Hope this question isn't too complicated.
I bought tickets to Rome on Orbitz. The departing flight is NYC-Chicago (on American) then Chicago-Madrid-Rome (on Iberia). At first, I was told (by Orbitz) that I would need to pay a baggage check-in fee for the flight from NYC-Chicago because it's domestic. Then I was told (by American) that Iberia and American have a contract that means since it's an international itinerary and the FINAL destination is Rome, we don't have to pay baggage check-in at all. Conflicting stories. So does anyone have any experiences with this type of situation?
Also, there is about an hour and half window in Chicago. I was told by American Airlines that since American and Iberia have a contract that we will not need to re-check-in in Chicago and that our baggage would automatically be sent over to Iberia from American. Just like any other lay-over even though it's 2 different carriers. Otherwise this would be impossible since you need 3 hours for international flights. Does anyone have experience with that?
Whew - I think that's it. I want to believe the customer service reps, but real life situations make me feel better. I know the itinerary is dramatic, but I'd walk to Rome if I had to, and it did save us over $400 each.
Posted by
Dreaming of my next trip to Europe
273 posts
With this much changing I would pack light and carry on.
Posted by
OP
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
712 posts
From fear of lost luggage, I am tempted to carry on everything. However, I'm staying for a month and no amount of folding or minimizing is going to get a month's worth of my supplies into a carry-on. If someone can figure that out for me, I'll bring you back a calendar :-)
Posted by
Dreaming of my next trip to Europe
273 posts
Before my first trip to Europe I was a person that took a 100 pound suitcase for a week. I now travel for 3 weeks with a carryon, check out the tips on the graffiti wall and there is a book by Judith Gilford. No one will notice if you wear the same thing. Just wash out in your hotel room or hostel. You can do it! Plus you will have a much better time not having to lug around a heavy suitcase. Bon Voyage!
Posted by
OP
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
712 posts
I will definately try. Thanks for the tips and the link.
Any suggestions on how to fit a month's worth of lotion, toothpaste, etc... into a less than 3 oz bottle for airport security? Or perhaps it's easier to buy it over there? I was hoping to avoid that as I am unsure of prices.
Posted by
St. Louis, MO USA
1976 posts
Because you're changing planes so many times, there are a lot of chances for your luggage to get lost. I went on a 2-week trip overseas 3 years ago and my luggage was lost for the whole time I was there, so now I do my damnedest to keep my luggage with me. I just got back from a 3-week trip to Europe and I brought a carry-on-size suitcase and a backpack. My clothes included 5 shirts, 2 pairs of shorts, 10 pairs of socks, and 10 pairs of underwear. I had to do laundry every so often, but it was much better than hauling around a lot of clothes that I didn't really need.
As far as toiletries go, if you don't want to check your bag then my suggestion is to buy shampoo, conditioner, etc. over there. It probably won't be exactly what you're used to, but you could bring enough of your own stuff that will fit in a plastic bag and alternate it with what you buy there. In my experience, a 3-oz bottle holds between 2 and 3 weeks' worth of shampoo/conditioner, if used once a day.