How to go from carry on bag to checked bag on layover?
 

So I think we are going to have to downgrade our large checked bag for fear that it will be considered oversize and take two smaller suitcases. They are both small enough to be considered carry-ons, but one will have liquids and razors in it so it will need to be checked.

We will fly on Alaska Airlines from SEA to LAX with one checked and one carry-on in addition to our backpacks. However, we then are flying on TACA from LAX to SJO and their allowance is only one carry-on no more than 22 lbs so we will need to check the carry-on we had on our previous flight.

How do you go about checking in a bag when you're doing a layover and don't need to go through the check in line as you do when you first enter the airport?

You will be in the non-secured landside after clearing immigration and customs at LAX. So, you will indeed go to regular TACA check-in desks to check that 2nd bag.

I will have to go through customs at LAX before I even get to Costa Rica? I didn't think you went through customs before you got out of the country?

Why would they be "clearing immigration and customs" at LAX coming from Seattle?

Are your packs small enough to be considered 'personal items'? If so, if it was me -- I'd stick to the 3 oz rule and go w/ carry on only. Safety razors don't have to be checked.

You can probably also ask to check it at the gate.

Why don't you check both bags at SEA and not worry about it? Why carryon a bag that you will later have to check?

Why not just check both bags all the way through? You won't have to worry about them until you get to Costa Rica. You'll just have your carry-ons on the way there.

I agree about checking both bags thru from your first flight. I don't see the advantage to trying to carry on the first flight, and recheck at the transfer point. Or as janisj suggests, just pack to be able to do carry on the entire way.

Oops... Sorry, somehow my mind telling me "Southeast Asia". My fault.

But anyways, TACA's agents at the gate should have no problem gate-checking your 2nd bags. In fact, they may simply demand you do.

And if they don't and won't, then just carry it on.

I want to check only one on our SEA to LAX trip because Alaska charges for $20 each both bags and by carrying one on that saves us $20. Not much in the scheme of things, but it's something. On TACA there's no charge for checked bags.

I really think you're making this more complicated than it needs to be. Either carry the bag the entire trip or check it at your original check-in point.

I agree. I just figure that $20 into the price of a plane ticket because I don't like to carryon my suitcase. I think trying to do 1/2 & 1/2 on two different airlines is asking for trouble. If you are so determined, then I'd just pack lighter so you can carryon only the entire way.