How do you transfer checked baggage when flying multiple carriers?

Question

And, without have to go to the baggage claim and then back through secruity and the ticketing counter of the different carrier.

ie. If I fly United into JFK, and am flying Jetblue from JFK to LAX, and I have an hour layover, how do I transfer my bags without them going down to the baggage claim and then having to check them again???

Answer 1

If you purchased the ticket which gave you the combo of United and Jetblue on the same itinerary from say, Orbitz.com, cheaptickets.com, etc., then when you check in for your United flight, they should immediately check the bag for you to the Jetblue flight.  When you arrive in JFK, you would walk or take the Airtran over to Jetblue, while they will take your bag off the aircraft and transfer the bag to Jetblue ramp agents who will place your bag on your flight to LAX.

Now if you purchased them separately i.e. went on United's website and purchased one flight, then went to Jetblue's and purchased the flight from JFK to LAX, then unfortunately, the airlines will not be able to check your bag through to the other carrier.  They will ask that you claim your bag in baggage claim and proceed to Jetblue's terminal and check in there.

Answer 2

If you've bought a through ticket, ask at the check-in at your point of origin - they should be able to check your bags in for the whole flight and next time you'll see them is at your final destination. I've never done it with United/Jetblue combination on domestic flights, but have done it with various airlines on international routes and can't ever remember having come across a combination of carriers that wouldn't allow it.

Answer 3

Sophia has it right - with one exception. If you are flying into the US from abroad you will have to claim your bags at JFK and have them with you when you go through customs, just as with any international flight. Once you clear customs you will be able to check your bag again for your flight to LAX.

Sometimes you can go through customs before you leave the airport - for example, flying from Toronto or Montreal, then into the USA. It just all depends on whether there is a US customs agency on-site at your origin airport.

I only mention this because you don't state what your point of origin is, and that can make a difference, especially in this case.