Connecting flights

[TraceyL]

Couple of basic questions from a first time non-direct flyer

Will we clear US customs at our first US airport (Miami?)

Will we be checked in for both flights in London or will we have to re-check in in Miami for our flight to MCO ? I'm a bit nervous about the lack of time they've given us in between flights (only 1hr 15 mins!!)

Will we have to reclaim our bags or will they go straight through to MCO ?

How will the procedure differ on our return as the first flight will be an internal one ?

Excited

 

[KayleeUK]

Hi Tracey

We flew last year with United to Orlando via Washington Dulles. We checked in for both flights in London on the way out and at MCo on the way back.

When we arrived in Washington we had to get our bags and move them about 50 metres whilst going through security and customs - they then took them off to the next flight and we went to the gate. On the way back we didn't see out bag's from when we left MCO until we landed again.

We landed in Washington at 11.25am and left for MCO at 12.55 pm, and we did fine with plenty of time 20 mins or so waiting at the gate.

Hope this helps.

 

[TraceyL]

Thanks Kaylee - one question - who is 'they' with regard to your bags ?

 

[Peebee]

Hi Tracey,

You're using BA for the main flight and then American Eagle for the connection, aren't you ? It might be worth contacting BA or AA to ask their advice on rechecking bags when switching airlines.

We've been through Miami twice now - once AA both parts of the journey, and once switching from Delta to United. For the AA trip we carried the bags through customs and simply dropped them off again immediately afterwards (there are airline staff waiting on the other side of the customs exit near a conveyor belt). On the other occasion we had to recheck the bags within the terminal building, which was a little bit annoying but still doable in 1hr 15mins.

I seem to remember that AA and BA are part of the Oneworld programme, so hopefully that will make things easier - can't hurt to drop them an email though.

Paul

 

[KayleeUK]

Umm....Airport people, sorry to be so vague. It was no hastle at all, someone from United was telling us what to do and where to go

 

[KayleeUK]

Peebee - Look at our countdowns they are so close

See you at the Boardwalk

 

[#1MMFan]

Tracey

I believe your passport will be stamped in Miami. When we went to LA via Chicago, ours was stamped in Chicago. On arrival in LA we only had to pick up our luggage.

#1MMFan

 

[Peebee]

I know Kaylee - doesn't time fly ? It all starts to seem real from here on in

Tomorrow we get to phone Virgin to pre-book seats for the outgoing flight. Wouldn't normally both this early, but as we'll have a little one with us this time we want to make sure the skycot is prearranged and everything is as smooth as possible.

Paul

 

[TraceyL]

Originally posted by Peebee
I seem to remember that AA and BA are part of the Oneworld programme, so hopefully that will make things easier - can't hurt to drop them an email though.

Paul

What's the Oneworld programme

 

[Peebee]

Sorry Tracey - it's a frequent flyer type programme that AA, BA and a few others co-operate on. It looks as though you might be in luck as both carriers are part of the alliance. Take a look at :

http://www.oneworld.com/partner/baggagepolicy.cfm

Paul

 

[TraceyL]

Thanks Paul, some useful info there

 

[Scotfan]

Believe me you dont want to be at Miami airport for long - there's nothing there! One wee newsagent, a duty free shop thats smaller than at Edinburgh (and thats difficult) and a fast food place thats extortionate.
If you want juice or water for your flight home get it before you leave Orlando as it was $3 for a 750ml bottle.

 

[TraceyL]

I've flown into Miami once and out of there twice but all I can remember is the Cinnabon rolls