Checking bags through on separate tickets (connecting one-way flights)
Dec 24, 2018, 4:42 pm
#1
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Checking bags through on separate tickets (connecting one-way flights)
I just booked a one-way international business class ticket back to the states on Delta using Virgin miles, and want to buy an additional one-way ticket to get me all the way home. (The price differential for the domestic leg with miles wasn't worth it.)
If I buy that second ticket on Delta, what are the odds of my being able to check the bag all the way through for free? I might otherwise take a different airline.
If I buy that second ticket on Delta, what are the odds of my being able to check the bag all the way through for free? I might otherwise take a different airline.
Dec 24, 2018, 4:44 pm
#2
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I just booked a one-way international business class ticket back to the states on Delta using Virgin miles, and want to buy an additional one-way ticket to get me all the way home. (The price differential for the domestic leg with miles wasn't worth it.)
If I buy that second ticket on Delta, what are the odds of my being able to check the bag all the way through for free? I might otherwise take a different airline.
If I buy that second ticket on Delta, what are the odds of my being able to check the bag all the way through for free? I might otherwise take a different airline.
Dec 24, 2018, 5:17 pm
#3
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I currently have no status with Delta and don't want to pay to check the bags. Since I'm going on a ski trip I will probably have a fair amount of stuff.
Dec 25, 2018, 2:02 pm
#6
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While not relevant here because DL will check across its own tickets, there can be a significant difference at some locations between bags which are rechecked and thus require waiting in a line post-CBP and those already tagged to their final destination which need only be dropped with no appreciable line to do so.
Dec 25, 2018, 2:24 pm
#7
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Maybe not a big deal, but in case of IROPs with split tickets you are better off on a single airline. Though DL has no formal policy of protecting you on a separate ticket, all reports indicate that they will do so.
Dec 25, 2018, 7:30 pm
#8
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I just booked a one-way international business class ticket back to the states on Delta using Virgin miles, and want to buy an additional one-way ticket to get me all the way home. (The price differential for the domestic leg with miles wasn't worth it.)
If I buy that second ticket on Delta, what are the odds of my being able to check the bag all the way through for free? I might otherwise take a different airline.
If I buy that second ticket on Delta, what are the odds of my being able to check the bag all the way through for free? I might otherwise take a different airline.
Where are you flying from?
Chances are you have to get your bags on arrival, but that is unknown since you did not indicate cities.
Dec 26, 2018, 5:33 am
#9
Join Date: May 2005
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I flew Delta ORD-DTW-LHR and then same day, separate KLM ticket, LHR-AMS-HAM this fall . At check in at ORD I asked the Delta rep to 'interline' my bags ORD-DTW-LHR-AMS-HAM and showed him the KLM record locator for the KLM separate ticket. He did this fast, and without raising an eyebrow, and the bag tags showed ORD-DTW-LHR-AMS-HAM.
The key is to inform the agent at check-in of the continuing Skyteam connection, and provide a print-out or other documentation of the continuing Skyteam segments - - hopefully the agent at your origination will be savvy to this.
The key is to inform the agent at check-in of the continuing Skyteam connection, and provide a print-out or other documentation of the continuing Skyteam segments - - hopefully the agent at your origination will be savvy to this.
Dec 26, 2018, 7:41 am
#10
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the rules state no. You can only check to where the ticket says. If two tickets, you have to go out to main checking and recheck. Not sure about international after customs.
Some agents will try to help but your bag getting lost increases
Some agents will try to help but your bag getting lost increases
Dec 26, 2018, 10:03 am
#11
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DL rules clearly state otherwise. DL will check across tickets policy on at least DL, AF, KLM, AZ, AM, MU, WS, VA, VS, and 9W. Any other is outside policy, but is worth asking as it is likely an agent will be willing, especially if it's a ST airline.
Dec 26, 2018, 3:07 pm
#12
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I'm going HND->MSP, then MSP->NYC (?).
Checking bags through and access to the lounge in MSP is one factor, weighed against the free extra legroom seats I'd get booking on United (where my Gold status is expiring). Clearly I need more loyalty...
Checking bags through and access to the lounge in MSP is one factor, weighed against the free extra legroom seats I'd get booking on United (where my Gold status is expiring). Clearly I need more loyalty...
Dec 26, 2018, 3:28 pm
#13
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Worst case, you can just re-check it in MSP.
Delta's actual policy on it is here: https://pro.delta.com/content/agency...e-policy-.html
Jan 3, 2019, 9:39 am
#14
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Thanks for all the pointers - the Delta agency reference site is a great resource.
I ended up booking a second ticket with United because I have status (extra legroom means a lot to me!) and a large credit from a cancelled trip. Hopefully the three hour layover won't somehow become too short.
I ended up booking a second ticket with United because I have status (extra legroom means a lot to me!) and a large credit from a cancelled trip. Hopefully the three hour layover won't somehow become too short.
Last edited by hkcj; Jan 3, 2019 at 9:41 am Reason: Adding more detail
Jan 3, 2019, 9:49 am
#15
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If you're contemplating a DL to UA "connection" (on separate tickets) at MSP, you won't be able to check the bag through and moreover, only DL staffs the service counters at MSP that you see after exiting customs. You would need to act like an arriving passenger (going down to baggage claim level) and then go up to departures level and check the bag at the UA counter before going through TSA airport security.
With a DL flight on the separate ticket, of course DL will check the bag through (it's in the rules and even contract airport staff in Japan seem to be competent on stuff like this) unless you have a very long connection at MSP. You'll need hard copies of both tickets and both PNRs when you check in.
For lounges, in addition to the two SCs there's a small UA lounge, a lounge (Escape) for AmEx cardholders, and a PP lounge that resembles a sports bar (and pro sports shop) but you can use your PP card to get F&B vouches for airport restaurants IIRC.
Do you have SkyTeam status?
With a DL flight on the separate ticket, of course DL will check the bag through (it's in the rules and even contract airport staff in Japan seem to be competent on stuff like this) unless you have a very long connection at MSP. You'll need hard copies of both tickets and both PNRs when you check in.
For lounges, in addition to the two SCs there's a small UA lounge, a lounge (Escape) for AmEx cardholders, and a PP lounge that resembles a sports bar (and pro sports shop) but you can use your PP card to get F&B vouches for airport restaurants IIRC.
Do you have SkyTeam status?