Multiple flights and baggage claim (Chicago > Bari)

Is he using the same airline/alliance to fly from ORD to BRI? If so, he won't see his bags again until he lands in Bari- no need to claim the bags in IAD. When checking-in at ORD he should confirm with the agent that his bags are "tagged" to Bari just to be safe.

Thank you and for the tip about the agent tagging his luggage. Thankfully he has UA for the major legs partnered w/Air One for the short hop from FCO > BRI. We couldn't find this answer anywhere on UA site or elsewhere for that matter so are grateful for your input.

Hi Lori,

Actually, you do go through customs upon entry to the EU, so he may have to do that in FCO, but it's a pretty orderly process. (Just like flying back to the US we would do it in IAD), but otherwise, the airline will handle it all! - Sounds like a great candidate for trip/flight insurance with that many connections! Tell him to keep his iPOd in his carry-on! ;)

No, you go through immigration upon entry into the EU. Customs (which deals with the stuff your are bringing over) will be handled at Bari.

Lori, sometimes people have a specific need to check baggage because of what they need to take on their trip. For others, it is a strong preference. However I'd suggest that your son at least consider doing the trip with just a carry-on bag. Many people have found the conveniences of this outweigh the luggage limit, and Rick Steves restricts his tour groups to one bag (which he strongly suggests is a carry-on).

Your son's trip is a great example of where it can be a benefit. If any of the connections are tight due to a flight delay, a carry-on bag is right above you in the overhead rack. Checked luggage might not make it. There is no wait at the luggage carousel to get your bag to go thru customs when you enter a new country, and at your final destination you're off the plane and out of the airport instead of waiting for luggage.

You can see RS's tips at http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/packlight.htm and a lot more good tips at http://www.onebag.com/

Definitely check with the agent at check-in...I wondered about Air One, but a quick check shows they are a subsidiary of Lufthansa and have picked up some routes handled previously by Alitalia...so bags should go all the way through to Bari.

I agree with Mike. In September we had 4 different flights to get to Dubovnik and were worried about luggage not making it; as a result, we took only carry-on luggage for four weeks in Croatia and Italy. In the past I have always over packed but this time I planned carefully and never wished I had more clothes or luggage. Especially given how often he will be getting on and off trains and busses and lugging his baggage over cobblestones, he will be glad he has less luggage.