Question about switching planes and luggage

[MaeB]

I'm flying with USAirways from Ottawa to Orlando and have a layover in Philadelphia. Does the airline change your checked luggage for you or do you have to do it yourself? I get to Phil. at 7:54 AM and leave at 11:30 AM. Even if they don't cahnge the luggage, does that leave me with enough time?

A friends parents just got back from a trip to Cuba and apparently on the flight there was an announcement about passengers who needed to recheck their bags or something...

I got my flight on hotwire so there will be no switching or anything.

Thanks for the help!

 

[CarolA]

On "most" international flights when you clear customs you claim the luggage, roll it through customs and it goes right back on a the belt to your next flight. I thought that for Canada you actually clear customs in Canada? If so, then you won't have to do this, but even if you do you have plenty of time.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

The above poster is correct. You will clear customs before leaving Canada. Once you check your luggage in Canada, the airlines should take care of getting it to Orlando for you, just as they would for a domestic flight.