Missed Connection Liability question
 

I purchased a ticket from Tokyo to Detroit on Northest that arrives at 1:30PM. I want to get to Houston as my final destination. I was wanting to buy a ticket on Continental from Detroit to Houston.

Can I check in all the way to Houston even though I have 2 separate tickets?

If my Northwest flight is late getting into Detroit do I have any chance that Continental will allow me to take a later flight or will I have to buy another ticket?

Thanks to all for any advice.

You can put all these segments on 1 ticket. Then you'll have better protection.

When did you buy the NW ticket? NW allows refunds within 24 hours if you bought from them.

While I would question buying a NW ticket in the first place given their potential labor actions, if you're within the 24 hour window, you could refund and re-buy the ticket correctly, with all the segments you want.

channa's adivce is excellent. One ticket is a LOT better in this situation. In direct answer to your questions, yes you can check your bag all the way through even if you have two tickets. You will have to show both tickets to the agent when you check in for the first flight. As far as what happens if you purchase two tickets and miss your second flight, the carrier is under no obligation to transport you. Usually airlines will fly you on a later flight as a standby passenger. If that happens and flights are full you may have to wait for a while.

A couple of years ago NW got me to PHX (My final ticketed destination) too late to make a connection with an America West flight on a seperate ticket, and they put me up at the DoubleTree and were able to change my HP flight to the next day without penalty.

Today, in Chapter 11, and advising their employees to dumpster-dive to stretch their meager pay, who knows?

If you can't do it on one ticket you might call and see if NW and CO will make a note in your reservation record about the connecting flight, which could help if you misconnect.