Checking Baggage to Final Destination

Wednesday I'm flying SFO-LHR on UA F, then eleven hours later LHR-JNB on VS UC. I'm thinking that even if UA will check my bags all the way through, that when they come out at JNB my bags will not have UC priority (such as it is) and that I may have a lengthy wait. Can anyone confirm that this is the case.

With the time I have available it's really no hardship (and has some change of clothes advantages) to pick up our bags, then go from T1 to T3 and check in for the VS flight. And that's the second part of the question, can I check in for VS flight 10 hours before departure?

[honey lamb]

I would suggest you place some UC baggage tags on your case but the likelihood of your bags getting priority at LHR is slim as bags are sorted by the bar code which will not be on your bag from SFO.

Yes, you can check in at any stage for a flight even 10 hours before

[Darren Wheeler]

Personally I'm not a fan of interlining of baggage. Too many things to go wrong which can leave you with no bags at your final destination. While dragging it from T1 across to T3 is a chore, at least you know who has it.

[Decker]

I'm a great fan as when luggage is delayed my insurance kicks in after 4 hours and I get to buy hoodies [;)]

Interesting, as I've raised similar question, as BMI down to LHR, then through to SYD in UC. Premier team said the bags will be off loaded at SYD under priority as they 'go off the bar code', but still I don't think this will work. They also weren't willing to send some UC tags for our bags, as they said we won't need them...

I'm tempted to go with Darren's suggestion, extra hassle but least you know they'll cross to the right terminal, taking one potential link out of the bag eating machine. Whats the cut off time for being classed as a 'stopover', because thought you'd have to collect and recheck if this is so?

Have United moved to T1 then ? They used to be in T3, can't say I paid any attention last time I was at Heathrow.

I usually Interline bags for convenience, and pre-tag them with UC labels, as as mentioned, if you don't the chances are high that they will not be in the Priority bin.

Mark

[honey lamb]

Yes, United moved to T1 last summer or thereabouts.

NH, the cut off time is exactly the same as if you were checking-in from scratch if you want to claim and re-check. I do it all the time now that I cannot interline from EI to VS unless I pay mega-bucks for the flexible fare. That's the difference between the potential for a Û0 or Û5 fare plus tax and a Û210 fare plus tax each way. My rule is at least 3 hours between flights and overnighting for any VS flight leaving before midday. Even with overnighting it is considerably cheaper.

Everybody, thanks for the input. We'll go with pick up and re check in. Two years ago we had our bags checked in Maun for an Air Bots flight to JNB, then transferred onto SAA, then onto VS for the last leg to SFO. The bags made it no problem (which amazed me) but they were about the last off in SFO, so we had a lot of waiting around, which after travelling for 36 hours is a pain.

I always interline when I can (which is a couple times a month) and have NEVER had a problem. Even did it last year on a Nationwide flight from Livingstone (J) to London via JNB which I was flying from there to LHR with BA (F) . The problems I have had is when I dont interline and they are not loaded. But like Decker it is not a big issue as the ££££ of insurance kick in pretty fast !

Hackneyguy

quote:Originally posted by northernhenry
Interesting, as I've raised similar question, as BMI down to LHR, then through to SYD in UC. Premier team said the bags will be off loaded at SYD under priority as they 'go off the bar code', but still I don't think this will work. They also weren't willing to send some UC tags for our bags, as they said we won't need them...



Infact they are correct - Upper Class tags mean nothing now as anyone can (and does) attach them to their bags - it is now all down to bar code. I few via BMI and VS last month and it all worked out fine but if you are still concerned if you PM me with your address I will happily send you some Upper Class labels.

Regards,

Hackneyguy

quote:Originally posted by Decker
I'm a great fan as when luggage is delayed my insurance kicks in after 4 hours and I get to buy hoodies [;)]


Hoodies that even UK immigration have a problem with! [:w]

[Decker]

Not fair - they were put up to it