We have a 2 hour connection in Miami - flying in on American and out on LAN Peru. We'll either be checking bags all the way through when we leave Phila. or carrying them on.

When we land in Miami, to quickly get to the LAN gate it looks like (from the terminal map) we can exit and walk around the outside and into J. Since it will be late I'm assuming not a ton of people (land 9:50 pm / leave 11:50) so it seems a 2 hour window should be enough to walk (run) over to the departure terminal.

Stupid question but assuming our flight gets in relatively on time, does anyone with experience at Miami International have an opinion on getting to our LAN flight in time? There was a 4 hour window originally but LAN changed the intinerary so they told me if we miss that flight it is their fault for changing so there'd be no cost to put us on the next flight out (the next day). Does that sound right?

I wish I had booked one ticket all the way through to feel a little more confident about what happens if the first flight is delayed and we miss the 2nd one. By doing it separately I saved several hundred dollars so it seemed worth it at the time.

You should not have a problem. You do not state from where you originate, but assuming it is domestic, then you leave security head to the left to the new J concourse. It is not a long walk, maybe 15 minutes at the most.

If your original flight is going to be late, I suggest you notify American where you originate that you would appreciate an electric cart for transfer to LAN. Both airlines are members of the Oneworld Alliance, so they might accommodate.

American might also be able to check you in for your LAN flight. Just ask when you check your luggage all the way through. If not, the ticket counters in J are near the security check point and gates, so that process too should be brief.

AA will check you and your bags (if any) all the way through when you check in in Philly. No problem there. If the flight is on time, you will have enough time to have couple of drinks at a bar in term J. If this is all on one ticket, then yes, the airlines will be responsible if something goes bad, but if that's the last flight to your final destination, the only option for the airlines will be to put you up for the night in MIA if you miss your connection due to AA arriving late in MIA.

It's not all on one ticket so that concerns me but the LAN agent I spoke with said since they changed the itinerary they would rebook me at no cost if I miss the flight. Hope that's true - the MIA to Cusco ticket was/is not cheap!

Thanks for the advice.

AAFrequent Flyer -- If you check this thread again -- would this make you reconsider checking bags all the way through to Peru from Philly? After I read this in a trip report on the Peru forum I decided to buy a bag to use as a carry-on in Philly and then check it in on LAN when we get to Miami.
It will be a bit more hassle hauling it through the Miami airport but if we are lucky enough to be allowed to carry it on in Philly I think we'll do that to be on the safe side.

Here's the quote:

<b>Although the American Airlines agent in Chicago swore that our luggage would be checked all the way through, it did not make it to Lima. We took Lan Peru from Miami to Lima and their agent in Lima said that American does not put luggage onto Lan flights. It was pretty upsetting because we had plenty of time in Miami to take our luggage to the next flight but we didn't because we were told that it would be checked all the way through. There were many people with the same problem in Lima so I think there may be a problem with AA getting luggage onto LAN. This doesn't seem like such a big deal a few weeks later but it is worth mentioning if anyone is taking the same airlines. At the very least, pack a change of underwear in your carryon.</b>

AA and LA have an interline agreement. Most major airlines do these days even when they are not partners.

Can a misroute with luggage happen? sure it can, but it has nothing to do with AA not transferring LA bound luggage. That's done by computers on the belt.

Just make sure you show the PHL AA agent your LA ticket and confirm that the luggage tag is printed correctly.

The problem with trying to check in your luggage in MIA at the LA station is that most of the time the passengers to SA travel with their house belongings + 100 boxes. The lines are long and slow. With you having only 2 hours in between, it may be risky.

Me? I would just check it in in PHL and not worry too much.

Have a great trip!

Been to Peru twice. The first time it was Lima and Machu Picchu. The second time it was the southern part of the country including the Nazca Lines area and a beautiful seaside resort. Loved it both times.

I feel much better after reading that -- thank you for your advice.

I don't know why but this trip is really bring out the worrier in me!

Can't wait to see Peru...