Expert: Roberto Gomes - 10/2/2008

Question
Hello, I am in the process of selecting flights to travel to Quito this winter.  One inexpensive option (with best arr/dep times) is Northwest Airlines from MSP to MIA and changing to LAN Ecuador to get to Quito.  My question is about how to check in with the second airline after getting to Miami.  Whether going to Quito or returning to the US, would I have to claim my bag in Miami, exit the terminal, then go to the main ticket/check-in counter to check-in with the second airline, thus having to re-go through security again?  What about after clearing customs?  Or, is there is a simpler way to do this?  If changing airlines in transit is time-prohibitive, I may have to choose American Airlines which goes all the way through but costs more with less desirable arr/dep times.  Thanks, I hope my question makes sense.  I couldn't find this information on the Miami airport website.

Answer
Dear Eric,

Northwest(NW) can check your baggage through Miami and tag it to your final destination Quito. This is a normal interline procedure. All you have to do is show them your confirmed reservation with LAN.

NW flights arrive in MIA on Concourse G, while LAN departs from Concourse J. You can see the map at this link:

http://www.miami-airport.com/html/airline_tickets_counters.html

After arrival in MIA, you'll need to check-in with LAN. Just show them your baggage claim tag to allow them to locate your bag and make sure that the transfer will be done. I recommend that you have at least 2 hours between flights. There is no Immigrations or Customs formalities when leaving the US.

On the way back, the same procedure as far as baggage tag is concern applies. But this time Immigration and Customs are present in MIA.

After clearing Immigrations, you'll need to clear your bag with Customs.

Then, after Customs exit look for a NW re-check center. If not available, you'll need to proceed to NW check-in counter in the upper floor with your bag.

If you have additional questions, please let me know.
Best Regards,
R. Gomes