Peter Greenberg: Transferring Luggage Between Flights

By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org

Q: I am going to Hawaii and must take United Air to San Francisco, then Hawaiian Air. There is only one hour between planes. How can I get my luggage transferred in that time? I made each reservation separately.
–Jane, Sparks, Nev.

A: When it comes to checking bags, while a one-hour connect time is considered legal by the airlines, I don't think it's appropriate. You run the risk of your bag missing the connection. One thing you MUST do: When checking in on your first flight, be sure to show the counter agent your onward ticket on Hawaiian Air so they can tag the bag through to its final destination. At San Francisco International, Hawaiian departs from Terminal 1, while United arrives in Terminal 3. Even without dealing with bags, you've got to hike between terminals.

Other options include shipping your bag with FedEx, DHL, UPS, or a dedicated luggage-shipping service. Alternatively, trying to pack light enough so that you've only got carry-ons is really your best option. That might not be an option for a ski vacation, but you're headed to Hawaii; so if at all possible, pack very, very light.