Hi, guys! How are you today?
Welcome to another video of the airport module.
We've gone through the check-in in your country,
we've flown, we've landed, immigration has let you in.
So, now what? What's next?
You need to grab your stuff, right? So, let's talk about baggage claim.
Pay attention to this:
In the US, you have to pickup your baggage in the first city you land.
Even if it's not your final destination, ok?
Not ok? Well...
First, let's have a look at the possible types of flight you may take.
Basically, a direct flight is direct, no stops.
You'll land exactly where you want to.
But a stop-over flight and a connecting flight are different.
A stop-over flight will land in a city, but the passengers will not disembark.
So, there's no reason to worry about your baggage,
as it'll only leave your plane at your final destination.
A connecting flight is a lot more common,
you have to get out of one plane
and present a ticket to board a different plane.
The connecting flight is usually a domestic flight,
which means from one use city to another.
So, this is where things get different from everywhere else.
If you have a connecting flight in the US,
you have to pick up your baggage,
and check them in once again before taking the next flight.
So, now you must be thinking,
does that mean I have to go through customs,
through the arrivals gate and then all the way through the check-in counter,
and security check to board the other plane?
No guys, when you pick up your bags at the first city you'll stop,
you'll see a transit counter.
It's a special path that takes you to the connecting flights,
inside the boarding area.
You won't have to go back to the airline check-in counter.
Just pick up your bags from the baggage carousel,
and follow these signs:
There'll be someone giving instructions to passengers,
but if you feel you need to ask for information,
you can use the following sentences:
Oh, and remember to say "excuse me"!
Every time you approach someone politely, these are the words to use.
Otherwise, you're just interrupting people in a rude way.
When you get to the transit counter after you pick up your bags,
find the check-in counter of your airline.
In some American airports, they're right by the carousel.
After that, you go through the security checkpoint again,
but still inside the boarding area.
Your belongings and yourself will be scanned.
You'll see more details about the security check in the upcoming videos.
But know you have to go through this procedure
when you leave your country and then again when you land in your first US city,
when you're in transit.
After that, check the boarding time on the departure board,
if you have questions, you can always ask the airline staff on the ground.
Now guys, bear in mind that this process will only happen
if you're coming into the US from overseas,
to take another flight either to another US city or to another country
In both cases, you need to have a valid visa.
On the way back to your country, you won't have go through all of this again.
Your luggage will go straight to your final destination,
Unless you're going from Canada to Brazil via Miami.
So, summing up!
This is the process you'll go through when coming into the US
in an international flight to take a connection flight.
Now, truth be told,
if it takes too long to go through the process of changing airplanes,
you may miss your flight.
In that case, talk to the airline ground staff,
and tell them that you've missed your flight.
You can say:
If that happens, the airline will offer flight options,
preferably in the same day.
However, your luggage will already be flying towards your final destination
and the airline will keep it in their counter until you get there.
Well, if you leave your country in a non-stop flight,
or take a connection flight somewhere else,
your first stop in the U.S. is your final destination.
All you have to do is follow the baggage claim signs until you get there.
People usually tell us to wear comfortable clothes and shoes in long flights,
but let me tell you, they're quite convenient in large airports.
You may have to walk longs distances,
or even take a tram or train to get to baggage claim.
If you get lost or if you're not sure how to find the baggage claim,
you'd better ask for information.
You can ask one of the following questions:
As it is far, when you get to the baggage carousel,
your baggage will probably be there already.
Sometimes, one carousel takes the baggage of the passengers of two flights,
so it's important to check the baggage tag to make sure you're taking your own baggage.
Got it?
By the way, let's take a look at the types of bag you can check-in.
These are the individual bags,
but when you want to talk about the whole set of them
you may refer to it as luggage or baggage.
No matter which bag you prefer guys,
there are high chances that someone has a bag just like yours.
So, you better double check when you pick up a bag,
or try to find means to avoid any confusion.
You can try some of the following tips:
The first thing to do, is hang a name tag on your bag!
Write your name, phone number, email address,
so people can contact you if they get your luggage by accident.
Oh, and it is nice to have a name tag on your carry on as well, ok?
Here's another tip!
These straps are pretty cool! You can see your luggage from a distance.
Check out this other tip!
You may use all of these ideas!
Anyways, the airline will tag all baggage and hand you a receipt.
You must keep this receipt and present it to the airline staff if you have any problems.
Despite all of that,
there's still always a chance your baggage being lost or delayed.
This may happen when the time between connections is too short.
You board the plane, but your baggage doesn't.
I know, it's annoying, but it may happen.
That's why it's a good idea to have a change of clothes in your carry-on.
Well, there'll always be some airline ground staff to help.
Here's some sentences you can use:
Once you've informed them that your baggage is lost,
you can ask for help to find them.
The airline is prepared to assist you in all of these matters.
But keep in mind that lost luggage
is one of the items in your insurance coverage.
If you need to, give the insurance company a call!
Oh man, when you think it's only luggage,
there are many details to remember.
And that's why you must do your follow up activities,
to make sure you've grasped all of the important information.
We'll be back soon for more airport and travel information for you!
I'll see you in the next video!