Baggage Question(s)
 

Anybody have any experience checking baggage midway thru a trip? is there more/less chance of lost luggage? if it's lost do same rules apply as if checked in from start?

here's the story
This weekend I am traveling from IAD > ABQ for 2 days and would like to have my usual carry-on for this trip. I am then traveling from ABQ>IAD > NUE with a 4hr layover at IAD. I would like to arrive at IAD and during the layover go to my car and "swap" the carry-on for a larger suitcase to continue on to Europe. Obviously this happens in the "middle" of my trip ---- so not sure how to check my bag. Would I just get in the check in line although I am already "in" the trip?

Thank you in advance for any advice :)

I have done something similar: on a FRA-ATL-DFW flight I had all carry-on at the start, but purchased a bottle of liquor at a duty free store in FRA. It was fine to bring on the FRA-ATL A/C, but after going through customs in ATL was unable to get back through security (more than 3 oz! :D).

I was able to check the bag in ATL and it arrived in DFW with me with no issue.

I'd check with the airline in advance to be sure it won't be a problem.