Part time rookie travel planner part 2

More on my golfing buddy's Las Vegas trip....

Even if their connecting flight did depart from Midway the checked bags would still be an issue on this trip. There is a little known item called the “interline baggage agreement” that would come into play on this reservation. This voluntary airline agreement basically states that airline A will transfer bags onto airline B. My buddies originating discount carrier does not have any interline agreements so you check your luggage point to point or in this instance from Columbus to Chicago. Upon arrival at Midway he would have to race to baggage claim retrieve his bags then re check them with his next carrier. You need time plenty of it and unfortunately some of the bargains finding online booking engines miss this fine point and build an impossible connection.

Their return flights from Vegas were almost as bad. No change of airports this time but they had a lengthy 9 hour layover at the airport. Airports seem to go out of their way to purchase the most uncomfortable furniture available and personally I would not relish a long stop over.

The points here to reflect on are sometimes the deal is just too good to be true. Also as a novice travel planner be sure to read everything very closely. As we read over his flight itinerary it very clearly stated Chicago Midway and Chicago O’Hare airports but there was no mention of two different airports or surface travel. He openly acknowledged that all he saw was Chicago and figured he was good to go. Last point is that when in doubt defer to a professional. Frequently their advice is priceless.

Got travel questions? Email thetravelprofessor@gmail.com.