Baggage allowances for "added on" flights (explained inside)

[v8Statesman]

I think someone needs to acknowledge that they were not correct

Maybe, but first we need to know for sure what AA define as an "itinerary".

2 separate internet sale bookings. Is that an itinerary?

2 separate tickets purchased from Jetset (or the like) notarized on a Jetset international itinerary. Is that acceptable.

 

[Zardoz]

To add to the confusion.

Earlier this year did a RTW - QF to the US, LH from there to Europe and on to HK, QF home. Had the 2 pc system to the US, but was only allowed 23kg total on the QF flight home from HK. Serfty, my reading of your Qantas quote above suggests we got short-changed, yes?

We also had an AA ticket LAX-LAS bought separately from the RTW, but connecting with the inbound QF flight. Because it was a separate ticket, fully expected to be hit with AA bag charges, but hoped that getting our bags checked through to LAS from MEL would avoid them. That's how it turned out, except we missed the connection and had to recheck-in (as opposed to the bag drop). Expected this might catch us out, but no charges were levied.

 

[serfty]

To add to the confusion.

Earlier this year did a RTW - QF to the US, LH from there to Europe and on to HK, QF home. Had the 2 pc system to the US, but was only allowed 23kg total on the QF flight home from HK. Serfty, my reading of your Qantas quote above suggests we got short-changed, yes? ...

There is no confusion - you were short changed. Your ticket(s) for your itinerary included travel with "QF to the US".

These issues arise when different airlines have different views of things - it makes it even harder when not all check-in staff are completely up with the policies of the airlines they represent.

So the advice is that each time one checks-in with checked luggage, have hard copies available:

1. of all tickets for your entire itinerary and
2. the relevant airline's rules on checked baggage.

 

[drewbles]

I've now done 2-3 different flights with this sort of situation.

Due to work commitments, i've had to keep original flights and then 'add on' others to get to where I need to go (ie had a holiday in SFO booked, and work needed me in LAX. Was cheaper to change dates and leave routing the same and then tack-on a SFO-LAX-SFO fare on a separate ticket). SYD thru-checked the bag to LAX, Bag picked up at SFO. Cleared customs, proceeded to check-in. Presented FF card, They asked for proof that I was indeed connecting to an international flight. Once that was confirmed, my QF entitlement applied no questions. Same happened for the return from LAX to SFO to connect to SFO-SYD. The Check-in agent asked for my international itinerary (provided them with PNR which they looked up to confirm), tagged my bags to SYD, and no charges applied.

They did specifically ask for the International portion, and when I said "does it matter if this i on a different PNR?" I was told in every case 'no as long as it's connecting'. What 'connecting' can mean is obviously open to interpretation, but i'd hazard a guess to say it's more likely to be 'within 24 hours' or similar.

Either way, I concur with serfty's interpretation. So long as you prove you're connecting, it should be fine (and if it's AA to QF, it'll be a lot smoother).

 

[suo03]

Just wanted to pass on a big thanks to everyone who has weighed in on this thread. Clearly it's an issue of some confusion and contention. I don't think I could have worked it out by myself and am indebted to those of you who are so helpful. Much appreciated.

S.U.O.

 

[suo03]

Just wanted to pass on a big thanks to everyone who has weighed in on this thread. Clearly it's an issue of some confusion and contention. I don't think I could have worked it out by myself and am indebted to those of you who are so helpful. Much appreciated.

S.U.O.

Just another follow-up question, and thanks in advance to all those who have helped me out with (very thorough) research.

Assuming that my bags are able to be checked all the way through to RNO from SYD (although I understand that I would need to re-check them after customs in LAX) - am I'm changing planes at LAX, would this mean that 3 hours between landing at LAX and departnig LAX for RNO would be sufficient time if i dont have to collect and recheck my bags?

 

[serfty]

3 Hours should be fine as long as you get your your bags checked the entire way.

When you arrive at LAX the following happens:

• You get processed by immigration.
• You proceed to the luggage carusel and collect your bags.
• You walk 20 to 50 metres through customs
• You redeposit your tagged (through to RNO) bags (where to do this is obvious).
• You head to LAX T4, re-enter security and await your flight.

 

[suo03]

3 Hours should be fine as long as you get your your bags checked the entire way.


When you arrive at LAX the following happens:

• You get processed by immigration.
• You proceed to the luggage carusel and collect your bags.
• You walk 20 to 50 metres through customs
• You redeposit your tagged (through to RNO) bags (where to do this is obvious).
• You head to LAX T4, re-enter security and await your flight.

Thanks again Serfty, much appreciated!!