Checking Bags FCO to LAX (through MAD)
Jun 30, 2014, 9:35 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Northridge, CA, - AA EXP 3 MM , Bonvoy Ambassador, Hertz PC, Lots of other programs and points
Posts: 1,438
Checking Bags FCO to LAX (through MAD)
Hi everyone. Going to Italy - outbound is on AA and BA. Teuton on IB. First time flying IB. We are going FCO-MAD-LAX in J. If they make us check our bags (Us style roller board), will we need to collect it at MAD or is it checked all the way through to LAX? Also do we go through customs in MAD? We have about a 2 hour connection.
Jun 30, 2014, 10:08 am
#2
Join Date: Dec 2008
Programs: UA 1K; LY Gold; DL Gold; BA Bronze
Posts: 2,266
Checking Bags FCO to LAX (through MAD)
You will go thru immigration in MAD (but not in FCO), but you will not need to collect your bag or go thru customs.
Last edited by gordo6; Jun 30, 2014 at 12:23 pm
Jun 30, 2014, 10:10 am
#3
Join Date: May 2013
Location: MAD
Programs: IB+, BAEC
Posts: 3,106
You can check through all the way to LAX no problem. If it's one PNR, it should go all the way automatically (though one should always double check). If two PNRs, you will have to tell them to check to LAX and show your other itinerary.
There is no customs or border control of any kind between Italy and Spain, as they are both Schengen countries, so you will just walk right off into the general departures area, most certainly in T4. Just follow the signs to your gate where you will have to take a tram to T4S where you will pass the exit controls and get your passport stamped. You should even have enough time to check out the Velázquez lounge at that point. Do remember that the US flights have an extra layer of security so you will have to get your documents checked again and there is the posibility of an annoying secondary screening so leave an extra few minutes just in case.
There is no customs or border control of any kind between Italy and Spain, as they are both Schengen countries, so you will just walk right off into the general departures area, most certainly in T4. Just follow the signs to your gate where you will have to take a tram to T4S where you will pass the exit controls and get your passport stamped. You should even have enough time to check out the Velázquez lounge at that point. Do remember that the US flights have an extra layer of security so you will have to get your documents checked again and there is the posibility of an annoying secondary screening so leave an extra few minutes just in case.