Expert: Roberto Gomes - 4/30/2009

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??

Thanks in advance

Answer
In fact Mario, the ITI program is still in place at airports like MIA and JFK ...



Dear Mario.

So your new itinerary will be PVG-SFO-MEX.
The PVG-SFO will be with UA and some other airline from SFO to MEX.

Normally, you'll need to clear Immigrations and Customs at SFO, i.e. have your baggage inspected. Some US airports have a program that they called ITI bags (International to International). I'm not sure if SFO is a part of such program, which means that the baggage is transferred directly from one airline to the other, without US Customs inspection. In this case, the airline that you'll flying with from SFO to MEX has to have an interline agreement with UA, in order to allow UA check-in people in PVG to tag your bag accordingly.

Hope I helped with your question.
If you need any additional info, please let me know.
Best Regards,
R. Gomes