*Luggage Advice Needed!
 

I am at a loss, and while my mind was spinning the possibilities, it occured to me that the experts here might have a suggestion.

Here is the situation:
In July I have a mini trip scheduled within a larger trip (I fly to DC, then zip over to the Boston, and then fly back to DC for my flight home.) The flight to Boston is on a different airline than the flight from DC back home.

The problem that woke me from a sound sleep is that I have ONE HOUR from the time I arrive in DC until the time of my flight home. That would give me one hour to gather my luggage from baggage from one airline, recheck it on the other airline, get through security, and board my plane. Not possible.

So, now I am trying to figure out a solution for my luggage. It isn't an option to pack carry-on. I will be on a business trip for 14 days. One suitcase is going to be tough!

I have looked at baggage shipping places, but man are they expensive (does anyone have a code for a baggage shipping place?)

Are there any options I hadn't considered?

Thanks for any thoughts!!!

welcome to FlyerTalk, withhonors :)

you posted in the communitybuzz! forum which is about member gatherings, member birthdays and general questions about your membership.
For your convenience, I will move this to travelbuzz!. However, I suggest you to identify the airline you're flying with.
This may help us to provide you with the best information even if this may involve another forum move.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact a forum moderator - we'll be happy to assist you.

once again: welcome aboard - we're looking forward to your contributions to our community.

regards,

chrissxb
co-moderator
communitybuzz!

FedEx
 

I've used FedEx ground a few times to ship an extra bag home (for you it would be from DC before the side trip). They'll take a suitcase without a box. I seem to remember about $25 for a roll-a-board. So I traveled with an 18" and a 22" roll-a-board and a personal item, checked one at the beginning and then shipped one home.

Sylvia

Welcome to FT!

A lot depends on the locations of the two airlines at the airport. So, which airlines, and which airport (IAD or DCA)?

Also, is there any reason you can't simply check your luggage through all the way home (wherever that is, you didn't say)? Most airlines have interline baggage agreements. Your two flights don't even have to be on the same ticket.

Welcome to FT, honors. You will find that your assertion, here, does not hold true for many of the road warriors at FT. Check out the OneBag site for ideas as to how you can survive for long periods with only carry-on. Good luck.

Thanks for the responses! You are all so nice!!

I am flying Delta from Boston to DCA, and then Alaska from DCA to Seattle. How do I find out if there is luggage sharing on these two airlines? It would be awesome to check my luggage in Boston, and have it arrive in Seattle with me!

Delta and Alaska have code-sharing on some flights. I'd call the carrier on your first flight (Delta) and see if they can check it through for you.

While I've never flown this particular combination, both DL and AS are large airlines of long standing. It is inconceivable to me that they could not interline your bag. Their code-sharing on some flights, as posted by Chuppi, reinforces that assumption further but isn't necessary for baggage interlining.

You'll also be in luck walk-wise. Both airlines use Terminal B, the pier with gates 10 through 22, at National.

(That said, confirming what #10 posted: I just got back from 11 days in Australia and Singapore, with weather ranging from below 50 in Port Arthur to the high 80s in Singapore, and including two days of business meetings - with a carry-on and a backpack.)

A 14 day business trip with one bag is very easy to do.

What you would pack depends on
a) Do you need do wear a suit every day?
b) Will you be seeing the same people or different people each day?
( if different people they won't know you are wearing the same outfit)
c) Does your company pay for laundry?
d) If c is not true do you mind paying yourself?
e) If d is not true do you mind washing the stuff yourself?