Checked in Luggage and Flying Internationally Connected Flights

[Bugs 455]

I've always just used carryon items when flying to and from the Philippines. Easier and secure that way.

However, this time, I will be checking in a huge duffel bag when flying there (that will be mostly empty save for some food for her family), and likely checking in two bags of her stuff flying back here (to save room for her luggage when she comes here at the end of the year).

So my question concerns checked in luggage. My flight is Japan Airlines and will be connecting in Tokyo before landing in Manila going there, and connecting in Tokyo and Los Angeles before landing in San Diego upon the return. Do I need to pick up my checked in luggage at any of these connections, or do I forget about it the moment I check it in in San Diego and expect to see it in Manila?

Thanks, I guess I'm a bit of a newb when it comes to checking in luggage in international flights, so any advice is helpful.

Edited September 17, 2013 by Leon & Mylen

[Ning 619]

I've always just used carryon items when flying to and from the Philippines. Easier and secure that way.

However, this time, I will be checking in a huge duffel bag when flying there (that will be mostly empty save for some food for her family), and likely checking in two bags of her stuff flying back here (to save room for her luggage when she comes here at the end of the year).

So my question concerns checked in luggage. My flight is Japan Airlines and will be connecting in Tokyo before landing in Manila going there, and connecting in Tokyo and Los Angeles before landing in San Diego upon the return. Do I need to pick up my checked in luggage at any of these connections, or do I forget about it the moment I check it in in San Diego and expect to see it in Manila?

Thanks, I guess I'm a bit of a newb when it comes to checking in luggage in international flights, so any advice is helpful.

Just check it thru to its final destination.

[April-n-Gary 17]

That's what I'm doing also...human pack mules!

On the way out shouldn't be a problem, as long as your on the same airline, or the airlines have a interline agreement, they can check it thru all the way to your destination.

On the way back, same thing...except. Since you'll be arriving in the US in Los Angeles, that will be your POE, after clearing Immigration, you'll need to collect your bags, clear customs, then recheck your bags in for the last leg. Not familiar with LAX, but most will have a drop off for transit passengers just after customs, or in the same area to drop off your bags again. Maybe you can use the time while you wait for the Rent-To-Own to clear secondary at Immigration to collect the bags and clearing customs?

[Bugs 455]

That's what I'm doing also...human pack mules!

On the way out shouldn't be a problem, as long as your on the same airline, or the airlines have a interline agreement, they can check it thru all the way to your destination.

On the way back, same thing...except. Since you'll be arriving in the US in Los Angeles, that will be your POE, after clearing Immigration, you'll need to collect your bags, clear customs, then recheck your bags in for the last leg. Not familiar with LAX, but most will have a drop off for transit passengers just after customs, or in the same area to drop off your bags again. Maybe you can use the time while you wait for the Rent-To-Own to clear secondary at Immigration to collect the bags and clearing customs?

English please. I understood everything except the last sentence lol. What is Rent-To-Own, and why am I waiting for it? And what do you mean by secondary?

So Tokyo won't require me to clear customs with my checked in luggage?

[Rich and Wen 101]

I've never connected in a 3rd country when traveling overseas, so I can't say about whether you will pick up your luggage in Tokyo and then recheck it. My gut says no, but maybe someone else with knowledge can give you a more definitive answer.

Once you get to LAX, that's your POE into the US, so, yes, you will pick up your bags, clear customs, and then recheck them (just past customs) to your final destination in the US

[Bugs 455]

I've never connected in a 3rd country when traveling overseas, so I can't say about whether you will pick up your luggage in Tokyo and then recheck it. My gut says no, but maybe someone else with knowledge can give you a more definitive answer.

Once you get to LAX, that's your POE into the US, so, yes, you will pick up your bags, clear customs, and then recheck them (just past customs) to your final destination in the US

Thanks, I guess that is why my LAX stop has 3 hours between my flights, for that. It's a huge airport on top of that, not to mention they make you switch terminals just for a connecting flight to San Diego. I've connected through there before, and try to avoid it when I can. For some reason JAL didn't let me coming home this time however, even though they have direct San Diego - Tokyo flights daily. Must've been booked that day, although I got these tickets in the spring. Edited September 17, 2013 by Leon & Mylen

[Rich and Wen 101]

I have that same problem with Beijing-Chicago flights. For some reason, I'm always connecting in San Francisco (inbound) or Seattle (outbound).

[April-n-Gary 17]

OK, no you probably won't have to recheck bags in Tokyo, the airline will confirm when you check your bags in. "Rent-to-Own" is my term for the K-1 visa process (90 days rent to own), Since she'll have to thru the secondary inspection for all K-1 visa holder (hand over package, finger print, , passport stamp, etc) , and hopefully your process should be much shorter, you can use the time to collet the bags, clear customs, and recheck the bags.

If you have time, you can alway run over to In-N-Out Burger for a double-double! But I guess you have them down in San Diego

[Bugs 455]

OK, no you probably won't have to recheck bags in Tokyo, the airline will confirm when you check your bags in. "Rent-to-Own" is my term for the K-1 visa process (90 days rent to own), Since she'll have to thru the secondary inspection for all K-1 visa holder (hand over package, finger print, , passport stamp, etc) , and hopefully your process should be much shorter, you can use the time to collet the bags, clear customs, and recheck the bags.

If you have time, you can alway run over to In-N-Out Burger for a double-double! But I guess you have them down in San Diego

Oh she won't be flying with me. She'll be doing that in December. I have to get back to work before she has a chance to get her visa in hand after the interview (can take up to two weeks), quit her job, and she wants to spend one last Christmas with her family.

I am bringing two bags of her stuff though, to save room in her luggage when she does come, which brings me to my next question for anybody to answer:

Will bringing a bunch of her stuff without her cause any problems at the POE (it will mostly be just her clothes or similar items)?

[JRF 117]

Couple of words of caution...first watch the excess baggage weight fees in Manilla on the return home. I don't think JAL is as bad as some carriers but once on an Air Asia flight from SGN to BKK my excess baggage fee was more than the ticket (all for an extra 8 pounds).

Second...NRT is a huge airport. Again maybe you won't have to hike far but if you do it can take a while.

And no brining her stuff is not a problem. Just don't bring food (declare everything) and you will be fine. I will be doing the same thing for my wife (take empty bags, fill with her stuff). Cheapest way to move if you can avoid excess baggage fees.

Best of luck!

[April-n-Gary 17]

Oh, in that case you can forget most of what I posted!

Shouldn't be a problem clearing customs, I brought some of April's stuff when I went for her interview. I'd put "Personal goods" and NCV (No Cash Value) on the back if you want. As long as you're not bringing in a lot of the same items, that might look like you're reselling them. If they question you about the women's clothing, just tell them you're a cross dresser.

[Bugs 455]

Couple of words of caution...first watch the excess baggage weight fees in Manilla on the return home. I don't think JAL is as bad as some carriers but once on an Air Asia flight from SGN to BKK my excess baggage fee was more than the ticket (all for an extra 8 pounds).

Second...NRT is a huge airport. Again maybe you won't have to hike far but if you do it can take a while.

And no brining her stuff is not a problem. Just don't bring food (declare everything) and you will be fine. I will be doing the same thing for my wife (take empty bags, fill with her stuff). Cheapest way to move if you can avoid excess baggage fees.

Best of luck!

Yes, this is exactly why I will be flying some of her stuff with me, as JAL allows two bags to be checked in for free. I hear you about the excess baggage fee - but they have it at anything over 23 kg (50 lbs) for each bag. And if it is over that, the fee is still only 60 USD. Not bad, in my opinion either way.

And yes, I've been through NRT several times now. I kind of have grown a liking to that place now, if for no other reason than it has an emotional connection for me lol, being associated with my flights to see my fiancé. I was just wondering if I will need to deal with my checked in luggage at all there or if I can just blaze on through with just my carry ons as I've always done.

[Rich and Wen 101]

I'm a human pack mule as well. On United I only get one free checked bag, up to 50 lbs. Next trip over, I plan to check an empty large suitcase with an empty carryon inside. Fill it with her stuff, also the carryon, and she will have most of her clothes here. I've already made 2 trips under similar circumstances. No problem bringing her personal items through customs

[DavenRoxy 1,073]

passport stamp,

What passport stamp?

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

I've always just used carryon items when flying to and from the Philippines. Easier and secure that way.

However, this time, I will be checking in a huge duffel bag when flying there (that will be mostly empty save for some food for her family), and likely checking in two bags of her stuff flying back here (to save room for her luggage when she comes here at the end of the year).

So my question concerns checked in luggage. My flight is Japan Airlines and will be connecting in Tokyo before landing in Manila going there, and connecting in Tokyo and Los Angeles before landing in San Diego upon the return. Do I need to pick up my checked in luggage at any of these connections, or do I forget about it the moment I check it in in San Diego and expect to see it in Manila?

Thanks, I guess I'm a bit of a newb when it comes to checking in luggage in international flights, so any advice is helpful.

On the trip back you will have to claim your baggage at LAX and pass thru customs. Then you will re-check for your flight to San Diego

It will be the only time coming our going you have to check it twice.

You have to claim your baggage to enter the country.

You are not entering Japan on the trip over or back,so you don't have to re-check bags

I think a good rule of thumb is, if your passport is getting stamped you got to re-check your bags

Edited September 17, 2013 by The conciliator