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 its 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 OAGs 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 OAGs 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 its 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 customers 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 youre 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 youre 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 Im not sure how they can retroactively apply it to tickets purchased before the new policy was implemented.
Theres 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
Theres 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 youre booked on two separate PNRs on oneworld carriers, youve previously been able to check your bags through to your final destination
- If youre booked on two separate tickets on oneworld carriers, youve 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
#1096
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 31,144
Hi, thank you for helping me and apologies if my question re interlining baggage on Oneworld carriers causes confusion.
I have had several flight changes ( !!!) for a trip Australia to Anchorage in May.
North American domestic sectors were once direct LAX -SFO- ANC is now LAX-SFO-SEA-ANC .
Australia to LAX Qantas Business reward on Qantas and on same PNR,
LAX - SFO on AA
Then there is a separate PNR covering
SFO - SEA -ANC Alaskan paid first class ticket .
As I will be picking up my bags at LAX, I would like to just go to AA checkin counter there and have bags tagged LAX-SFO ( AA) - SEA (Alaskan)- ANC ( Alaskan).
Is this acceptable practice ?
I have had several flight changes ( !!!) for a trip Australia to Anchorage in May.
North American domestic sectors were once direct LAX -SFO- ANC is now LAX-SFO-SEA-ANC .
Australia to LAX Qantas Business reward on Qantas and on same PNR,
LAX - SFO on AA
Then there is a separate PNR covering
SFO - SEA -ANC Alaskan paid first class ticket .
As I will be picking up my bags at LAX, I would like to just go to AA checkin counter there and have bags tagged LAX-SFO ( AA) - SEA (Alaskan)- ANC ( Alaskan).
Is this acceptable practice ?
#1097
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 13,098
Hi, thank you for helping me and apologies if my question re interlining baggage on Oneworld carriers causes confusion.
I have had several flight changes ( !!!) for a trip Australia to Anchorage in May.
North American domestic sectors were once direct LAX -SFO- ANC is now LAX-SFO-SEA-ANC .
Australia to LAX Qantas Business reward on Qantas and on same PNR,
LAX - SFO on AA
Then there is a separate PNR covering
SFO - SEA -ANC Alaskan paid first class ticket .
As I will be picking up my bags at LAX, I would like to just go to AA checkin counter there and have bags tagged LAX-SFO ( AA) - SEA (Alaskan)- ANC ( Alaskan).
Is this acceptable practice ?
I have had several flight changes ( !!!) for a trip Australia to Anchorage in May.
North American domestic sectors were once direct LAX -SFO- ANC is now LAX-SFO-SEA-ANC .
Australia to LAX Qantas Business reward on Qantas and on same PNR,
LAX - SFO on AA
Then there is a separate PNR covering
SFO - SEA -ANC Alaskan paid first class ticket .
As I will be picking up my bags at LAX, I would like to just go to AA checkin counter there and have bags tagged LAX-SFO ( AA) - SEA (Alaskan)- ANC ( Alaskan).
Is this acceptable practice ?
#1099
Suspended
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: RDU
Posts: 6,369
I know this thread is for SEPARATE tickets but if I have a ticket issued by JAL with one segment with AA (RDU-JFK-HND-SIN) do I have to re-check bags at JFK? We're going on Singapore Airlines SIN-DPS but I've been told, and can see here that AA will not interline bags on separate PNRs to a non-OneWorld airline, Singapore Air. I only ask because in one reply to one of my questions someone said *if* you have to re-check bags at JFK.....
#1100
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Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 31,144
I know this thread is for SEPARATE tickets but if I have a ticket issued by JAL with one segment with AA (RDU-JFK-HND-SIN) do I have to re-check bags at JFK? We're going on Singapore Airlines SIN-DPS but I've been told, and can see here that AA will not interline bags on separate PNRs to a non-OneWorld airline, Singapore Air. I only ask because in one reply to one of my questions someone said *if* you have to re-check bags at JFK.....
#1101
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Location: RDU
Posts: 6,369
#1102
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 245
Question about rechecking bags in DFW.
I have an award travel ticket (AA but booked w/Alaska Airlines points) from SAN to DFW
I also have an AA ticket purchased through a travel agent from DFW to FCO
Since they're 2 separate tickets, I'm told that I have to claim bags in DFW and then recheck them onto FCO. I assume that I have to exit the secure area to do this and then go back through security and such to catch the 2nd flight, correct?
I also have an AA ticket purchased through a travel agent from DFW to FCO
Since they're 2 separate tickets, I'm told that I have to claim bags in DFW and then recheck them onto FCO. I assume that I have to exit the secure area to do this and then go back through security and such to catch the 2nd flight, correct?
#1103
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Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 31,144
I have an award travel ticket (AA but booked w/Alaska Airlines points) from SAN to DFW
I also have an AA ticket purchased through a travel agent from DFW to FCO
Since they're 2 separate tickets, I'm told that I have to claim bags in DFW and then recheck them onto FCO. I assume that I have to exit the secure area to do this and then go back through security and such to catch the 2nd flight, correct?
I also have an AA ticket purchased through a travel agent from DFW to FCO
Since they're 2 separate tickets, I'm told that I have to claim bags in DFW and then recheck them onto FCO. I assume that I have to exit the secure area to do this and then go back through security and such to catch the 2nd flight, correct?
#1104
Join Date: Jul 2021
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Programs: AA EXP 1MM, QR Gold, UA 1K, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,859
I have an award travel ticket (AA but booked w/Alaska Airlines points) from SAN to DFW
I also have an AA ticket purchased through a travel agent from DFW to FCO
Since they're 2 separate tickets, I'm told that I have to claim bags in DFW and then recheck them onto FCO. I assume that I have to exit the secure area to do this and then go back through security and such to catch the 2nd flight, correct?
I also have an AA ticket purchased through a travel agent from DFW to FCO
Since they're 2 separate tickets, I'm told that I have to claim bags in DFW and then recheck them onto FCO. I assume that I have to exit the secure area to do this and then go back through security and such to catch the 2nd flight, correct?
And to add, AA no longer through checks bags, so you won't be able to have them tag them all the way through so you don't have to recheck, so that advice you may see is out of date.
#1105
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Correct. You can check in at any terminal at DFW, so you don't need to lug your bags outside of security to another terminal, just go to the nearest check in counter, go back through security, and then take the Skylink to your departure terminal.
And to add, AA no longer through checks bags, so you won't be able to have them tag them all the way through so you don't have to recheck, so that advice you may see is out of date.
And to add, AA no longer through checks bags, so you won't be able to have them tag them all the way through so you don't have to recheck, so that advice you may see is out of date.
#1106
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere between 0 and 13,000 metres high
Programs: AF/KL Life Plat, BA GGL+GfL, ALL Plat, Hilton Diam, Marriott Gold, blablablah, etc
Posts: 31,104
I have an award travel ticket (AA but booked w/Alaska Airlines points) from SAN to DFW
I also have an AA ticket purchased through a travel agent from DFW to FCO
Since they're 2 separate tickets, I'm told that I have to claim bags in DFW and then recheck them onto FCO. I assume that I have to exit the secure area to do this and then go back through security and such to catch the 2nd flight, correct?
I also have an AA ticket purchased through a travel agent from DFW to FCO
Since they're 2 separate tickets, I'm told that I have to claim bags in DFW and then recheck them onto FCO. I assume that I have to exit the secure area to do this and then go back through security and such to catch the 2nd flight, correct?
2) You need to recheck before the bag check deadline
3) If there is any issue with the first flight (it is delayed or cancelled) you will have no protection whatsoever for the second. This means that if you miss the bag check deadline or worse the DFW-FCO itself, you'll be deemed a no show or will need to change it at standard ticket conditions. You won't be able to use the fact that the SAN-DFW flight was delayed or cancelled to get free reaccommodation on the flight to FCO, so it is crucial you plan ample time and contingency plans as here you risk losng the "expensive" flight which comes after the "cheap" one.
#1107
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I have an award travel ticket (AA but booked w/Alaska Airlines points) from SAN to DFW
I also have an AA ticket purchased through a travel agent from DFW to FCO
Since they're 2 separate tickets, I'm told that I have to claim bags in DFW and then recheck them onto FCO. I assume that I have to exit the secure area to do this and then go back through security and such to catch the 2nd flight, correct?
I also have an AA ticket purchased through a travel agent from DFW to FCO
Since they're 2 separate tickets, I'm told that I have to claim bags in DFW and then recheck them onto FCO. I assume that I have to exit the secure area to do this and then go back through security and such to catch the 2nd flight, correct?
YUP, have fun.
#1108
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 245
Just to be clear as to why I booked this way.
There were not good fares from SAN to FCO. But I got one-way, non-stop tickets from DFW to FCO for about $400 per person, which was a big savings. Used frequent flyer miles on Alaska to get the AA non-stop, early morning flight from SAN to DFW for 7,500 miles, which seemed very reasonable.
So I've got 3 hours and 5 minutes to land, collect my bags in DFW, recheck my bags, and get to the gate. Considering that I'm on the first early morning flight out of SAN, the equipment should already be there, and thus delays are not too likely. Even with a slight delay, 3+ hours in DFW should allow enough time to get this done unless things *really* go wrong.
Calculated risk, but I think the odds are on my side. Still, a bit of a hassle having to recheck in DFW, which I wasn't initially aware of.
There were not good fares from SAN to FCO. But I got one-way, non-stop tickets from DFW to FCO for about $400 per person, which was a big savings. Used frequent flyer miles on Alaska to get the AA non-stop, early morning flight from SAN to DFW for 7,500 miles, which seemed very reasonable.
So I've got 3 hours and 5 minutes to land, collect my bags in DFW, recheck my bags, and get to the gate. Considering that I'm on the first early morning flight out of SAN, the equipment should already be there, and thus delays are not too likely. Even with a slight delay, 3+ hours in DFW should allow enough time to get this done unless things *really* go wrong.
Calculated risk, but I think the odds are on my side. Still, a bit of a hassle having to recheck in DFW, which I wasn't initially aware of.
#1109
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 31,144
Just to be clear as to why I booked this way.
There were not good fares from SAN to FCO. But I got one-way, non-stop tickets from DFW to FCO for about $400 per person, which was a big savings. Used frequent flyer miles on Alaska to get the AA non-stop, early morning flight from SAN to DFW for 7,500 miles, which seemed very reasonable.
So I've got 3 hours and 5 minutes to land, collect my bags in DFW, recheck my bags, and get to the gate. Considering that I'm on the first early morning flight out of SAN, the equipment should already be there, and thus delays are not too likely. Even with a slight delay, 3+ hours in DFW should allow enough time to get this done unless things *really* go wrong.
Calculated risk, but I think the odds are on my side. Still, a bit of a hassle having to recheck in DFW, which I wasn't initially aware of.
There were not good fares from SAN to FCO. But I got one-way, non-stop tickets from DFW to FCO for about $400 per person, which was a big savings. Used frequent flyer miles on Alaska to get the AA non-stop, early morning flight from SAN to DFW for 7,500 miles, which seemed very reasonable.
So I've got 3 hours and 5 minutes to land, collect my bags in DFW, recheck my bags, and get to the gate. Considering that I'm on the first early morning flight out of SAN, the equipment should already be there, and thus delays are not too likely. Even with a slight delay, 3+ hours in DFW should allow enough time to get this done unless things *really* go wrong.
Calculated risk, but I think the odds are on my side. Still, a bit of a hassle having to recheck in DFW, which I wasn't initially aware of.
#1110
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 245
If you had -- and had redeemed -- AA miles instead of AS miles for the SAN-DFW leg, you could have had both the award ticket and the DFW-FCO cash ticket placed on a single PNR by booking both simultaneously with an AA agent. That would have allowed through-checking of baggage, and would have afforded you protection in the event of IROPS. But if you only had AS miles, then you had limited options.
Somewhat unusual circumstances, but I think that in my case, it made sense to book the way that I booked these flights.