Checking luggage through LAX with 16 hour connection

[awilcockson]

On my upcoming jaunt to the US to see the final space shuttle launch, I have a 16 hour connection in LAX. I am flying QF BNE-LAX, and AA (with a QF flight number) from BNE-MCO.

We arrive in LAX at 7am and depart at 11pm. I know that we will need to take our bags off the belt at LAX to get through customs, but I was wondering if it is possible for our bags to be checked all the way through to MCO, and if will be possible for us to check the bags in straight away once we've gone through customs/immigration?

Normally it wouldn't be a huge deal, but I'm travelling with my family, 7 pax total, 2 many bags to count, and we'd like to head into LA for the day rather than sitting around the airport with cranky kids.

 

[Blackadder]

If the flights are on one ticket, can't envisage it being a problem, just collect your bags in LAX and then take them to the baggage transfer belt and away you go.

 

[awilcockson]

take them to the baggage transfer belt and away you go.

That is what I was hoping, and yes the flights are definitely on the same PNR. My concern was that there might be some time limit stopping me from dropping the bags of more than a couple of hours before the flight.

I'd really appreciate it if someone who has actually done this could confirm that it actually works.

I found an offsite luggage storage place, but they want $5 to pick up, $5 to drop off and $7 per 24 hours for storage for EACH bag, so at a conservative estimate of 7 bags that comes to $119!!

edit: If it makes any difference, we are flying into TBIT and out of T4.

 

[Blackadder]

No time limit from my experiences (up to 4 hours before connecting flight), so as long as it within 24hrs should be be no issue AFAIK.
Luggage will be sent to the storeage hold, and then allocated to a holding area for that particular flight.

 

[Kendall Roy]

Luggage will be sent to the storeage hold, and then allocated to a holding area for that particular flight.

Lock/wrap those bags or things will go missing

 

[awilcockson]

Ok, so it sounds like we should be alright. And the bags will definitely be locked

 

[grussellt]

If it's not too late: can you book flights with a better connection time? BNE -MCO works out quite well via DFW and would certaily avoid a long layover in LAX.

 

[jsoprano]

Ok, so it sounds like we should be alright. And the bags will definitely be locked

I have no experience myself, but suggest you take a look at this thread and reconsider your options:

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....sion/stolen-luggage-worst-airports-30369.html

Seems like locking bags doesn't change anything (no wonder), and I personally wouldn't leave my bags there for 16 hrs. Just my 2 cents though...

 

[harvyk]

Like others have said, don't leave anything of value in the bags.

Locking does nothing as if you use a TSA lock, they have the key anyway, and if you don't the lock maybe cut off using bolt cutters "for your safety and security"...

Same problem with wrapping up your bag in plastic, you'll know as soon as you see the bag at the other end that someone has opened it, but you won't know if it's legitimate eg TSA looking for bombs or someone seeing if you left an iPod in there for them to take...

 

[holrs514]

Was in this situation last year. Only had an 8 hr wait which turned into 10 as they tried to bribe overbooked passengers to travel the next day.

When you get to LAX go through customs and head towards the required terminal. You should be able to walk it and the weather should be good.

When you get there you should be able to check in. Be careful if they try and charge you a baggage fee for each bag. Group bookings certainly don't have to pay and I think tickets part of an overseas flight do not have to pay it.

We had a group of over 30 and had no problems with missing luggage. Booking in early saves some of the hassles faced when travelling in the US. Their security checks are quite thorough and the airport is not designed for them.

Good Luck.

 

[sacolman]

Ok, so it sounds like we should be alright. And the bags will definitely be locked

In my humble experience anything locked will be opened one way or another by US Security. The number of bags we had to replace due to our traveling to or via USA would fill many a luggage shop. It is amzing how ingenious US security is in destroying even the sturdiest of suitcases.

 

[awilcockson]

Cheers for all the advice. I've flown through the US/LAX a few times now, but always by myself and not with the family.

I'm a little concerned by the risk of a bag going missing, but I reckon we'll risk it as the only contents that will be in the bags will be clothes, anything valuable will be in the carry-on as usual

 

[gumpy]

the other year I had a 8 hr connection in ORD... and you know the bags somehow made it to LHR... no idea how... In saying that i'm generally amazed every time my bags show up on a domestic flight, I never take these things for granted =)

 

[Austashes]

I don't like the thought of leaving bags for extended periods. What we have done (twice now) is to book at an airport hotel - you can get half day rates for $50. This gave us the opportunity to shower, refresh, stretch and even go out if we wanted. You have to check out by 8pm but for a 11:30 pm flight the timing is about right.

Its not a bad option given the peace of mind and the storage charge you have been quoted. Enjoy your trip.

 

[sandiefran]

That is what I was hoping, and yes the flights are definitely on the same PNR. My concern was that there might be some time limit stopping me from dropping the bags of more than a couple of hours before the flight.

I'd really appreciate it if someone who has actually done this could confirm that it actually works.

I found an offsite luggage storage place, but they want $5 to pick up, $5 to drop off and $7 per 24 hours for storage for EACH bag, so at a conservative estimate of 7 bags that comes to $119!!

edit: If it makes any difference, we are flying into TBIT and out of T4.

In April we had an 11 hour turnaround at LAX.

We booked a half day rate (US$49.95 + tax) at the Los Angeles Travelodge. They pick up and return anytime between 8am and 8pm. We booked on line and paid on arrival. We were able to have a shower and a short sleep.

The Travelodge is old but clean, free WiFi and a Dennys restaurant attached. Sure beats hanging around LAX.

On our return, we flew with Delta from Toronto, Canada - one on points and one on a purchased fare. The route was Toronto to Cincinnati, change planes (3.5 hour wait) and then on to Los Angeles.

Our flight from Los Angeles to Sydney was with United airlines.

The check in agent in Toronto checked our luggage right through to Sydney - all we had to do was to advise United when we checked in at LAX.

Our luggage came off the carousel in Sydney with all the other bags.

Well done and thank you Delta.

With the same PNR, you should be fine.

I hope this helps.