checking luggage

[cindim]

Just re read all my travel info and saw that Abaco Inn recommends not checking luggage in all the way through. They say pick up in Florida and recheck. Have never done that before on any other trip down to any of the islands. What does everyone recommend?????

Thanks! Cindi

[mlmp]

I recheck if using multiple airlines. There is always a fight over who lost it otherwise. If I am using a single carrier, I risk it. Bring a change of clothes and swimsuit in your carry on to be safe.

[chestnc]

I have been to Abaco in the past 2 yrs. about 11-12 times and have also been to several other places requiring a flight change on same and different airlines amd have only once had my luggage to be missing on the way back home.(It was found the next day and delivered to the house). I would check it all the way through and pack a change of clothes and swimsuit in your carryon as Mimp says.

[chestnc]

I have been to Abaco in the past 2 yrs. about 11-12 times and have also been to several other places requiring a flight change on same and different airlines amd have only once had my luggage to be missing on the way back home.(It was found the next day and delivered to the house). I would check it all the way through and pack a change of clothes and swimsuit in your carryon as Mimp says.

[BahamaAngie]

chestnc, how does one get to Abaco 11-12 x in 2 years???? Wow!

[abacomah]

Have had no problem checking luggage all the way through. The latest trip was a Delta to Chalk's connection. When I checked in at Delta they found the Chalk's flight and printed the bar coded baggage ticket checked all the way through to Treasure.

In Fort Lauderdale, I checked with Chalk's and the baggage arrived at Terminal 4 from Delta in 20 minutes!!!!! So I would suggest you check when you arrive in your Florida location to verify baggage has been transferred. I have done this with Continental also. I would be concerned if the baggage ticket is not electronic. If it is hand written I wouldn't check it all the way through.

Vintage does not seem to have an agreement with Delta for baggage transfer so if you use them or one of the others you will need to pick it up and take it to your airline. In FLL, it's easy. Just get a cart and walk across the parking garage.

Ironically, my last two trips my luggage was left in Marsh Harbour and did not make it back on the flight to Treasure. We stopped in Marsh Harbour for customs. I checked the carts just outside of customs and they were empty so this last time I thought they had been loaded. They must have been inside in the customs area although I tipped someone to carry them to the cart. He must have gotten distracted. No biggy... they found them and got them to me. Next time I will walk with the baggage handler to ensure they get back on the cart to be loaded on the plane!

So to net it out.... it the airline can do an electronic baggage ticket all the way through to MHH or TCB I think you will be OK.

[chestnc]

Bahama Angie.. I guess it is the love of Abaco, the people and I have friends there. Also I have alot of vacation that I can take sporatically.

[BahamaAngie]

You are very lucky and I envy you. I also think it is the neatest place I have ever been to. Unfortunately, it seems like our trip is Hawaii bound this coming winter as the vote is for it, I could care less. I'll go as I venture just about anywhere but Hawaii does not compare to Abaco. Abaco beats it!!!!!

[cindim]

We are taking AMERICAN all the way thru to Abaco so guess we'll be fairly safe. If we take 2 suitcases, I always pack 2 outfits for both of us in opposite cases "just in case" and that works well! Have only "lost" luggage before on the way home--if it's gonna happen, that certainly the best time!

[cindim]

BahamaAngie

It's Hawaii again for us next summer. We've been 2x before so this time we are cruising to see other islands. We like Hawaii but LOVE the Caribbean! Anguilla is our favorite island but from all rpts here, Abaco might take over that position!

[BahamaAngie]

We probably will hit, Oahu, Big Island and Kauai, Maui being our least favorite. The beaches aren't as nice there. I also think the Caribbean outshines Hawaii. Hawaii's weather is nicer in the winter than Abaco but it is such a lonnnnng flight! You will fly to Honolulu and take a cruise ship to the other islands?

[Tom and Pat]

We have been checking through AA 4-6 times each winter from JFK to MIA for 5+ years as suitcases are full of food & spare boat/scuba/fishing parts. Only one bag missed the the transfer - AA put it on that afternoon's Delta plane and MHH had a taxi bring it to the boat.