Interline Baggage Trnsfr at Heathrow
 

We are traveling to Rome via London from JFK. We are on Virgin JFK to Heathrow, with a 1:50 timeframe to make our Alitalia flight. I understand from Virgin that they do not have a baggage agreement with Alitalia. Does this mean I have to collect my bags and re-checkin? According to Virgin, I do and will not have enough time. Of course, when I contacted Orbitz about this they claim there is plenty of time. Who to believe?

Also, I've seen some earlier posts on this subject that say baggage can/will transfer if airlines are not partnered. Is this true? In the same posts, it was suggested that it's best to check bags all the way through if you can. How can I find out if this can be done on our ticket?

I'm sick over this! What is the best way to proceed?

Whether your bags get through checked will depend on the agents at JFK. They might - might not.

You will arrive at T-3 and leave from T-2 which is good since they are next to each other. But If you are landing in the a.m. LHR is very VERY busy, and landing time may be quite different from when you actually get into the terminal. If you are even a little late or if you have to wait for a gate, AND have to collect your luggage/re-check it 1:50 is cutting it awfully short IMHO.

If the bags are checked through and you land on time or early - then it is plenty of time.

So long story short - you might make it, you might not.

What time is the next Alitalia flight??

Look at this page and print it out if you get grief from VS at JFK:

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb...lightsinfo.jsp

I'm not sure I understand about how we make sure to have our bags checked thru all the way. Why wouldn't the baggage folks at JFK check it thru, if my ticket says JFK/LHR/FCO?

The next Alitalia flight that day is at 12:15, which would be fine. But, I already went thru this hassle with Orbitz who refused to change the flight claiming it was enough time.

Any info on whether or not bags get transferred at LHR even if the airlines don't have an agreement?

As previously mentioned - it is really up to the agent at JFK - They might or they might not. Hopefully they will. I have found VS to be pretty customer friendly, so your chances are semi-OK. It isn't "baggage folks" who check it through. It is the person standing at the flight check-in counter.

As for when then next flight is - That's not a suggetion for you to change your booking. That was to make sure there is a later flight they'd put you on if you missed the one you now have booked.

Oh (re the later flight). I sure hope you're right. Who is responsbile, then, for the cost - Virgin or Alitalia> I would imagine it would be Virgin, but who knows?

I've decided not to stress about it - I will try to plan on going carryon (despite it being winter)

I do this transfer regularly and even with my bags checked through and traveling Business Class, I still like to leave at least 2 hours, which I believe was the minimum transfer time at LHR (and has been since the 80s).

Your connection time is tight if you have to pick up your bags. Its not the baggage pick-up that is the problem, I have found LHR surprisingly efficient (far better than AMS or FRA) and by the time I get through immigration, my bags are on the carousel (when I am staying in London rather than transiting). The problem can be in the immigration hall – I’ve been there when the regular “non-EU” passport line is at least 45 minutes long. Other times, the line is empty. If your bags are checked through there is no need for you to enter the immigration hall and exit to the baggage hall. You will encounter other security line-ups on the transit from T3 to T2, but in general I have found them much smaller. Exception was on this recent trip, where the line-ups to transit were horrendous.

Having said that, there is every possibility you can make it, just check out your options before you go.

Firstly, if you have an end-to-end ticket, in your shoes I would be miffed if Virgin refused to check the bags through, so I would certainly ask for it at JFK. Find out if Alitalia will put you on the next flight, no additional cost, if you miss your scheduled one (I have never found Alitalia the most flexible of airlines).

If Orbitz are insisting there is sufficient time, are they willing to pay any additional charges you incur if you miss the flight? What are the “terms and conditions” on their website re this situation? Do you proof in WRITING from Orbitz of your conversation with Virgin, who said there was insufficient time, and the response from the Orbitz rep that insisted it WAS?

If you succeed in getting your bags checked through, ensure you have packed your carry-on with enough clothes and toiletries for 1-2 days in case your luggage does not arrive. Also, when you get to the boarding gate to Rome, before boarding commences, show the boarding agent your baggage stubs and ask them to check that your bags are on board; ignore their protestations that they can’t – they CAN call the “red-cap” and it will be on his manifest.

All that having been said, I actually would not stress about it too much, as I have many times made the connection, with luggage, in less than an hour when my flight has been delayed.

Just make sure you know your options! Best of luck.

Regards Ger

< I still like to leave at least 2 hours, which I believe was the minimum transfer time at LHR (and has been since the 80s). >

Try somewhere between 55 & 70 minutes depending on which terminals.

Today it might be a tadge longer

In the mid 80s, when I worked on check-in at Aer Lingus, 2 hours was the minimum transfer time recommended for international. 55 mins certainly seems way too short.

I was going by the figures from the Heathrow Airport website - but after today it's anyone's guess as to what a transfer time is & according to Iberia no interline baggage transfer is happening at UK airports anyway

Given recent events Alan, I guess the website needs to be updated! Interesting point about Iberia's declaration – thanks, this is good information. I hadn’t thought of it, but I wonder how recent events will affect one’s ability to check luggage through AT ALL, even between “alliance” members.

I think travelers should contact their airline and find out what the rules are right now. The rules are changing dynamically, but its not an airline issue/problem; the rules are being dictated by security policy. Certainly, I would be at the airport as early as possible.

I called Air Canada today about my flight next Friday. There was a lengthy message about new baggage/security rules. The AC rep gave me clear instructions about what I could bring on-board – unnecessary for me as I flew from Gatwick to Madrid on Thursday, so I am well aware of the rules and the delays. Even though I am traveling Business Class, therefore can use the security “Fast Track”, he warned me to get to the airport REALLY early. He recommended three hours before departure, as opposed to the usual two hours for economy and 90 minutes for BC.

Current events makes the “carry on only” option, which many favour, an impossibility. Passengers with short connection time need to reconsider .

Regards Ger

We are traveling AA Airlines through London on to Rome as well. We were told our bags would still be checked straight through (I checked today). Orbitz does nothing for you if there is a problem, I also was concerned about the time of our layover and was told all they did was sell the tickets.. amd to call the airlines to discuss what they will do if we are delayed or miss the Alitalia flight.

Lesson learned.. we will never again purchase through them