So. I need to travel on SWA to a destination that would require two connections. SWA doesn't let you book a round-trip with two connections. But you can do it with two multi-city one-way itineraries.

The route I need to fly has ample time at both connections, 1-2 hours, coming and going. Has anyone ever done this? Can you get them to check your bags all the way through?

I've been able to book RTs with 2 connections previously. You won't be able to check the bags through if you book the legs separately.

I'd suggest calling and seeing if they can get the route and fare you want from their end.

Thanks! I was trying to avoid being on hold for an hour! Lol. Besides, TexAgs knows stuff!

Anyway, thanks for your comment. I'll probably have to do that. I was going to book each multi-city itinerary as one reservation. Ie. one confirmation going, and a different one on the return. The SW community seems to lead you to believe that the gate agent could check the bags through to the final destination, as long as the second "layover" wasn't more than three hours.

But I'm sure someone on here has done this before.

Do you have to check your bags? I'd find a way not to.

It's my whole family for 5 days. I'm gonna have to check bags!

The Chicken Ranch said:

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It's my whole family for 5 days. I'm gonna have to check bags!

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T&P

The Chicken Ranch said:

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It's my whole family for 5 days. I'm gonna have to check bags!

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I would drive

It's too far!

The Chicken Ranch said:

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It's my whole family for 5 days. I'm gonna have to check bags!

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My wife would absolutely kill me if I lost hers and the kids baggage or got my flight cancelled trying to skiplag to my destination.

So I called SWA, and the agent I spoke with didn't even know what a multi-city itinerary was. I explained that you click on "advanced" when you book a flight, and it gives you this option. She was uneasy about doing it, and suggested that I book three one way tickets outbound, and three one way tickets inbound. I then asked if I would have to retrieve my bags and recheck them in Hou and Atl? Yes. <laugh cry>. I then asked why I simply cannot book a RT with two connections, like I can on every other airline? The live person said that it was because of airport royalty fees.

This shouldn't be so hard, should it? Point A to Point B. Connection. Point B to Point C. Connection. Then Point C to D.

Seriously, has no one ever booked this? It is easily the cheaper option for me. 1k cheaper for my family.

SWA is blushing at how much faith you have in their baggage handling process.

Your itinerary includes:
Three flights, two layovers, two baggage transfers
for 5 people
each way

The odds of all of these connecting flights making it on time, all of your luggage making it on every flight is an order of magnitude lower than if you just flew direct. You're one bad storm in BFE, not even on your flight path, to delay a connection and this whole setup is shot to hell. You're going to show up at your final destination angry.

I would frame it to my wife that everyone HAS to fit everything they want in a carry on. Either spend the extra money or find a way to go without as many clothes and toiletries. Invest in some packing cubes and call it a day. Build your kids character as they learn to carry a 20 pound backpack.

Is this international? Or just trying to save $$?

Agree with above. That's a plan that is primed for a disruption. Carry on would be my game plan if I was going to try that route.

I'm totally lost lol.

Maybe some airport codes with dates would help.

Yeah. You are totally correct. It's just too much. We are going to add a day and drive a bit to more major hub to make this odd ball trip work.

Too many odd ball things to go wrong. I've never had problems with two connections on United, but I was flying solo, or just with the rib. But this is out of SWA's wheelhouse.

Thanks for all the replies!

SWA doesnt let you book RT with 2 connections? That's news to me...

You can stop several times, or 2 stops and a connection, but not two connections. At least, I've never seen that option available.