El Salvador plane change
 

I am flying SFO to Guatemala with a short layover in El Salvador. Taca. I booked the SFO leg using United miles, but United could not book the Sal-Gua leg. So I booked it myself, separately. Same itinerary.

So - I am presuming that I wont have time to check a bag. Right? Becaue United won't be able to check me all the way through? And therefore I would have to go out to the baggage area and then clear security again before boarding the next flight. That's what I figure.

So I can just do carry-on. But if anyone thinks that I can manage to check a bag and still make my very short connection I will be most interested to hear.

Thank you!

How much time do you have between flights?
Is it United from SFO to San Salvador then Taca to Guatemala?

I would call United to double check that they would not be able to check your bags all the way through. A lot of times airlines can even if they aren't your only airline during a trip.

OK Thanks I will call United. Catspajamas, It is Taca under the name of United. I tried working it out through them - through Avianca - but no luck.

Very short layover.

In any case, is the luggage area still in the Taca area of the airport - or do I have to go out and then come through security again?

Let's see: Taca was merged into Avianca which is part of United's Star Alliance so theoretically your bag should be checked all the way through to your destination. Call United and give them your itinerary and flight numbers and ask them. You may not know for sure until you actually check your bags and see the destination tag they put on it.

I just called the local office of American (here in Guatemala) and got a call center in Buenos Aires....he was clueless!

You probably won't find out til you get your particular agent at SFO, I would try to pack a carryon size suitcase and hope they offer to check it through. You can use a small backpack as a "personal item", put it in the overrhead and use a folding disposable tote for items to keep under your seat. If you stay airside its better. It's a very efficient airport but I haven' gone with checked luggage in your circumstances,

Catspajamas, that was so nice of you!

OK Well Im not going for several weeks so in the meantime I will do as suggested and call United. I'll let you know!

Hi, Catspajamas

Well, my DD is in Xela for a few weeks and then I will meet her in Antiqua. I can't wait!

Meanwhile she is wondering if there is a swimming pool in Xela. Perhaps a gym? I'm sure she will figure it out - I was thinking maybe a hotel would let her pay to swim. (they would be lucky to see her swim! it's lovely)

Why are you living there? Just happened to land there?

None of my business but Fodors seems to be so open. lol

Thank you!

cabovacation: I am in PDX area now, going back home in ten days, but have asked a young man in Xela about swimming possibilities there. I know the big hotels in Antigua allow one to swim for about Q100 a day. I have been here for 30 years! Came on vacations in early 80s, fell in love with the country, had the opportunity to move, jumped in with both feet.

cabovacation: my "guy" in Xela said the hotels with pools only allow guests to swim there, but there is a "country club" called Cantabria that allows non-members to swim for Q40. The only hotel I know about in Antigua charges Q100.