Clarifying AA baggage rules

[Febs]

Hi all,

Tricky baggage question I'm hoping someone may be able to shed some light on! My wife and I are currently on an award explorer (140k pt RTW) - I'm WP she's NB.

We have two AA Y sectors (JFK-LAS and LAS-LAX) and at that point the luggage will be looking pretty full. Reading the AA site (and from previous experience traveling myself on AA) I know I get one free 23kg bag as an Emerald, and regarding my wife, AA.com says:

"The following passengers will be allowed a 1st and/or 2nd checked bag at no additional charge provided it falls within the size and weight limitations...

...Customers flying on the same reservation as an American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum or AAdvantage Gold member or oneworld Alliance Emerald, Sapphire or Ruby member regardless of frequent flier status or fare type (not applicable to group bookings)"

Thing is - we WERE on the same ticket (same PNR), but Cathay decided to split us up (when they op-upped us HKG-SGN) so now we have separate PNRs. Technically we were on the same "reservation", but separate tickets (now).

Anyone know if AA will honour the above in this situation? Also, as an Emerald can I check two bags for free? The above is a bit ambiguous - "1st and/or 2nd". Pretty sure I've gotten away with 2 in the past, but it's been over a year since I flew AA.

I know the baggage charges aren't huge, but it'd be good to know. Thanks in advance!

Cheers
Febs.

 

[serfty]

It's a real PITA when this happens.

I suggest you take with you copies of all original documentation you have that show you both started out on the one booking and continue to have the same itinerary. Also, allow extra time for check-in.

 

[dfcatch]

And you should have two bags for yourself without issue.

And hopefully, she will also have two bags without issue as traveling together.

The First Checkin counter is your friend in this situation.

 

[Febs]

Thanks guys. Yeah we've got copies of the original ticket which shows us both listed on the PNR - planned on arguing the point if need be.

I guess if we really come up against a brick wall, $25 for the third bag (which I'm sure we'll have by then!) isn't too bad.

Cheers
Febs.

 

[dfcatch]

Do you happen to be traveling internationally within 24 hours of your sectors?

 

[Heleigh]

Thanks guys. Yeah we've got copies of the original ticket which shows us both listed on the PNR - planned on arguing the point if need be.

I guess if we really come up against a brick wall, $25 for the third bag (which I'm sure we'll have by then!) isn't too bad.

Cheers
Febs.

Before paying $25 for third bag, try for upgrade to bigger (F) seating my friend usually pays approx. $45 P/P From LAS-LAX but she is on paid tkt (don't know terms for award tkts). No meals on any AA flight between LAS-LAX.

 

[Febs]

Do you happen to be traveling internationally within 24 hours of your sectors?

Good point - LAS-LAX connects to LAX-BNE-SYD, so shouldn't have any issues with that one (AA staff always seem to recognize the QF allowance for us in that situation) - its JFK-LAS which will be the main concern.

Before paying $25 for third bag, try for upgrade to bigger (F) seating my friend usually pays approx. $45 P/P From LAS-LAX but she is on paid tkt (don't know terms for award tkts). No meals on any AA flight between LAS-LAX.

Something to consider, thanks. Not the world's longest flight though! JFK-LAS in F for $45 though - now that would be nice!

Cheers
Febs.

 

[Blackadder]

I would be very surprised if you have to pay it despite now traveling on separate PNRs, AA are generally very good in looking after OW customers.