no but will actually be going through a similar situation @ LAX next month when taking family on vacation to BKK. Paid ticket for me on own PNR and family (wife and 2 kids) on their own PNR that are on award tickets . AA did “link” 2 PNRs together.
I’m an EXP but our plan is to have all checked baggage (5) checked on family’s non revenue PNR since they get 2 checked baggage allowance each since it’s international tickets connecting thru LAX then off to BKK. Only downside to this from what I see is that we won’t get the priority tags for the check baggage as family has no status.
Any other disadvantages that anyone else can tell?
Of course, since everyone gets two bags on your itinerary, it's not going to be as troublesome as the OP's issue
May 6, 2019, 1:09 pm
#840
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
When we travel as a family, I regularly purchase my ticket and use miles for wife and kids. Obviously can't have a rev and award tickets on the same PNR so I always call, they do the "linking" in the notes and put us together in MCE. When I get to the airport, never had issues checking bags and have never been charged fees. Same flights - just on 2 PNRs.
This time around, both agents gave me a hard time about saying that the agents that have done it in the past have broken policy and NEVER should have done it. At LAX, was told that it's never done, which I can confirm it was because that's one of the airports I fly with my family out of. They ended up waiving the fees for 2 bags since I get 3 as EP, but told me that it was a once in a lifetime waiver and I would never be able to do this again. Next time, guess I'll pack larger bags for the 5 of us (wife, myself & 3 kids) so I can get to 3 instead of 5 carry-on size ones.
The last time I did this in 2017 as an EP and 2016 as a Plat, no one ever pushed back, told me I was expecting something against policy or even reminded me. Just couldn't believe how much they were pushing back on me this time - sort of seems like there's a policy that's being hard enforced now that wasn't in the past. Guess AA wants me to either buy all of the tickets outright or use miles for all of them so it's 1 PNR.
Anyone else had experience with this?
This time around, both agents gave me a hard time about saying that the agents that have done it in the past have broken policy and NEVER should have done it. At LAX, was told that it's never done, which I can confirm it was because that's one of the airports I fly with my family out of. They ended up waiving the fees for 2 bags since I get 3 as EP, but told me that it was a once in a lifetime waiver and I would never be able to do this again. Next time, guess I'll pack larger bags for the 5 of us (wife, myself & 3 kids) so I can get to 3 instead of 5 carry-on size ones.
The last time I did this in 2017 as an EP and 2016 as a Plat, no one ever pushed back, told me I was expecting something against policy or even reminded me. Just couldn't believe how much they were pushing back on me this time - sort of seems like there's a policy that's being hard enforced now that wasn't in the past. Guess AA wants me to either buy all of the tickets outright or use miles for all of them so it's 1 PNR.
Anyone else had experience with this?
So it's completely a YMMV situation as to whether the check-in agents will try to charge your companions for bags or not. In most cases, as you've seen, they probably realize that you get 3 bags by yourself and won't bother trying to nickel and dime your family members. But if you get an agent like the one you got at LAX, then unfortunately they're within the rules to try and charge your companions for bags.