May 7, 2022, 10:10 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Thia is a archive thread, the active tread is UA Bag Interlining If Separate Tix with *A Partners (YES) & Non *A Partners (NO)
See Interline Baggage Agreements (single ticket) when there is a single ticket.
When a passenger has two separate tickets, United will though-check (interline) bags only when the second ticket is for UA or *A partner operated travel. Otherwise, UA may not interline the bags and you will need to recheck bags for the second ticket.
With two qualifying separate tickets, when checking bags thru, you will need to present flight information for both tickets at check-in. This includes the itinerary, PNR and eticket number.
Note: Interlining two UA tickets seems to be challenging for some agents. Allow extra time for bag check, just in case, and perhaps suggest contacting the Help Desk if the agent seems to be having issues.
Interlining UA-UA may not be allowed if one ticket is Basic Economy and does not allow free check bags.
Thread on UA-UA bag interlining
UA.com link
Some conditions when UA may not interlining with another carrier on a separate ticket
Exceptions to the non-partner interlining restriction on separate tickets for 1Ks/GSs have been reported. There still needs to be a regular bag interlining agreement in place.
Additionally, one report suggests that exception would apply also to *Gs and Full Fare J passengers
Whenever checking a bag between carriers (on a single or separate tickets), it is recommended to show your bag tag to each downline carrier at the transfer desk/gate to ensure the bag tag information has propagated to their system.
related thread: Overnight, long layover/connection check through baggage question (consolidated)
See Interline Baggage Agreements (single ticket) when there is a single ticket.
When a passenger has two separate tickets, United will though-check (interline) bags only when the second ticket is for UA or *A partner operated travel. Otherwise, UA may not interline the bags and you will need to recheck bags for the second ticket.
With two qualifying separate tickets, when checking bags thru, you will need to present flight information for both tickets at check-in. This includes the itinerary, PNR and eticket number.
Note: Interlining two UA tickets seems to be challenging for some agents. Allow extra time for bag check, just in case, and perhaps suggest contacting the Help Desk if the agent seems to be having issues.
Interlining UA-UA may not be allowed if one ticket is Basic Economy and does not allow free check bags.
Thread on UA-UA bag interlining
Effective for travel on and after March 1, 2015, when a customer has two separate tickets, United will though-check bags only when the secondary ticket is for travel on the following carriers:
* United and United Express
* Star Alliance partner airlines
With the new policy, a passenger’s baggage will be checked between the origin and destination points that are reflected on a single or conjunctive ticket.
If the traveler holds a second ticket on another airline beyond the destination of the first ticket, United will check the bag to the destination on the first ticket(s). In such situations, the traveler must collect their baggage on arrival at their first ticketed destination, and then re-check baggage with the next carrier for their continuing flight(s).
* United and United Express
* Star Alliance partner airlines
With the new policy, a passenger’s baggage will be checked between the origin and destination points that are reflected on a single or conjunctive ticket.
If the traveler holds a second ticket on another airline beyond the destination of the first ticket, United will check the bag to the destination on the first ticket(s). In such situations, the traveler must collect their baggage on arrival at their first ticketed destination, and then re-check baggage with the next carrier for their continuing flight(s).
If you have a separate ticket on another carrier, you must claim bags at the destination of the first ticketed itinerary and check bags with the other carrier to the final destination. Baggage can be checked through to the final destination if the separate ticketed itinerary includes Star Alliance member airline-operated flights.
- The carrier is not a *A partner
- the connection is overnight
- the connection is less than MCT
- Traveling internationally and connecting to a domestic flight within your destination country
- If the UA ticket is Basic Economy No more "through checking" / interlining of bags when connecting from BE
Exceptions to the non-partner interlining restriction on separate tickets for 1Ks/GSs have been reported. There still needs to be a regular bag interlining agreement in place.
Additionally, one report suggests that exception would apply also to *Gs and Full Fare J passengers
Whenever checking a bag between carriers (on a single or separate tickets), it is recommended to show your bag tag to each downline carrier at the transfer desk/gate to ensure the bag tag information has propagated to their system.
related thread: Overnight, long layover/connection check through baggage question (consolidated)
UA Bag Interlining If Separate Tix w/ *A Partners (YES) & Non-Partners (NO) {Archive}
Aug 11, 2018, 4:42 pm
#616
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Are you booked on one ticket? How long is your mad layover?
Aug 11, 2018, 4:47 pm
#617
Join Date: Oct 2005
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One ticket SFO-FRA-MAD on 016stock
3 hr layover in FRA
Second ticket on Iberia
4 Hour layover in MAD
3 hr layover in FRA
Second ticket on Iberia
4 Hour layover in MAD
Aug 11, 2018, 4:52 pm
#618
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Aug 11, 2018, 5:07 pm
#619
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In this case, the outcome is true - UA will not check bags through on separate tickets for non *A carriers. That is definitely correct. I’m not aware of any alliance-wide policy not to do so, and will be up to carrier checking one in. While UA won’t do so, other *A carriers might have different policies.
Aug 11, 2018, 5:17 pm
#620
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Aug 11, 2018, 5:41 pm
#621
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I would post on the following thread in the Spain forum on connecting at MAD. Four hours is a usually a very safe connection but if your arrival at MAD is delayed more than 2 hours, you could have a problem connecting at MAD.
Connections through Madrid Airport
Aug 11, 2018, 6:05 pm
#622
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
this sounds like an overly broad statement.
In this case, the outcome is true - UA will not check bags through on separate tickets for non *A carriers. That is definitely correct. I’m not aware of any alliance-wide policy not to do so, and will be up to carrier checking one in. While UA won’t do so, other *A carriers might have different policies.
Aug 11, 2018, 10:55 pm
#623
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: United 1K
Posts: 131
I once checked interlined bags with UA on SFO-LAX flight before connecting on NH for LAX-NRT.
When I attempted to enter the United Club at SFO, I was prepared to show my Amtrak Select Plus card for access. When I scanned by boarding pass, the lounge agent said that there was no need to use my Amtrak card since I had already had access since my internary was linked with an international J ticket on another Star Alliance carrier.
I've never seen any published references to such a policy, but since I was granted access, I didn't feel like inquiring further.
When I attempted to enter the United Club at SFO, I was prepared to show my Amtrak Select Plus card for access. When I scanned by boarding pass, the lounge agent said that there was no need to use my Amtrak card since I had already had access since my internary was linked with an international J ticket on another Star Alliance carrier.
I've never seen any published references to such a policy, but since I was granted access, I didn't feel like inquiring further.
Aug 11, 2018, 11:14 pm
#624
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TG is extremely accommodating on this, especially if you're flying premium cabin.
It's not a policy, it's an unintended consequence of how UA's systems handle interlining across separate tix. UA's systems will effectively combine the reservations and treat the combination as if it were a single ticket. For this reason, you'll also get IRROPS protection, even though you technically should not.
I once checked interlined bags with UA on SFO-LAX flight before connecting on NH for LAX-NRT.
When I attempted to enter the United Club at SFO, I was prepared to show my Amtrak Select Plus card for access. When I scanned by boarding pass, the lounge agent said that there was no need to use my Amtrak card since I had already had access since my internary was linked with an international J ticket on another Star Alliance carrier.
I've never seen any published references to such a policy, but since I was granted access, I didn't feel like inquiring further.
When I attempted to enter the United Club at SFO, I was prepared to show my Amtrak Select Plus card for access. When I scanned by boarding pass, the lounge agent said that there was no need to use my Amtrak card since I had already had access since my internary was linked with an international J ticket on another Star Alliance carrier.
I've never seen any published references to such a policy, but since I was granted access, I didn't feel like inquiring further.
Aug 25, 2018, 10:35 am
#625
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: KBP/TLV
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Posts: 378
Checked through baggage on 2 separate tickets
Economy light from SFO to LHR on UA. Separate ticket on LH 3 hours after UA flight arrives.
I am 1K
Will I be able to check 3 70lb bags through to destination on LH?
I am 1K
Will I be able to check 3 70lb bags through to destination on LH?
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Aug 25, 2018 at 11:12 am Reason: merged into consolidated thread
Aug 25, 2018, 11:01 am
#626
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Getting the bags back to the states afterwards, on the other hand...
Aug 25, 2018, 2:11 pm
#627
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LHR is about the last airport I would try to interline on separate tix, as the consequences are dire if they refuse you at check-in for whatever reason.
Aug 25, 2018, 2:14 pm
#628
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Where did you hear this if I may ask? It most certainly applies! No free checked bags on LH on light fares!
UA might be able to do this, but there is no guarantee. If you run into issues you'll probably have enough time at LHR with 3 hours, but it is not exactly comfortable ... and you will definitely be paying for bags!
UA might be able to do this, but there is no guarantee. If you run into issues you'll probably have enough time at LHR with 3 hours, but it is not exactly comfortable ... and you will definitely be paying for bags!
Aug 25, 2018, 2:29 pm
#629
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Though details on OP's precise onward carrier (LH or EW) and fare (lite, classic, or flex) are certainly relevant, but missing.
I'm not sure 3 hours would be enough if OP were forced to clear immigration and reclaim bags.
Aug 25, 2018, 4:33 pm
#630
Join Date: Mar 2009
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I was thinking that the bags would be checked through, so I would not have to clear customs to check the bags. Perhaps LHR is not the place to do this.
Incidentally, the LH fare turned out to be an economy light fare.
So, may have to book the itin differently.
Incidentally, the LH fare turned out to be an economy light fare.
So, may have to book the itin differently.