Does condor check through luggage different airlines

How to verify before you travel: review the reservation record for a single PNR and multiple flight segments under the same booking; confirm with both operators by phone or email whether an interline baggage agreement applies; at the airport counter request a tag that includes the ultimate three‑letter airport code and keep the baggage receipt stub until arrival at the end point.

Timing and minimum connection guidance: when baggage is transferred by ticketing agreement, allow 60–90 minutes for intra‑Schengen or short transfers, 120 minutes for most international-to-international handovers, and 180+ minutes when you must reclaim suitcases, pass immigration/customs, and recheck on the onward carrier. For separate tickets add at least 2–4 hours extra to mitigate delays.

Fees and allowances follow the operating carrier named on each flight segment: on a single‑ticket itinerary the first carrier usually applies its bag rules for the whole journey or the most permissive clause in the contract of carriage; on distinct bookings expect separate charges and potentially incompatible size/weight rules. If excess charges are possible, pre‑pay online with each operator to avoid higher airport tariffs.

Practical tips: pack essentials in a carry item, photograph both tag stubs and boarding passes, purchase connection protection or a single‑ticket through a travel agent when you need baggage continuity, and arrive at the issuing counter early to secure the correct destination tag. If the connecting airport requires immigration clearance for transfers, treat your hold items as not transferred unless the agent explicitly confirms final‑destination tagging.

Interline baggage transfer with partner carriers – practical rules and steps

If your entire itinerary is on a single ticket, request at bag drop that agents tag your bags to the final destination and write down every tag number; photograph the tags and keep receipts.

Physical transfer of checked items happens only when the operating carrier has an interline or handling agreement with the onward carrier; code‑share status alone does not guarantee movement. For tickets issued separately, automatic tagging is uncommon – confirm transferability with both operators before travel and obtain written confirmation when available.

When you must clear immigration and customs at first entry (examples: United States, certain Schengen-entry procedures), plan on reclaiming and re‑depositing bags regardless of ticketing. Minimum connection guidance: single‑ticket connections – allow at least 90 minutes for international→domestic links and 60 minutes for domestic→domestic; separate tickets – allow 3–4 hours or more plus time for passport control and baggage handling.

At the departure desk, secure final-destination tag numbers, note the agent’s name and counter, and retain all boarding passes. If transfer is not confirmed, pack essentials and a change of clothes in your carry‑on, consider travel protection that covers missed connections and delayed baggage, and prefer single-ticket bookings when uninterrupted movement of checked items is required.

Interline and codeshare partners for baggage transfer

Always secure a single‑ticket itinerary with all legs on one e‑ticket number; only then will checked items normally be tagged to the final destination.

Example partner carriers (status mid‑2024)

Common commercial partners include Lufthansa Group members (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, Brussels Airlines), Turkish Airlines, SunExpress, United Airlines and Air Europa. Specific route-level agreements vary; regional and seasonal partners may be different.

How to verify on your booking

Verify the e‑ticket number covers every flight segment and look for partner flight codes on each leg. At the airport counter request a baggage tag showing the final airport code and keep a photo or paper copy. If segments are on separate PNRs or issued on different ticket numbers, obtain written confirmation from both carriers that transfer of checked items is supported before surrendering bags. When in doubt, contact both carrier reservation desks with your booking reference and ask explicitly whether interline transfer of baggage will be issued on that itinerary.

How to confirm at booking and at the airport whether your bag will be tagged to the final destination

Request that your bag be tagged to the final airport code on a single-ticket itinerary and keep the printed or digital baggage receipt that shows that code.

At booking

1) Verify the reservation is one ticket and one PNR covering all flight segments. A single ticket number across segments normally allows baggage transfer; ask the agent to read back the ticket number and PNR. 2) Ask the exact question: “Will my bag be tagged to [final three-letter airport code]?” Repeat the final destination code shown on your itinerary. 3) Confirm which carrier operates each segment and whether the fare is issued on one carrier’s document or split between carriers; request a written note in the booking or an email if the agent confirms tagging to the end point. 4) Check baggage allowances for each segment in the booking notes – if allowances differ, ask how the carrier will apply the most relevant allowance for transfer. 5) Save screenshots/emails of the booking page that show fare basis, ticket number and PNR; screenshot the agent’s chat or confirmation email and record the agent’s name and reference ID.

At the airport counter

1) Present your full itinerary and request boarding passes for all segments at bag drop. If you don’t receive passes beyond the first flight, ask the agent to reissue so you have proof of onward connections. 2) Inspect the paper baggage tag(s) as they are printed: the final destination IATA code should appear on the tag (examples: FRA, JFK, MUC). Photograph the tag and the receipt. 3) If the tag shows only the first airport, request re-tagging to the final airport or an explanation; record the agent’s name and time. 4) Keep the baggage receipt until you reach your final destination; that receipt is the only document that proves the bag was routed to the end point. 5) If you must collect and re-drop the bag (separate tickets or no transfer agreement), ask the agent for the exact procedure and minimum connection time required so you can plan for retrieval and re-check at the transfer airport.

Required documents, baggage tags and what to show at transfer airports

Keep passport, boarding pass for every segment and the paper baggage-tag receipt on your person during the whole connection; photograph each tag stub and the barcode before leaving the check-in area.

• Documents to carry
  • Valid passport (recommended validity: at least 6 months) and any necessary visas or transit visas for intermediate countries.
  • Boarding passes for all booked sectors (mobile or printed) and the PNR/booking reference.
  • Proof of onward travel or entry requirements (hotel reservation, return ticket) when required by the destination or transit state.
  • Health certificates or vaccination proof if mandated by origin, transit or destination governments.
  • Pet health certificates, permits and microchip details if animals travel with you.
  • Commercial documents for high-value professional equipment (ATA Carnet or invoices) and receipts for duty-free purchases.
• What to inspect on the baggage tag
  • Final-destination three-letter airport code printed on the stub – ensure it matches your itinerary.
  • Routing stops shown between origin and final airport; if only the first sector is printed, assume re-processing may be needed at connection.
  • Tag serial number or barcode: keep the paper stub until you collect your items at destination.
  • Special handling stickers (fragile, priority, oversized) – note these and keep photos for any claims.
• What to present at transfer points
  1. Passport and boarding pass for the next flight (some gates require both to allow boarding).
  2. Baggage-tag receipt/stub and booking reference at any transfer or transfer-desks when asked.
  3. Visa or entry permits for the transit country, if transit rules demand arrival-side clearance.
  4. Customs declaration forms and proof of purchase for restricted or high-value items.
  5. If asked about special items (sports gear, musical instruments, batteries, drones), present permits and manufacturer specs; for drone rules see are drones allowed in italy.
• If tag routing does not show final destination
  • Report to the transfer desk inside the secure zone immediately and present the tag stub plus PNR; they will advise whether collection and re-drop or re-tagging is required.
  • Do not exit the sterile area unless instructed; if you must collect items landside, keep extra connection time and be prepared for security and document checks on re-entry.
• Minimum connection time guidance
  • Domestic–domestic: 30–45 minutes (short-turn airports may require more).
  • Schengen to Schengen: 45–60 minutes; Schengen to non‑Schengen: 60–90 minutes.
  • Non‑Schengen to intercontinental or long‑haul: 90–180 minutes depending on customs/immigration requirements and terminal transfers.
• Practical tips
  • Keep all tag stubs until final collection; a photo of each tag and your itinerary speeds up any discrepancy handling.
  • Store vital documents in a single travel wallet or a front-body pocket for quick presentation at transfer points.
  • If a transfer desk issues a new tag or receipt, immediately photo it and add it to your travel documents collection.
  • For fragile or valuable items, consider priority handling and obtain written confirmation of special handling codes on the tag receipt.

Common exceptions: separate tickets, low-cost operators and customs hold situations

Plan on retrieving and re-checking your baggage when segments are on separate tickets, when at least one segment is operated by a low-cost operator, or when the transfer requires customs clearance; allocate extra time and budget accordingly.

Separate-ticket itineraries

When booking on two distinct ticket numbers there is typically no ticketing agreement between operators. Consequences: baggage will not be routed to the final destination automatically, transfer protection is absent, and liability for missed connections lies with the traveller holding the tickets. Recommended actions: buy a flexible onward ticket, purchase travel protection that covers missed connections, or use an interline/through-ticket product if available via the original seller. Minimum connection planning: allow 3–4 hours for short-haul domestic links and 4–6 hours for international connections when baggage must be reclaimed and re-presented.

Low-cost operator segments

Budget operators (examples: Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet) generally do not accept incoming checked items from another carrier and charge per segment for hold items and overweights. Practical steps: check the carry-on allowance to avoid paid hold service, pre-pay any required hold-item fees for each sector, and confirm size/weight limits per segment. If one carrier issues a tag only to its own destination, plan to collect and re-deposit the bag at the transfer airport.

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If baggage isn’t sent onward: practical steps for transfer, claim and retagging

Immediately proceed to the baggage reclaim area and retrieve your item using the baggage tag stub and boarding pass; present both at the baggage service desk if the carousel does not display your bag.

If entry control requires passport or customs clearance, exit to arrivals, complete formalities, then return to the departures/transfer counter of the onward carrier to drop the bag and receive a new departure tag.

What to present at handover: original tag stub(s) with tag numbers, boarding passes for all segments, booking reference or e‑ticket, passport and any required visas. A paper baggage receipt issued at first acceptance is proof of initial check-in and should be shown.

Allow time: plan at least 90 minutes for same‑terminal connections; 2–3 hours when inter‑terminal transfer, passport control or customs is involved. If scheduled transfer is shorter, notify cabin crew and request ground assistance immediately on arrival so staff can advise fast‑track or rebooking options.

If the bag cannot be located at reclaim, file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport baggage office before leaving the terminal; obtain the PIR number, officer name and contact details and note tag numbers, flight segments and a precise description of the item.

Keep all receipts for urgent purchases (clothing, toiletries, medication) and request the carrier’s policy on interim reimbursement. Submit receipts with your written claim. Standard time limits: submit damage reports within 7 days of receiving the bag; file delay or loss claims within 21 days from the date the bag should have arrived.

Photograph external damage and internal contents before handing the item back for acceptance; retain original packaging, serial numbers and invoices for high‑value items as proof of ownership and value.

If you are on separate tickets or travelling with a low‑cost operator that has no transfer agreement, expect to collect and then drop bags yourself at the onward carrier’s counter; allow extra time, ask for written confirmation of final carriage and delivery options, and expect possible fees for a new acceptance.

Follow up using the PIR reference when contacting carrier customer relations or baggage tracing portals; request written status updates, delivery estimates and compensation timelines. If there is no response within the carrier’s stated timeframe, escalate with copies of PIR, boarding passes, tag stubs and purchase receipts.