Expert: K F. - 4/30/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have a return ticket from PVG-SFO-SAN, all the way by UA.

As I want to instead to going to San Diego, take a direct flight to Mexico (but with another airline), so I would just want to stop my flight in SFO.

I asked Orbitz (where I bought the ticket) if that was possible, but they told me it wasn't possible as the baggage was checked in all the way to SAN, and if I wanted to check out at SFO, I would have to change my ticket and that would cost me $280!!!!

As far as I've read in other posts, correct me if I'm wrong, but in this case I would clear customs in SFO, and take my baggage there, and then recheck it on the other band.



My question is, do you think it is possible that I take my baggage and just go away and recheck it in the other airline? Will somebody stop me from doing it?

Or is it that I clear customs until arriving in San Diego??

ANSWER: it all depends on the time when you declare your (change) plans to the airline company.  If you arrive at SFO and tell them then, like u state in your question, I do not think you can retrieve it.  However,because you have to retrieve your bag before customs, I think you can retrieve it because you will put the bag in a different conveyor belt for connections.  

To answer your question to your last part, YES, you can check bags in at a different airline company, if you can book a flight with them.  

Let me know if you have any other questions.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well, as the agency mentioned that they won't allow me to officialy change my plans as they would charge me a change-itinerary fee, I will have to just retrieve it and leave.

But, what makes me nervous is that if it is 100% sure that I will retrieve my baggage before customs in SFO, as I would be terrified if they don't appear and go all the way to SAN.

Thanks a lot

Answer
I am not sure I understand your question.
But UA may charge you a fee to change your flight plan, that is up to them.  But if you are changing your schedule due to illness or concern of any type they should accommodate you.  

Were you able to retrieve your bag?