Air New Zealand Melbourne to San Francisco return - and on to Denver one way

[pn1]

Yesterday I purchased an Air New Zealand "special" from Melbourne to San Francisco for travel late May/early June.

I used a similar deal in November 2016 and was very happy with Air New Zealand.

This time I want to "add on" a one way trip from San Francisco to Denver. My plan is to return to the San Francisco bay area by train.

I understand if you have two "Star Alliance" bookings (e.g. Air New Zealand to San Francisco) and United from San Francisco to Denver it could be possible to check luggage through from Melbourne to Denver.

If so, how does this work?

And what would be a good site to look for a one way fare from San Francisco to Denver? How much time between flights at San Francisco would be suggested; three hours?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Paul in Melbourne

 

[AviationNZ]

Yesterday I purchased an Air New Zealand "special" from Melbourne to San Francisco for travel late May/early June.

I used a similar deal in November 2016 and was very happy with Air New Zealand.

This time I want to "add on" a one way trip from San Francisco to Denver. My plan is to return to the San Francisco bay area by train.

I understand if you have two "Star Alliance" bookings (e.g. Air New Zealand to San Francisco) and United from San Francisco to Denver it could be possible to check luggage through from Melbourne to Denver.

If so, how does this work?

And what would be a good site to look for a one way fare from San Francisco to Denver? How much time between flights at San Francisco would be suggested; three hours?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Paul in Melbourne

If I recall correctly, there is no rule saying Star Alliance carriers should through-check separate bookings, however, I believe Air NZ allows it for Gold/Elite FF's and also those in Business Class. What cabin have you purchased? If in economy or premium economy, I'd suggest you leave plenty of time between the two flights, possibly up to 4-5 hours.

 

[TomVexille]

I think NZ don't check through on separate tickets anymore. Either way you will be required to pick up bags to clear Customs at SFO.

 

[NZflygirl]

I've been successful flying Y having NZ Dom and NZ int flights checked through but haven't asked or needed to for >1.5yr. I'm going to ask this Fri at airport to check through NZ to SQ separate PNRs - will try to remember to post the outcome.

 

[Sdtravel]

This article might shed some light on the situation
https://www.ausbt.com.au/connecting-baggage-policies-for-oneworld-star-alliance-skyteam
AUSBT is a great resource.
Of course as it does say it doesnt hurt to ask and see how you go but dont rely on it unless the carrier has official wording saying they will do it. Like CX does when they recently reinstated the old OW policy.

 

[NZflygirl]

Successful checking bags through on separate NZ and SQ tickets. They did change my SQ # to the NZ FF # for the 2nd flight but I'll change that back in SIN. Should give silver kris lounge access now but I hear that can be difficult so I'll go in expecting to get booted out

 

[jpk]

Wife had no joy doing an itinerary similar to the OP: NZ connecting to UA (sep ticket), originating in MEL. MEL check in said they couldn't see the UA booking even when given a PNR. Had to re-check in with UA. Coming back UA had no issue doing it though. YMMV....