Checking luggage on a 3-leg journey
I am taking a vacation in the Maldives in November. I’m ticketed all the way through United and their Star Alliance partners. I’ll be starting the journey on United from Newark to Zurich. 4 hour layover and then changing to Swiss Airlines to Delhi. 4 hour layover in Delhi, and then connecting to Air India to Male. Would people recommend checking bags at Newark to my final destination, or, since I have sufficient connecting time in Zurich and Delhi, should I retrieve my bag(s) and then re-check them? Probably makes sense to just check in at Newark all the way through and hope for the best. Thanks for any feedback..
Best Answer
Unless you are planning to need something in your checked luggage, you should definitely not retrieve it during your layovers. It will make you far more likely to miss the connection. It will also make your experience much more stressful and tiring.
Four hours is a long time, but delays can happen, and it's much quicker to transfer the bags directly from one plane to another than to transfer them to the baggage carousel, where you have to wait for them to emerge before you recheck them and they are transferred to your next flight. You would also have to worry about possible delays at immigration, since you have to clear immigration before getting to the baggage carousel, and then clear exit controls to get back to your gate.
If you're worried about your luggage getting lost, I suspect that it would be marginally less likely to happen with a direct transfer than if you collect it and re-check it yourself, but it's very unlikely either way.
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How is luggage handled on connecting flights?
When you purchase a connecting flight, checked baggage is usually forwarded to your final destination, and will change planes when you do. The agent at check-in will usually ask if you want your luggage checked through to your last stop.Can you travel with 3 luggage?
Many airline change their policy to allow 1 free checked suitcase on international flights. This means that in a lot of cases you can bring 3 bags for an international flight. 1 personal item, 1 carry-on, and 1 checked bag. However please check with the airline that you are flying with.What are the rules for luggage?
Checked Luggage Most airlines will allow you to check one bag and have one carry-on bag. There is normally a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds per checked bag as well as a size restriction. The most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear (total) inches. A common size bag for checking through is: 27" x 21" x 14".What should not be in checked luggage?
9 Things You Should Never Pack in a Checked Bag- Lithium Batteries. Lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries are only allowed in carry-on baggage. ...
- Electronics. ...
- Medication. ...
- Matches and Electronic Lighters. ...
- Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Devices. ...
- Jewelry. ...
- Alcoholic Beverages Over 140 Proof. ...
- Film.
What Happens to Your Checked Luggage at the Airport
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