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I have been going nuts trying to find an affordable flight from PIT (Pittsburgh) to STT. I've found that if I book with one airline and then another for connecting flights I can save about $60 (times four of us). I was wondering if this is a wise move. Will luggage get lost. Will we be able to connect ok. Has anyone done this? I'm so frustrated! Any help would greatly be appreciated!
I've never done that. How much time is between the flights? Luggage is an issue in SJU, as that airport is a black hole for luggage and I wouldn't check luggage going through SJU - even if connecting on the same airline.
Bluwater
You are too tuff on the San Juan airport.
We flew home just a few days ago and despite problems, American Airlines made all of my luggage connections to California.
To summerize..The American Eagle flight from St Croix to San Juan was delayed and landed at gate #1. Our flight to Dallas (DFW) was already loaded and announced it was closeing the doors. We, and a dozen others did the half mile sprint to gate 18. Ran throught the gate and slid into our seats. There was no way our luggage would make this connection. BUT...Ten hours later we arrived in California...and so did our luggage. Thanks American Airlines.
I agree San Juan has it's problems, but sometimes miracles happen.
Incidentially Janet
That never would have happened if we flew different airlines during a trip. It would require luggage pick up and re checking.
you may need to retrieve any checked luggage at the baggage claim, then go thru security again to check in to your connecting flight .... leave lots of time if so
We've done it before with two different airlines. We had about three hours between flights and had to claim then re-check the luggage back in. We were able to save about $500 going that route. Bit of a hassle but it worked.
Things to consider are amount of time between flights and hoping your first flight won't be delayed.
At $60 per person, is it worth the peace of mind?
I have flown into SJU on both American & United and made connections on Cape to STX. You do not need to claim and recheck luggage.
What you need to do is when you originally check your lugage with American or United ( and other airlines I assume ) is tell them you are on going to STX and tell them your on going flight number. Your lugage will be checked through to your final destination.
If at all possible you should avoid having to claim your lugage in SJU, go through security again and recheck your lugage. You can easily spend over an hour in this process. Longer if there are hundreds of cruise ship passengers flying home.
In SJU defense, I have never had a luggage problem there.
Jim
