My first flight is on United, from Seattle to Chicago. In Chicago, I will fly Lufthansa to Dusseldorf. My question is, since my first flight is domestic, do I check in like normal? Am I going to have to go through customs at some point, and where? I don't plan on checking bags, but I'm not sure if this matters or not.
Posted by
Freedonia
16292 posts
If you are ticketed through to Dusseldorf, you will check in with UNited in Seattle who should give you boarding passes for both airlines. When you get to Chicago, all you should have to do is go to your flight.
If you bought the tickets separately, then you'll have to check-in in Chicago.
You will go through Immigration andCustoms in Dusseldorf. (And then again at your first stop back in the US.)
Remember, Lufthansa's carry-on policy is much stricter than United's. You're only allowed about 17 lbs.
Posted by
Portland, OR, USA
805 posts
Since United and Lufthansa are both part of Star Alliance, you should only have to check in once in Seattle. You may have to change terminals in Chicago and do be at the gate 45 minutes early if possible. You will go through customs on arrival in Germany.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA, USA
22 posts
Thanks for the help...another question: how early should I get to SeaTac? Two-four hours prior to flight?
Posted by
Portland, OR, USA
805 posts
Two hours should be fine, although knowing Seattle traffic as I do, you want to allow a little extra time....
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
You will have to show your passport in Seattle and use the International departure gate if available.
Posted by
Portland, OR, USA
805 posts
Frank, I don't know what you mean by "international departure gate" since she should just board the flight to Chicago as normal. Showing the passport is definitely required though...
Posted by
Freedonia
16292 posts
DAvid is right. When you check in, you will have to show your passport (airlines get fined if you arrive overseas without it. Lufthansa will want to look at it again in Chicago.)
Your flight from SEA-ORD is a normal United domestic flight so you'll leave from whatever gate it's scheduled to leave from.
Two hours should be enough but don't cut it too close. I like to give myself a little extra time in case of traffic, slowness on the security, long lines at check-in. (I haven't flow United in a long time so I don't know if they allow kiosk check-in for international flights.)
Posted by
Portland, OR, USA
805 posts
United allows online check-in for at least their own flights internationally, and perhaps for other Star Alliance partners as well...
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
When I fly I always research my airline departure time and gate on the airline webpage 6 or 8 hours before departure.
That way you can always know what terminal and gate your plane will depart from.
In addition AA allows printing gate passes from my computer so I have them in my hand when I arrive at the terminal.
I suggest you check the United web page for other helps offered to you.