Connecting baggage and check-in for QF and CX ?

[geezy90]

Hi all, I have two redemption flights coming up from MEL to HKG and then through to LHR, the first segment being with QF and onward to LHR with CX.

I heard a horror story today from a colleague of QF not checking bags through for them some years ago!! I don't know his exact circumstances but in my scenario, both flights are on the same PNR and I am ticketed right through to London, so I can't foresee any issue.

I also want to know whether I should check in to my CX flight separately (using OLCI), main reason being I want to minimise the chance of being bumped out of F by checking in early since I have heard so many horror stories on this front too. CX check-in opens 48 hours prior to departure compared with 24 hours for QF, so could this cause issues with my first segment/QF if I have already checked in for the second CX segment, especially if they try issue me with both boarding passes at the counter and more importantly, check the luggage through?

I have never flown QF internationally and with all the reward ticket drama that has been going on this year I have been on the edge of my seat since making the booking.

Any advice appreciated!

 

[encryptededdy]

QF will check your bags through, since it's on the same PNR.

I don't believe you will be able to check into your CX flight or your QF flight online. You can only check in to your QF flight in-person at a desk due to the connecting flight.

 

[rigram]

I have 2 redemption flights - however on 2 different bookings. Both are Qantas Classic Rewards.
First sector is Qantas MEL-SIN (4hr layover), then second sector Cathay SIN-HKG. What are the chances of QF checking baggage all the way to HKG when I check in at MEL?

If not - does the transit desk in SIN still arrange for bags to be retagged, without going through customs?

 

[jpp42]

I have 2 redemption flights - however on 2 different bookings. Both are Qantas Classic Rewards.
First sector is Qantas MEL-SIN (4hr layover), then second sector Cathay SIN-HKG. What are the chances of QF checking baggage all the way to HKG when I check in at MEL?

YMMV. Some agents will allow it in this situation because it's a classic reward, however you may find pushback from the check-in agent as not all of them are familiar with this special rule. The Qantas web site currently has the following very vague and unhelpful statement ( https://help.qantas.com/support/s/article/Baggage-with-connecting-flights ):

What if I am travelling on separate tickets?
If you are travelling on oneworld flights on separate tickets/bookings you are not eligible for through check -in (except if you have a reward or commercial booking and advise airport staff at check-in)

(Aren't most bookings either reward or commercial - what does this mean??)

If not - does the transit desk in SIN still arrange for bags to be retagged, without going through customs?

I have seen reports in other threads that you can do this, however it appears to be an "unpublished" benefit and perhaps subject to staffing availability on the day, as someone would need to search the carousel for your bag. Given you have enough time to pass through immigration, I would be sure to plan this as a backup option. If you are on an AUS passport you can use the automated gates now and it takes no time at all (to save time, fill out the electronic arrival card in advance). If you need a transit visa for Singapore (i.e. India passport holder), be sure to arrange in advance.

 

[justinbrett]

The policy is here:

https://www.qantas.com/agencyconnect/au/en/policies/book/baggage/interline-and-through-checked-baggage.html#when-can-my-customers-bags-be-through-checked

^ Exemptions apply for customers travelling on a oneworld separate PNRs when using a combination of award travel and revenue travel. Note: This is a Qantas exemption and may not be supported by all oneworld airlines.

Multiple award or multiple revenue PNRs will not be connected (unless you get very lucky).

One of each should be connected (unless you get unlucky).

In your situation it doesn't hurt to ask, but the answer will almost certainly be no.

 

[rigram]

The policy is here:

https://www.qantas.com/agencyconnect/au/en/policies/book/baggage/interline-and-through-checked-baggage.html#when-can-my-customers-bags-be-through-checked

^ Exemptions apply for customers travelling on a oneworld separate PNRs when using a combination of award travel and revenue travel. Note: This is a Qantas exemption and may not be supported by all oneworld airlines.

Multiple award or multiple revenue PNRs will not be connected (unless you get very lucky).

One of each should be connected (unless you get unlucky).

In your situation it doesn't hurt to ask, but the answer will almost certainly be no.

Thanks for the agency link - it was good to understand policy. Let's see how far I can go...

 

[SYD]

I don't believe you will be able to check into your CX flight or your QF flight online. You can only check in to your QF flight in-person at a desk due to the connecting flight.

You should be able to “check-in” online but it might not issue a BP. They then need to be collected at the bag drop / counter.