AA question

[laurathistle]

You guys know the answers to EVERYTHING so who better to ask?

Not really important, just wondering.

I am flying to Minneapolis via Chicago with American Airlines.

Do you guys know if they are one of those Airlines where you don't need to retrieve your baggage and check it in again, where they do it all by magic?

As in check it in at Manchester, change planes at Chicago and get off in Minneapolis to find my luggage waiting for me.

[prideeinpynk]

I've never had to reclaim my luggage on any airline here in the states. I've flown AA before as well. I would call the airline if you're concerned, but I don't believe you'll have to do anything. They will probably tag your luggage with your end point.

[c3divers]

I am not sure about that. Do you have to go thru customs? If so then you will prob have to retrieve your luggage and recheck it for your final destination.

[prideeinpynk]

Wouldn't she go through customs at her final destination? That's why I think she should probably call AA to find out the answer.

[Smudge]

I would be inclined to either email AA (it worked when I had questions for virgin who I am flying with) or just ask when you check.

[laurathistle]

Yeah, I was wondering how bagggage reclaim worked with customs. I wonder if I will have to go through customs twice?

I had a good look on the AA website but couldn't find what I was looking for. I think I will e-mail them.

[c3divers]

Customes is usually the first port of entry - Chicago is international airport - I don't think that Minneapolis is.

[Possuumm]

i dont bleieve minne is either..when i flew in from london i went to chicago :)

[annknee]

Not sure about the baggage, but I flew with AA from NY to WA last year. The plane was delayed for three hours on the runway (which meant over 9 hours spent on the aircraft - longer than from London to NY!!) They brought out food, which we had to pay for (which is what we were expecting), but we were sitting at the back of the plane and by the time they got to us they had run out of food, which meant 9 hours on a plane with little/no food. My advice - take lots with you just in case!!!

[Smudge]

That is really bad you would think that they would know how many people are on the plane by the time they are loading the food.

[campCardinal]

This is how my experience was when I traveled from London to the US last summer.

I flew in to Cleveland. When I got off the plane we were in a little room that had all the checked baggage come through like a normal baggage claim. However, we got our stuff and then went into a new security line that was just our plane. We took our luggage and left it at this security check point. Then, I went through customs. After customs, I went and caught my second flight to Indianapolis. I didn't have to recheck my bags officially, just left them at the customs security. When I got to Indianapolis, my luggage was waiting for me.

Hope that made sense and helps.

[CAMPFRIEND]

Check with the airline about food. Some won't let you bring things on the plane.

[prideeinpynk]

Last time I flew AA we were allowed our own food (I usually get something on my way through the terminal). But it wasn't an international flight. I'd assume that it'd be the same rules as long as it wasn't some sort of fruit or veggie (you know how they are about bringing those types of things into the country...)

[Cat]

hehe I used to work as a flight attendant so this question just jumped off the page at me! I also just moved back from Europe and went through the worst customs issues imaginable!!

You'll check your bags when you leave your home airport. They will be tagged to Chicago.

Then you should go through customs in Chicago, and you will have to get your bags there but you shouldn't have to take them far.

You basically get off the plane, go to customs and show your ID's etc., then go to a large carousel and wait for your luggage. You pick it up and don't really go very far since you are continuing on. Just pay attention to the signs and make sure you go to the area for continuing passengers!

In Chicago I believe you walk past some customs agents who are standing in front of some big doors. They will ask you if you have anything to declare and may ask you some questions about your bags, and destination etc.

Then, right past those doors, since your are continuing on, Someone will be there to tell you what to do and I believe they tag your bag and then you will put your bags you are checking on another carousel type of thing (except its flat and looks more like a check-out belt, hehe) and off you go to catch your next flight.

Your next flight is considered a "domestic" flight and you shouldn't go through customs again. (I won't say you WON'T just because who knows with security these days, but you SHOULDN'T once you leave customs and are checked into the US)

When you get off in Minneapolis you will just go down to baggage claim and pick up your bags and then.... head to camp!

Just a note of advice... IF your bags don't arrive on the luggage carousel at your final destination, don't panic right away. Just go to the AA office which is down at the baggage claim area and give them your luggage tags. They can check to see where your luggage is and will make arrangements to have it delivered to you. I tell you this because 2 of my bags were held at customs in Chicago when I flew in from Europe! Don't be scared, but do know what to do so you don't freak if it happens!

Sorry I basically just wrote a book. If you have any more questions feel free to email me!!

[laurathistle]

Thanks everyone, especially Cat. I am still waiting for a reply from AA but won't stress if i don't get one!

[clarabelle1985]

i flew continetal ( ahh please dne fly with them they suck in my experiance) last summer to dallas via newark we went through coustoms at newark and then had to pick up baggage at one point and cheeck it back in again. bit of hassel whe 22 u traveleing during the major storms of last year when delayed for hours and u throwing up becuase thats what i do when i travel def check with airline i think prob have to collect luggage at chicago then put into a bag drop like we did but u dont have to check in totally again just drop bag off