I have a London to Quito flight this year with a connection in Miami. First leg of the journey is with Virgin Atlantic, second with American Airlines. Just wondering if anyone knows about the procedure of swapping luggage over? Normally with connections if it is the same airline for both flights they transfer the bags but I'm unsure if this still applies with different airlines. I've tried phoning them both but I only got the rather unhelpful answer from Virgin that they 'should' be able to transfer bags over(!) Never flown via the US so was wondering what was the usual procedure. Thanks!
Reply to this Did you book each leg separately or are the two separate airlines part of the same ticket?
I know frequently with international flights certain legs of the flight will be covered by a domestic "partner" carrier (for example I've had one ticket that had legs on both Delta and Air France, but the luggage checked through because it was booked on the same ticket). If that's the case, usually you'll retrieve your luggage so that you can take it with you through int'l security with you (not customs, but a mini-international baggage security check-point), then return it to the luggage carousel where it will be transferred off to your connecting flight. You never leave the "secure" part of the airport and neither does your bag.
If your bag isn't checked through, it would get placed back on a carousel to be transferred to baggage claim in Miami, which is what you don't want. I would just make sure that when you check your bag in London is tagged to end up in Quito, otherwise you'll be stuck retrieving your bag in baggage claim on the other side of security.
Reply to this Thanks for the reply. It's the same ticket, I just got given two airlines. I was just wondering about US airports and whether they have a connection path like many European ones to avoid major security? I have a few hours between flights but does this mean I get to skip the horrendously long security checks and queuing as I'm not actually entering the country??
Reply to this You shouldn't have to go back through security. I can't say 100% for the Miami airport since I've never routed through there, but every American airport I've ever flown through (which is quite a few) have all the gates on one side of security, so I've never had to cross through a main security check-point when changing planes.
International gates are usually separated from the rest of the airport and domestic flights by customs, and in this case since you're arriving on an international flight, and departing on an international flight, you won't even have to leave the terminal. Whether you'll have to pass through customs between gates depends on how Miami airport specifically is set-up (and of course, the airport terminal maps are purposefully vague and useless), but I'll take customs over airport-security any day. You'll at least get to keep your shoes on!
A few hours should be plenty of time.
Reply to this Contradicting S&A: I would expect you to have to go through security. Every flight that I've been on where I transferred in the US I've had to do this. I avoid any tickets that transfer in the US if there is a similar one transferring somewhere else.
So; fingerprints, eye scans, complimentary stupid questions - "why do you want to see south-america?" - from obnoxious security dullards. It takes between 1 and 2 hours - so if the time is tight - make sure you ask for a transit visa card on the plane and fill it in on the plane - run from the plane to immigration section - queue queue - get ready to take your shoes off etc
The US truly is the worst place to transfer in the world - in my experience. Miami airport is additionally a dilapidated 1980's dark carpeted hole - so the fact that you have only a short amount of time is a bonus.
Reply to this Damn! I was hoping the fact it was only a transfer would save me doing all that. The flights via Europe were already £200 more than the US ones by the time I bought the tickets. Thanks for the replies - I'll just hope for the best!
Reply to this Hmm....that's a good point Ali. I forgot I get routed through an entirely different section of customs since I have an American passport, thus haven't had to deal with our modern security hassles (although if it's any consolation, we get asked the same obnoxious questions).
But, Katherine, at least your luggage will get checked through...
Reply to this Hi Katherine,
I know pretty well Miami airport and it will be more messy than you think.
You get out of you plane, and have to go through immigration. Make sure you have a citizenship that doen't require a passport. Since 12 January 2009, you have to register at least 72 hours ahead in order to get "permission" to go to the States. Do this or you won't be allowed on your flight. I need to check which web site you need to use.
You get the stamp on your passport....you HAVE to get you yours bags, even if they are tag to the final destination. You have your bags...and go through customs. From there, they have counters for re-checkin you bags...this should be quite a easy process if you transfer to AA....may be a little more complicated on the return.
You have now you bags re-checked, but you will need to go through security again to go to your gate. But no more need to have a stamp through immigration.
Be careful of the bags rules....2 bags, max...and each of the max 25kg. You show up with one bag....35kg, and you are in troubles...I know it's not that logical.
Hope all this help. Miami airport is huge, but easy to navigate....but not much to do in it. You will need 2 hours transfer minimum to be safe. If you have more than 5 hours, plan a small stop in South Beach....great place!
Have fun!
Peter
Reply to this Thanks Shane, the travel camel, he just answered the question for the web site to register if you go to or through the US.
Reply to this Dear PA Leslie...
I was wondering if you could give some advice regarding Miami airport...
I am traveling Lima (Peru)-Miami-New York. I am a spanish citizen and I have already obtained the travel approval you mention...My doubt is: I have three hours in Miami airport to connect to an AA flight to NYC. Do you think it's enough time? Since I am coming from an international flight, connecting to a domestic flight in the US...I do not know if the advice you posted applies to me as well...
Could you please give a hand?
Thank you indeed!!
Ana
Reply to this Hi Ana,
You are safe with 3 hours. Few tips,....try to get as much in front of the plane as you can and walk fast once out of the plane....you will be in front of the queue...that can save you 15 minutes.
As you fly all the way with AA, you can check your bags all the way through....but you have to take them after passport control to re-check them...if they are already tag..it's easy and fast.
From there you are out of the security area, so don't lose time and go to queue straight on for security...after that you are safe.
Miami queues for security can look crazy, if this does apply, move to the next letter....each area has one letter to know where you are....queues could be way shorter if you walk only 3 minutes!
Enjoy Lima...love the place, been there something like 12 times. Igf you bring pisco back with you, be careful that the airport doesn't have much of a selection...to get your Payet, get it in town.
My best friend live in Lima, wish it would be closer from Asia...if only for the food.
For your flight, no stress....under 90 minutes it is scary in Miami...above 2 hours you are safe.
Have fun!
Peter
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