Pretty sure he doesn't need a transit visa, but....

[jannaxhitti 0]

Hello fellow VJers!

My fiance has an interview on April 8th in Macedonia and I'm fortunate enough to be able to go and attend with him...

But I have a question about our return to the US:

We are flying from Macedonia to Budapest, and Budapest to Amsterdam. I am sure he doesn't need a transit visa for Budapest and I know that our luggage will be transferred from plane to plane by the airline because both flights are with the same airline. HOWEVER... when we arrive in Amsterdam, I'm not sure if the luggage will be automatically transferred (from Malev Hungarian Airlines to Northwest) or if we need to go to baggage claim and re-check in. This may seem like a dumb question, but when I was flying within Europe last year and came to the last leg of my trip (Europe to USA), I was required to collect my bags, exit and re-check in.

Am I crazy?? And if this IS the case, what happens with my fiance, who can't leave the transit area?

Thanks in advance for your amazingly insightful responses....

[jannaxhitti 0]

Anyone out there? Please???

[albkos 1]

In December I flew 2 different airlines on my return trip. On my second leg I did have to check in but did not have to collect my bags. My bags were waiting for me at JFK. I would just make sure when you check in at Skopje when you leave.

[letty 1]

It all depends on the company you fly with. Some do transfer your bags, others don't. But like you said, you chance companies so for sure you have to recollect your bags and check in again in Amsterdam. And I might be wrong but I think at the moment all transfers to the USA have to recheck their bags due to the security checks.

But I don't really understand your question. There are huge signs where to pick up your lugguage and where to check them in again. Also at the transfer counters which you pass on your way to the baggage belts they can help you explain where to go and what to do.

I might be wrong but I doubt your fiance has to stay in the transfer area. Pretty much all countries are issued a tourist visa whenever you pass the passportcheck and you're allowed to go where ever for 3 months.

Letty

[Donna A 4]

im not sure but when my husband was going to travel northwest to klm in amsterdam which dont require him to recheck baggage he still needed a transit visa.

[jannaxhitti 0]

It all depends on the company you fly with. Some do transfer your bags, others don't. But like you said, you chance companies so for sure you have to recollect your bags and check in again in Amsterdam. And I might be wrong but I think at the moment all transfers to the USA have to recheck their bags due to the security checks.

But I don't really understand your question. There are huge signs where to pick up your lugguage and where to check them in again. Also at the transfer counters which you pass on your way to the baggage belts they can help you explain where to go and what to do.

I might be wrong but I doubt your fiance has to stay in the transfer area. Pretty much all countries are issued a tourist visa whenever you pass the passportcheck and you're allowed to go where ever for 3 months.

Letty

This is the concern. I am POSITIVE that my fiance (a citizen of Kosovo) is NOT allowed to leave the transit area of the airport. I have confirmed this with the Hungarian and Dutch consulates. So, this being the case, and knowing that we are changing airlines, does anyone else have any suggestions?

Thanks for the responses so far...

[NCWife 0]

Have you tried consulting the respective consulates about this? Perhaps you could try explaining to them your situation and they might issue your husband the appropriate visa so he could claim his baggage and re-check in. My experience is, I had to claim my bags and re-checked in when I changed airlines.

Good luck!

[motu 5]

Amsterdam is a huge airport and they have a very large area where people wait out for their next flight (we did on our flight to India in Nov). When you check your baggage, ask them to check it through - that means to the final destination - most times they do it automatically for you. The only time there might be an issue is if the two airlines are not connected - then they might ask you to collect the baggage and re-check it in. Call your airlines and ask them - they will clarify the process for you. Good Luck

[jannaxhitti 0]

Thanks for your advice everyone!