Through Checked Baggage on Separate Tickets
American updated the Baggage Through-Check Policy to be in alignment with our oneworld partners, to reduce baggage mishandlings, and to allow for a better customer experience.
· When all flights are on a single ticket in the same PNR/Order and a baggage interline agreement exists between all carriers on the ticket, American will through-check bags to the final destination.
· When flights are on separate tickets, within the same PNR/Order connecting to oneworld carriers and their affiliates, American will through-check bags to the final destination.
· Customers combining an AAdvantage® award ticket with an agency ticket should contact the AAdvantage department for further details.
· If other than the above scenarios, read further for separate tickets handling
This policy was put in place due to the following conditions:
Limited authority
· Interline agreements provide authority to through-check, only to points named on the ticket that involves the originating airline’s space.
Limited access to information
· On non-oneworld downline separate tickets, where there are no AA flights involved, American’s airport agents and our automation cannot display the ETR to read the baggage allowance provisions.
Baggage charges on local fares
· Downline carriers are entitled to collect their own applicable baggage charges.
· Some fares may exclude the allowance of any checked baggage.
Points to share upon notification
Baggage at the transfer point
Travel agencies should alert customers holding separate tickets that:
· Baggage may only be checked to the destination on their first ticket.
· Passengers may need to claim and re-check their baggage at the transfer point.
· Separate baggage charges may apply for the second ticket.
Connecting time at the transfer point
Single Ticket: For passengers with a single ticket, follow "Minimum Connecting Time" (MCT) guidelines. These guidelines apply when interline agreements allow for through-checking of baggage.
Separate Tickets: If passengers are issued separate tickets, make sure they have sufficient time for them to:
· Claim any checked baggage.
· Proceed to the check-in area of the connecting airline for their continuing flight.
· Passengers are responsible for collecting their baggage and re-checking it within the required time at the transfer airport.
· The connecting airline will be responsible for collecting any applicable additional baggage fees.
International Connections
Prior to international travel, be sure to verify the customer’s documents (I.e. passport, visa, and other documents) that may be required at the transfer point (i.e., the next stopover point noted on the ticket for the originating flight) for entry as a local arriving customer.
1. What if I have separate tickets in the same PNR/Order for itineraries with American to a non-oneworld carrier?
Our policy on American to non-oneworld airline tickets has not changed. We will not through-check customers or bags even if the tickets are in the same PNR/Order. The customer will need to collect their baggage at the final destination on the American 001 ticket. The customer is responsible for the baggage fees associated on the second ticket when the baggage is re-checked with the non-oneworld airline. This may involve exiting the secure area to claim and re-check the baggage. International flights may require clearing customs and rechecking on the other airline to the final destination.
2. Will American through-check baggage when separate tickets containing “connecting” flights to an airline that American does not have an interline agreement with?
No, American Airlines will not through-check baggage when separate tickets are issued for flights to an airline with which American does not have an interline agreement.
The customer is responsible for the baggage fees associated on the second ticket when the baggage is re-checked with another airline. This may involve exiting the secure area to claim and re-check the baggage.
International flights may require clearing customs and rechecking on the other airline to the final destination.
3. What if I have separate tickets in separate PNRs/Orders for itineraries with American to a oneworld airline?
When there are separate tickets issued in separate PNRs/Orders, customer’s baggage will be checked to the final destination of the American 001 ticket only.
The customer is responsible for re-checking their baggage and paying the fees associated with the oneworld ticket issued in the separate PNR. This may involve exiting the secure area to claim and re-check the baggage.
International flights may require clearing customs and rechecking on the other airline to the final destination.
4. What bag charges apply when the customer holds separate tickets in separate PNRs/Orders?
The customer will need to collect their bag at the final destination on the American 001 ticket. They will pay for the bag on the second ticket when they recheck it. This may involve exiting the secure area, then claiming and re-checking the bags. The Minimum Connecting Time (MCT) will usually not be sufficient when the customer has separate tickets issued for each airline.
5. What will customers be charged if American can through-check the bag?
The charges would depend on what tickets the customer holds in the same PNR/Order
6. If I have an existing mileage award ticket in one PNR with a connection on a separate non-oneworld revenue ticket in a different PNR, will the customer’s bags be through- checked to the final stopover point?
No, bags will not be through-checked to the final stopover point. the customer is responsible for the baggage fees associated on the second ticket when the baggage is re-checked with the other airline. This may involve exiting the secure area to claim and re-check the baggage.
International flights may require clearing customs and rechecking on the other airline to the final destination.
For future bookings it is suggested the customer have their complete travel in the same PNR/Order to allow for the baggage to be through-checked. The agency or customer should contact AAdvantage for assistance in booking their travel.
Updated: December 2024