I've found a good fare to Japan for the spring ($949), but - it connects through Seattle with only 1hr 20min layover. If both legs were with the same airline, I wouldn't be worried, but it looks like YVR to SEA is Alaska, and SEA to NRT is delta. I can't see anywhere if the Alaska flight code shares with delta. My question is, if it's not a code share, I guess I'll need to pick up then re-check the luggage, right? AND, based on that new rule that was posted here about airports/airlines requiring ppl check in/be at the airport 3 hrs ahead for international flights...if it's a different airline, delta won't know I'm already in the air heading to Seattle, it might just look to them like I haven't arrived and dropped my luggage yet. Sorry, VERY long winded.

Yes they codeshare or you wouldn't be flying one to get to the other airline's hub. I flew delta last Xmas alaska airlines to PDX then continued on delta to Ecuador.

Thanks Erin. So could they check your luggage right through to Ecuador?

They should check it all the way through. if not there would be a little check in area for you to do it without leaving security. but I can almost guarantee you won't have an issue

Brynn it depends on more than just airline to airline rules with luggage recheck. You also have to figure in customs regulations. We preclear us customs at yvr so you arrive as if you are a domestic connection to your first us departure. When we flew yvr - dfw - lhr - fco (routing from hell but we are cheapskates!!) I think we had to pick up and recheck luggage in London even though we were staying on one world the whole way thru.

Oh and tagging all the way through doesn't guarantee you won't have to pick it up somewhere along the line and recheck it.

You have to pick it up to clear US customs if you're (most likely) routing through the U.S., but there are easily accessible baggage drops.

^^ again, it depends. Coming back from Europe we flew lhr to dfw to yvr. The bag had been tagged NOT to be dispensed into us customs and automatically xfer red to our yvr connection. Only because we were through ticketed to canada. The passengers had to clear us customs, and to make sure we weren't leaving our suitcases in Texas we made a point of asking our airline at the baggage desk in customs hall an they confirmed our luggage was transferred for us. Sounds complicated but as long as you ask beforehand and watch what is being put on your luggage tags you should be fine!! (Source: my seven years as a baggage service airline employee at yvr)

I've flown from abroad many times and never NOT had to clear US customs but I'm sure it happens! Plan on picking up your luggage however, as you often have to.

Yep it's one of those instances that pops up sometimes.... Same with passengers flying in from the us and connecting straight to Asia. Bags were not put in Canada customs, although this rule may have changed since I left my role 5 years ago.

They code share and check it through, don't forget you go through US customs in Vancouver YVR

I've pre-cleared customs in Vancouver and Calgary, only to have to reclear it when I land in the US. Can anyone lend insight on why that's the case?

The key question here is. Where would you buy the fare? And who issues the ticket? Some agencies can still buy two individual tickets and not being in the code share route. But if delta or Alaska issue the Ticket, then you're good like others have said.

Everything is possible. And other passenger's experiences with multiple airlines mean nothing unless you know how the ticket(s) is issued.

With oil prices tanking, and japan airlines and ANA doing daily flights to Tokyo from YVR, maybe wait for a better direct flight price? I was seeing some direct flights to Tokyo at $900 earlier this month

You shouldn't have to pick up your luggage. And remember at SEA do not leave to the luggage area. Take the train to whichever gate you need to go to.
I have not had issues going through SEA. However, flying to Detroit through YYZ I had to leave security. Pick up baggage close to the US clearance area, and check it there.
I do not know what it is like coming back into Canada from SEA from an international destination. From HKG to LAX to YVR I had to grab my luggage at LAX put it onto a transfer belt and then leave secure area to go through re-screening. Best is just to ask the staff what happens along the way.

Just flew YVR to SEA w Alaska then SEA to HKG w delta. U would have to pay $25/bag w Alaska going to Japan but it would go directly. delta has 1 chk'd bag free but have to clear customs in SEA on returning flight. U collect luggage, go through customs and drop it off on belt right after, then go through security check again. U r not allowed to open luggage during the custom clearance.

Just a heads up to print off the baggage policy and bring it with you. Many airlines have a policy that if you are connecting to an international flight, they will honour the next airlines policy. But print it off because many gate agents might not honour it.
This isn't an issue on the way back because the international carrier often provides checked baggage

If the flight from Seattle is cheaper.....Vancouver to Seattle the greyhound is just $17.00 This way you can arrive in Seattle in your time.