Interline baggage agreements

[snowbunny]

I'm trying to set up flights PWM to SDF and back...the single-carrier choices are commuter flights connecting in DTW or DCA.

What I'd really like to do is take Airtran down to BWI (I have a $$ credit that has to be used), then transfer onto Southwest from BWI to SDF. The catch is, I have to check a piece of luggage - no way to carry it on.

If two airlines to do not have interline ticketing agreements, does that therefore mean that they will not interline baggage? (i.e., I would need to go through security, claim the bag, and recheck it at BWI.) Any way around this?

 

[dudspizza]

I'm trying to set up flights PWM to SDF and back...the single-carrier choices are commuter flights connecting in DTW or DCA.

What I'd really like to do is take Airtran down to BWI (I have a $$ credit that has to be used), then transfer onto Southwest from BWI to SDF. The catch is, I have to check a piece of luggage - no way to carry it on.

If two airlines to do not have interline ticketing agreements, does that therefore mean that they will not interline baggage? (i.e., I would need to go through security, claim the bag, and recheck it at BWI.) Any way around this?

I don't believe there is any way around it. I was going to try this from MSP to MCO by flying one airline to Chicago and then take a SW flight that was way cheap... I was told I had to claim my bag and recheck it for the SW flight..... not worth it to me.

Have a good one.

Duds

 

[snowbunny]

That's kinda what I thought...thanks Duds

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

If two airlines to do not have interline ticketing agreements, does that therefore mean that they will not interline baggage? (i.e., I would need to go through security, claim the bag, and recheck it at BWI.) Any way around this?

You would have to claim your bags, carry them to the next airline, check them there, and clear security again.

But there's a much bigger potential problem if you try make your own connection, rather being ticketed on a single ticket (even if you have multiple carriers).

If your first flight segment is delayed, and you arrive at your connecting airport too late to make it onto the second flight segment, you could have big problems -- especially if you're not in a position to notify the second airline that you'll miss the fight. The second airline could cancel your ticket (including your return flight) and keep your money! It's the same as being a "no show" for a flight! (Actual rules vary by airline and ticketing class.)

With a real interline connection on a single ticket, you're "protected." The second airline will get you to your destination (eventually), even if your first flight segment is delayed.