we are flying on us airways from orlando to london heathrow with a five hour layover in philadelphia. will our luggage go from orlando straight through to heathrow or will we have to retrieve it and re-check it in philadelphia?
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
I’ll admit that I’ve never checked bags on transatlantic trips (with connection or non-stop), but I have checked on many domestic flights and assume that your checked luggage will automatically connect just like it would for a same-airline domestic flight with a connection. So, your luggage should check through. You might want to check the tags on your luggage prior to having it thrown on the conveyor just to ensure all bags have the correct flight number & destination printed. I agree that your airline is the best source.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
If you're flying US Airways all the way on one ticket, your bags should be checked through to Heathrow. If in doubt, phone US Airways.
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
780 posts
I did the same US Air trip also connecting in Philly and they do forward the luggage. I have never had lost bags but always considered myself lucky because 1, US Air has a bad rep for losing luggage, 2, Philly Airport has a bad rep for losing luggage, 3, Heathrow has a bad rep, and so on.... My motto is, never check anything that will break you down if you never see it again. Always carry jewelry, camera, photos, etc with you. On the way back I usually check the stuff I brought with me and use carryons for all the stuff I acquired. I can always buy new clothes but would be sad to lose my photos and souvenirs..
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
I get a bit nervous if two airlines are involved. On our last trip to Italy, it was United to LAX and then Lufthansa to Frankfurt. We retrieved our luggage in LAX and walked over to the international terminal and checked it in there. We had the time so it was OK. In Frankfurt, we had a connecting flight on Lufthansa and our luggage was checked through on that flight.
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
780 posts
I forgot to mention that on the way back, you will have to get your checked bag in Philly before you go through customs (for declarations), then you have to check it again for your final flight..
Posted by
Walnut Creek, CA
368 posts
I have flown to Europe 5 times and always checked my bag. I just find it easier for me.
I have transferred through the east coast of the US, Paris, London and Frankfurt. Sometimes on the same airline for the entire trip, but more times the airline changes with the transfer. Each time my luggage was checked straight through going over and I did not have to get it until my final destination.
On the way back you have to have it inspected at the first port of entry in the US. That is why I prefer to transfer in europe and take a direct fligh to SFO if I can.
The only time i was worried in Europe was when we flew on Atalia from Rome to Venice and I watched my suitcase fall of the trolly onto the tarmac on the way to th eplane. Luckily they came back and got it.