We are headed to Bonaire via PR. We will be staying the night in PR and flying to BON the next day. Here is my question: On AA's website they say the new baggage charge is voided if your final destination is international. Will our tickets be considered international or no because we overnight in PR, even though we really had no choice but to overnight there (at least with AA and our schedule)...

I realize I could call AA but my experience with airlines is that you get a different answer depending on who you talk to... SO does anyone have personal experience on this recently? I just want to be prepared for any fees I might have to pay.

I'll think I'll prepare to pay regardless, but am curious what others have encountered.

Thanks!! -Jennifer

I THINK it's your final destination. We went in April and the international rules applied, even though we spent the night in Atlanta. However, that was Delta. Contact Ann Phelan, who is an active member of this board and a travel agent. She might be able to clarify things.

Hello

When I stopped in PR for 3 overnights, it was NOT considered international and I was able to do the auto check in at the counter. If you are able to check in at the auto counters that is for domestic only. I would check with AA. PR is not considered international last I flew.

That is why I thought it will get tricky since PR is not considered international, but my final destination is. It was near impossible for me to make a connection in PR to BON in 1 day so really I have to stay 1 night... I am crossing my fingers that because it is only 1 night I might fly under the radar. Oh well, I will plan to pay and see what happens....

Thanks for all the info~

Jennifer, we fly from the west coast into PR. We take the red eye and arrive early in the morning and then leave in the early evening for Bonaire. You have the day to explore San Juan if you want, but don't have to spend the night. This eliminates all baggage fees associated with flying domestic routes and you don't have to re-check bags etc.....

RA- Do you fly AA? We fly AA mostly due to miles etc... Maybe that is our problem!! ha!

We've actually done the overnight in PR before and rather like it. We stay in old San Juan and are able to unwind and relax a little bit.

Well, we'll see what happens and I'll let everyone know. We are only checking 1 bag each anyway so it is not that it is that much $$ but I am curious...

Thanks again!

Jennifer, we fly AA and use miles too! We usually book our travel almost a year in advance so we can get the dates we want. We waited this year and had to fly Monday and return 13 days later and fly first class (oh the horror!) because all the economy seats were filled.

We also hung out in the Admirals lounge in San Juan most of the day. It is an eden compared to the rest of the airport.

I feel so sad for you, first class - how did you survive ;)

From Denver it seems they always route us in such a way that we would have barely enough time to make our connecting flight to BON and I have read enough horror stories of people missing the flight due to not enough seats etc... that is why we have always just opted to stay the night in PR. Not that we mind though because I just love Old San Juan (at least for a few days anyway!)

AA did just send me this:

Dear Traveler,

For your upcoming international flight, you can save time at the airport by entering or verifying your passenger details and emergency contact information now on AA.com. You can also view and print your itinerary on AA.com.

Notice how it says international travel... So maybe we will be safe from baggage fees! No worries though, if I have to pay a little extra - I'll be there in 2 days!!

Jennifer, it may also depend on your actual ticketing. Do you have two tickets one for the SJU flight and one for BON? If so then your luggages to San Juan fall under domestic rules. But if you have a single ticket through SJU with a long (very long) stopover, then it's international. I am sure there are limits on how long the stopovers are supposed to be. Also if it's considered a stop over then you may not be able to retrieve your luggage at SJU on your way to BON.