If I arrive in Seattle at 10:39 AM, how long should I allow to get luggage, then go through security and check-in for a flight on a different airline to Anchorage? Thanks.

Where are you flying from?

If from a domestic city, then you don't have to claim luggage, as you can have the 1st airline transfer your bags to the 2nd airline at the 1st check-in. I believe even Southwest has interline baggage agreement with most major airlines.

Flying in on American from PA and then on to ANC with AlaskaAir. How do I go about having American transfer the luggage? Do I just give them our flight number on AlaskaAir? That would be a great timesaver. The flight I'm looking at leaves SEA about 4 hours after our arrival. If I don't have to worry about claiming and re-checking baggage, I might even be able to get something earlier. Thanks for the tip!

Just tell the check-in agent at your origin airport about your AS flight. It may take them a few minutes to confirm it, but it can definitely be done.

Double check the luggage check to see it has both flight numbers on it.

Will do. Thanks again.

Airhead coming out in me: If you're not switching airlines, but are making multiple stops, you can just check your luggage in to the final destination, yeah?

To clarify: I am not refering to the OP's situation or question; I am just asking. Hijacking the thread I guess- sorry!

ColeraineCutie - You can check your luggage through whether it's the same airline or not, <b>in most circumstances</b>. Exceptions are:

- When flying a low-cost airline. Like Ryanair in Europe. They don't transfer bags period. Even between their own flights.

- If you have a very long (&gt;a day) stopover.

- You also need to pick up luggage when entering the US. You drop it off after you go through US immigration and customs.

Alaska and American are partner airlines and your bags will be tagged through to Anchorage when you check in for your first flight.

45 minutes ought to be enough, but they won't sell you a ticket if it involves a connection time that's too short.