Hello everyone. Long time lurker, first time poster.

I recently moved from NYC to Denver and now find myself having to connect to everywhere outside the US except LHR and FRA.

So, I'm heading DEN down to EZE and find myself having to connect through DFW.

Sadly, I have to check a bag as I'll be laden with Hanukkah gifts, so my question is this:

1) Is it safer to check the bag all the way through from DEN to EZE, or should I claim it in DFW and recheck it?

2) I have about a six hour layover in DFW (don't ask), and wonder, if I do reclaim the bad in DFW, is there anything to do before security, or will I be stuck in a lobby without amenities?

3) Is there any additional risk of losing a bag on a layover if I don't reclaim it given that the layover is so long?

Thanks, everyone. Your help is appreciated.

If you check it in to DFW, you will have to pay the luggage fee except for certain people.

6 hours is not that long.

I think you presume that a longer layover increases the chances of theft. I am not sure if that is true. It might be slightly true but I don't know.

re 2....there isn't anything much outside security.....you will be leaving from terminal D.....its almost a given that you will be arriving at another terminal...you could reclaim your bags and go hang at the airport hotel for a while which will have a bar & restaurant...

however, i would check the bags thru, catch the skylink train to term D which has a bunch of stores to look in & places to eat....or, you could buy a day pass to the admirals club which has snacks, tv, & internet access....

good luck...

If you're flying in Business or First Class to EZE, you'll get AAdmiral's Club access (both in DFW on the way down, and returning home in EZE) without paying for a day pass.

Yes, I'm flying F, so I'll avail myself of the Admirals Club. Somehow I just can't resist the siren call of dry crackers and warm cans of tomato juice.

I'm less worried about theft than about the bag getting lost.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about that. I don't think that claiming the bag, then rechecking it will do you much good in the loss-risk department.

At DFW, there is a Grand Hyatt hotel reachable by the Sky Train. What you might consider doing is packing a carryone with some "necessities" (comfy clothes, toiletries), then seeing about a day rate for the hotel. That way you could relax in a hotel room, sleep in a real bed, take a shower, etc., during your long wait.

6 hr layover is not a big deal for a seasoned traveler. take whatever toys are necessary to keep you occupied, like music or a book. or just go to the AA place and drink a lot.

in the past, if one shipped luggage to dfw, then on to eze, it was that person' s responsibility to pick it up in dfw, or the airline's responsibility to deliver it to somewhere in the area. if you are gone(like to eze), and the bag arrives two days later, it stays in its' final destination(dfw). corrections requested.

Sazerac, welcome to FlyerTalk. Please follow the discussion as the thread moves to the Travel->South Forum. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, TravelBuzz.

Check the bag "all the way". In actual numbers and percentages, "lost bag" risk is pretty low, and likely no higher/lower checking the bag thru. "Theft" has not been a problem at DFW compared to some other airports. Don't give the TSA two shots at you.

Presumably, you're arriving on AA? If so, you're likely coming in to Terminal A or C., and departing from D. Some regular AAian here may provide relative comparisons of the Admirals' Clubs in A & C and the Flagship in D.

Remain inside security. Take the nearest escalator up to the Skylink. For the thrill of it all, or just to become familar with DFW's layout, ride it around the entire loop once, then debark at the one of the two Terminal D stations nearest to your gate (or the club) and relax. Terminal boredom sets in? "D" is not without modest 'shopping" ripoffs and dining alternatives.

Thanks everyone.

You get spoiled living in NY, where you can get a direct flight to just about anywhere.

I think I'll check through and hope for the best.