Category: Let's talk
Ok! I've never flown out of the U.S., but in a week, I have to fly to Canada. When I change planes, will I have to recheck my luggage, or will it automatically be checked through to Canada? Also, is the airport assistance the same there as it is here, and will they help me get through customs in Halifax?
well Jessie, there are a number of different factors that you have to take into account with regard to the question of whether or not your baggage will be transfered for you or not. it is most likely that the answer is yes, especially if you are flying with the same carrier all the way through. by carrier of course i mean airline and not aircraft! lol. even if you should be changing from one company to another, as the flight was all booked at the same time then chances are that they will do your bags for you. however if you really aren't sure then you can always ask what the situation is when you check in. the check in staff at the airport will be able to tell you exactly how things will work.
as to the question of assistance have no worries. so long as you have informed the airlines in advance, or the people that you booked the flight threw, you will recieve assistance at both ends for certain. i have travelled all over the world and have never had any problems with assistance where ever i have been.
on that note i shall bid you a safe journey and a pleasant stay in canada.
wouldn't it make more sense to check with the airport ect hmm?
Ok, here's the deal.
Going to Canda you can check your luggage all the way, even if you booked the flights separately, as long as you left enough time (an hour or possibly 90 minutes) between the arrival time of your first flight and the departure of the second one. Check in in the "international" section of your airport even if the first flight is only domestic and tell them you want to check the luggage all the way. Then show them an itinerary or your ticket for the second flight and they can check your luggage all the way through. It's never been a problem with me and out of the numerous times I've had to do tthis they only lost my bag once (and it showed up 2 days later) and that was around Christmas with peak travelling season and a strike at the Baltimore airport.
Beware though that the same does not apply when you return to the U.S. You have to pick up your bags and check them in yourself upon arrival in the U.S. with no exceptions, evenif you are flying with the same airline, this allows customs to check your luggage.
Airport assistance in Canada is superb, at least in Toronto (not sure about Halifax) but in general I've had good assistance everywhere, U.S., Canada, Iceland, Germany, Denmark and all over the U.S. never been a problem, just make sure there is a "meet and assist" request in your booking (or whatever the airline calls it, basically special assistance for diabsled passengers).
Good luck, enjoy your trip.
cheers
-B