United Airlines from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, then to San Jose by American Airline.?

Question

Do we have to retrive our luggage from United Airlines, and transfer it to American Airlines, or do the Airlines do that for you.

Answer 1

When you get to the airport, tell the ticket counter that your final destination is San Jose with a stop in Chicago and ask if they can check your bags through to San Jose.

If you purchased a flight to San Jose with a stop in Chicago (all on one ticket) then this won't be a problem. They do it automatically.

If you purchased two separate tickets (one from Cle - Chi and another from Chi - San Jose) they may not transfer the bags for you if there's less than 2 hrs between when you land in Chicago and leave again. Just make sure to ask at the ticket counter. If they say they won't do it, you will have to pick up your bags in baggage claim in Chicago and re-check them.

Answer 2

if you bought the two tickets separately, then you have to leave security, get your bags. check them in at American Airlines Terminal 3 and then re-enter security. This is really quite a challenge.