I am in a fix. I need help. I am flying to the US on 5th Aug and I have confusions with my flight itinerary

Question

My entire journey is divided into 3 legs. The first leg is from Calcutta to Mumbai by Jet Airways Flight no 9W 0202. The second leg is from Mumbai to SanFrancisco by Jet Airways Flight no 9W 0210. The final leg is from SanFrancisco to Phoenix by US Airways Flight no US 0231. I booked the flight through travelocity.

Now, I have certain queries.

1 Will the US airways allow me extra baggage of 23 kgs (apart from 2 baggage of 23 kgs each) that the Jet airways is providing me on the basis of student special offer? If not, how much will the US airways charge me for the extra baggage? Will the US airways charge me for each of the 3 bags?

2 Since the whole journey comprises of 2 different airlines and 3 different flights, how will I go about managing my luggage transfer from one flight to the other flight at the end of each leg?

3 I have a halt at SFO airport for 12 hours. What am i supposed to do for so long at the airport? Will i be allowed to move out of the airport? Will I be provided any accommodation by the airlines for the night?

Answer 1

Others have answered #1 and #2 pretty well so I will take #3.   You will not be provided accommodation by the airline, as you agreed to the flight schedule when purchasing the ticket..

What you CAN do is explain your situation to the gate clerk upon arrival.  Most airlines have a contract with a local hotel at discounted rates in case of delays, etc.  IF USAir has a local hotel available, and if the hotel can bill you direct, sometimes you can get the room cheaper than if you booked yourself.

If not, take the train into the city and enjoy fisherman's wharf or Ghiardelli Square!

Answer 2

1) Interesting question!  I don't know.  I would hope that their interlining agreement would mean you will not be charged, but if I were you I wouldn't count on it.  I would call one or both airlines if I were you.

2) Your baggage will be changed from the first flight to the second for you, I am almost positive.  You can verify this when you check in - look at the tag they put on your bag.  If the last airport listed is BOM you will have to collect it in Mumbai, but it is much more likely that the last airport listed will be SFO or PHX.

However, upon arrival at San Francisco (SFO) you will have to collect your luggage, go through customs, and then re-check it.

3) Once you have passed through customs at SFO, you are free to leave the airport and do whatever you like.  Be back in the airport 2 hours before your flight to PHX.

Answer 3

1. US Airways is not obligated to follow Jet Airways' baggage polices. If you're in economy class, and you bought your ticket after July 9, you must pay for all checked bags. If they are under 23kg, the charge is $15 for the first bag, $25 for the second, and $100 for the third. If you bought your ticket before July 9, the first bag is free if it is under 23kg.

If your bags are over the maximum allowed size or 23 kg,  then extra charges apply.  You can read their policies at http://www.usairways.com/awa/content/tra...

2. Since the first two flights are both on the same airline, Jet Airways should transfer your bags at Mumbai. You must clear US Customs and Immigration at San Francisco, so you must claim your bags, go through immigration, and then recheck them with US Airways.

3. Yes, you can leave the airport. You will be outside of the secured area of the airport when you leave Immigration, so you can go anywhere that you want.  

It is highly improbable that the airline will offer you a room if you are traveling on a discount fare. Airlines normally provide rooms only if it is their fault that you are stranded overnight, such as a flight that is canceled due to mechanical problems. They're not responsible if you select flights that are scheduled with an overnight layover.

You can call them and ask, but I've never heard of an airline doing this for discounted fares.