Just thought I would get back to you on this one.

I flew United Airlines to LHR and had a separate flight on British Airlines to Prague.

Back in the states I asked the check-in person to check my bag through to Prague. She said "no problem." She informed us that when we got to LHR we needed to tell someone from BA so they can put it in there system.

Arriving at LHR, we asked the first BA rep what we were required to do to make sure our bags came through to Prague. He said we needed to do nothing. As long as our baggage receipt had the BA flight on it, the bags would be transfered automatically. We spoke to another BA rep who told us the same thing.

When we got to the gate, I asked one more time (I figured why would the United person tell me this if it weren't true). It turns out, that I DID need to give BA my bag tag receipt to make this happen. Fortunately, she said there was still time to get my bags.

The nice thing...because we waited so late, our bags were the last put on the plane. That means we were the first out of customs with our bags!!!

I'd be interested to know your experience the other way round (ie on a flight from Prague connecting to United at Heathrow).

My experience is that BA checkin staff just will not accept bags to be through-checked onto another, non-One World, carrier.

If there's a major exception (and they don't come much more major than United), it's news we should all know.

Thanks for reporting back. It's interesting to note that you had to make this happen even tho the first person you asked about it said you didn't have to do anything. If you had not been diligent about it and believed the first person, I guess your bags would not have made it. That's a little concerning to me. I'm happy that it worked out for you. I think I'll just keep going carry-on only! LOL (There are other reasons that I like carry-on only as well.)

Hi Masterphil,
Looks like you have landed in Prague!!! I am JEALOUS!!! I can't believe our fabulous trip has ended.

I know you will have a great time. Hope you have the nice weather we had.

Looking forward to your trip report. When do you return to the States?
Karen

Weather so far in Prague has been beautiful. Blue skies and actually hot and humid! It was 88 degrees Day 1 and probably 85 today.

Kristinelaine...I still don't know how you do it with the small carry on! My hiking shoes, and dress shoes take up lots of space all by themselves.

If I really had to, I know I could make it happen. Instead, we brought along 2 24" suitcases. We did utilize Space Bags Travel size. Works like a champ!!

Thanks!

Well, I have to admit I don't take hiking shoes! So you have got me there!