Trying to hidden city a flight but want baggage to arrive at final destination city?
I'm flying from Auckland airport (AKL) back home to New York soon, but wanted to stop in San Francisco to visit a friend. Since the ticket change fees are exorbitant, I'm wondering if it would make sense to hop off the plane at LAX to hitch another plane to SFO instead? Problem is I'll definitely be checking luggage... could I still hop off and have someone in NY pick it up for me when it arrives? Or are there a gazillion holes in this plan? Advice on how I can make it to SFO/have my bag make it home and not get sued or screwed would be great!
Best Answer
Your baggage will be taken off the flight in LAX for customs processing, then you need to recheck the bags for the flight to New York.
If after doing this, you are a no show at boarding time, your bags will likely be offloaded, delaying your fellow passengers and forcing you to track the bags down later.
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Can I check baggage through to final destination?
Good news first: in principle, it is possible to have your luggage checked through to your final destination, even if you have two separate tickets. But all airlines that are involved in your trip must have some kind of cooperation. There are various forms of agreements between airlines.Can I get my luggage checked to a layover city instead of final destination?
Finding Out at the Check-in CounterIf it says that it's heading to the layover destination, not the final one, then you'll get your checked luggage when you land at the layover destination. You can also ask the airline employee at the check-in desk to confirm its destination.Do I need to pick up baggage between connecting flights?
If your bag is tagged to your next or final destination, you may need to pick up your bags and place them on the connection drop-off belt. If it is not tagged to your next or final destination, then you will definitely need to pick up your bags and check them in for your next flight.Where does my luggage go if I miss my connecting flight?
What happens to your luggage if you miss your flight? In the event that you missed a connection, or got held up in security and your checked luggage has gone ahead without you, immediately find an airline representative. The airline may be able to track your bags and hold them for you until your arrival.The loophole letting passengers fly on the cheap
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