In talking with customer relations, they said pretty much the same thing that has been noted in this thread - this should be doable. I will have both confirmation numbers at the ready when I check in at Little Rock. Having all info at initial check in is the key to getting this right... The rep I talked to on the phone said the 6 hour layover should not be a problem either, citing the fact that Southwest has so few direct flights to Hawaii, it is expected any traveler to Hawaii on Southwest is likely to have a long layover somewhere on the west coast. The one item the rep noted that makes this possible is that all travel is on the same day. If that were NOT the case, this solution might not apply. More to follow as developments warrant. Plus, I will update this thread after the trip with results and experiences. Thanks to those of you who have offered ideas and suggestions!
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02-09-2020
12:12 PM
02-09-2020
12:12 PM
The short version of this question: using two different flight reservations, I have a six hour layover in Oakland. Can I check my bags all the way to Kona when I check in at Little Rock (the initial point of departure)? Since I could not find a direct flight on SW to Hawaii(Kona) from Little Rock, I had to make two separate reservations (stopping for 6 hours in Oakland). I've read a couple of posts here that I should be able to check my bags in (at) Little Rock to Kona - meaning I will NOT have to retrieve my bags in Oakland (actual end of the 1st reservation) and recheck them for the 2nd destination (Kona). However, given the two flights are 6 hours apart, will that cause any issues? Also, I have read that not every gate agent may know how to do this. Is there anything I can do to ensure I do NOT have to deal with my bags in Oakland (retrieve them only to recheck them)? Thanks!
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