Hello, I'm travelling tomorrow, from Calgary to Vancouver through Air Canada, then Vancouver to Hong Kong and Hong Kong to Manila through Cathay Pacific.
How do I know if my luggage will be transferred automatically? Or will I have to do it especially in after my first flight since I'm flying a different airline?
I'm thinking no, because some people say that it is possible to ask for your luggage to be checked in all the way so that you don't have to worry about it. So that must mean that normally I would have to transfer it mysefl right?
Would you suggest I ask that my baggage be checked from Calgary all the way through to Manila??
Also, I only have about 1hr 30 mins from when I arrive in HK to catch my flight to Manila, is that enough time?? I arrive early morning, 730am, so it might be busy...???
Yikes, it's my first time travelling alone and I'm scaaaarrreeed....!!!
2006-11-09 13:49:40 · 5 answers · asked by J J 2 in Travel ➔ Air Travel
With that many connections and multiple airlines, I would prepare for your bags to be delayed somewhere or arrive late. When you mix multiple airlines even with a baggage agreement, it usually gets hung up somewhere. I worked for an airline and did my time in baggage service. Lisa pretty much said it best, but to add to it from my professional experience, pack a carry on with 2 changes of clothes, several changes of undergarments as well as travel size toiletries and any medication you will need. You will be going through Customs at each port of entry so you will have to claim your bags each time you enter a new country. So keep that in mind as well. For your connecting flights, sit as far forward or as close to the exit door as you can, that way if there is a close connection you wont be waiting 20-30 minutes to get off of the plane. At check-in, ask the ticket agent to check your seating and make sure you can be with in a few row's of the boarding door so that you can deplane quickly and get to Customs as quickly as possible.
You can ask to have your bags checked through provided the airlines have a baggage agreement, but by doing this you could end up with no bags when you arrive in Manila. Inter-airline transfers are low priority to some airlines and they will be the last bags to get transferred, even if you claim them and re-check them in customs. They will see the initial airline tag and possibly not transfer them like they would an origin bag. One suggestion I always made to avoid this, provided there was enough time, short check the bag to the connection point, then re-check it with the connecting airline as if you were originating at that airport. If the airlines do not have a baggage agreement, you will have to do this anyway. 90 minutes for International connections through an International city will be extremely tight. Make sure you bags are packed according to the TSA websites, dont have much of anything hiding in the pockets.
The other advise you need to do is print out a copy of your flight itinerary and place it inside the bag on top of everything. If you have a clear sheet protector, put it inside that just incase your bag gets wet somewhere along the way. Write all contact information for your home address, cell phone, destination address as well as any contact phone numbers in Manila. This will help incase the bag tag is seperated from the bag at any point in transit. This will allow the airlines to know where you are and where your bag should be incase it ends up at the wrong airport.
These are all worse case scenarios, but be prepared. If you can, pack lightly and buy essentials and clothes when you get there. I know that sounds snide, but honestly, International luggage is where a lot of people will lose their bags. Its not as often as Im making it sound, but it does happen. Dont pack keys or medication or anything you may need the first 2 days you arrive. Carry on what you can. Make sure you check Cathay Pacific's carry on guidelines as well.
2006-11-09 19:48:22 · answer #1 · answered by mspain79 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you check in initially in YYC with Air Canada, tell the check-in agent that you are continuing on with Cathay Pacific. You will need to show them your continueing tickets and/or an itinerary proving that you are transferring on to Cathay Pacific.
I don't personally work for Air Canada or Cathay Pacific, so I cannot tell you if they have a ticketing/baggage agreement. Most carriers DO have an agreement. If they don't have an agreement, then Air Canada will not transfer your bags for you and you will need to claim them and recheck them in YVR. But, my bet is they do have an agreement. Then check-in agent will be able to confirm this for you.
Just take a deep breath, relax, people do these types of trips everyday.
Be sure to label your bags with your name on both the outside of the bag and on the inside. If your ID is lost on the outside of the bag, the airlines can still open your bag and find your name on the inside of the bag.
Enjoy your flights!
2006-11-09 17:45:02 · answer #2 · answered by Flying Cowgirl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Call both airlines for confirmation. I have traveled on two carriers on one trip and have always had my luggage transferred automatically. The only troubles that seem to occur are when a flight is cancelled, then sometimes your luggage may make it to a destination before you. In any case, call your airlines and be safe!
2006-11-09 13:59:58 · answer #3 · answered by lynnguys 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your trip was booked as a single trip, you should be fine; your bags will be transferred automatically. If you booked each leg separately, you need to let Air Canada know that when you check in, and see what they say.
2006-11-09 14:02:15 · answer #4 · answered by kent_shakespear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you won't be able to get onto any flight you're actually not ticketed for. They verify everybody's value tag on the way into the flight. DIA is an ok airport -- there are numerous shops. I advise you sop or hit the bar somewhat than attempt to get your self arrested.
2016-10-21 13:52:48 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋