QF LAX Check in

[Chucksta]

Found this on the QF website:

Tom Bradley International Terminal
Qantas departures to Auckland, Brisbane and Melbourne operate from this terminal.
Qantas flight QF175 from Sydney and Brisbane arrives at this terminal.
oneworld carriers British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines and LAN operate from this terminal.
Terminal 4
Qantas departures to Sydney, and QF107 to New York operate from this terminal.
Qantas flights QF11, QF149 and QF107 from Sydney, QF108 from New York, QF93 from Melbourne and QF25 from Melbourne and Auckland arrive at this terminal.
Qantas codeshare flights operated by American Airlines operate from this terminal.
Terminal 3
Qantas codeshare flights operated by Alaska Airlines operate from this terminal.

I assume QF12 LAX-SYD will depart from T4. What is the check in facilities like for a WP in J (or possibly F if the upgrade clears).

What is the min time before the flight leaves that I can arrive at the airport? Are there long lines for baggage screening before check in? What is a safe amount of time to allow.

thanks

Chucksta

 

[Harriet Vane]

It does indeed depart from T4. I was travelling in Y so no idea re checking in for anyone else. I do know that you have to get your bag when the person at the desk has finished with it. Unlike every other airport I can recall, you have to take the bag off the scales and walk it over to the TSA people nearby. Seemed rather ridiculous to me. We walked off without realising that and got called back. I saw several other passengers do the same thing, so I felt less stupid.

 

[Chucksta]

So the TSA people scan the bags after you get the tagged?

Then do you leave the bags with TSA or do you have to bring them back to the counter again??????

Typical American efficiency I guess.....

 

[Harriet Vane]

It might be different if you're in J, but you just take them from the check-in counter to the TSA, who do god-knows-what with them after that.

It was pretty silly, I agree.

 

[turtle]

Yet, tho ther day myself and partner checked in at terminal 4 in F and one bag that was unlocked was put straight on the belt while the othe which had one of those locks that can be opened had to be taken for screening,
In any event the qf section of terminal 4 is a quite oasis and does not take very long to get through.

 

[NM]

Since all bags need to be screened, and many USA airports do not have the facilities in the bowels of the baggage handling system, they have setup TSA screening in the check-in areas. Normally you take the checked bag to the TSA screening area and just leave it with them. Sometimes they want you to wait until the screening is complete. If you want to lock the bag then you have to wait until the screening has been performed.

This is common at most USA airports for both domestic and international flights.

 

[MelUser]

Is it my imagination or does the exact place where QF checkin is located in TBIT seems to change every 6-12 mths?

 

[Chucksta]

Slightly off topic: What's the best lounge for a WP departing on QF12 at LAX T4?

 

[Shano]

Slightly off topic: What's the best lounge for a WP departing on QF12 at LAX T4?

Lounge choices will be the T4 AC or, as WP, the T4 Flagship Lounge. Definitely go for the FL.

 

[Chucksta]

US flights seem to have a size limit on checked baggage.

Does that mean I cannot check in golf clubs at LAX coming back to SYD?

I am flying J with a possible upgrade to F.

thanks

Chucksta

 

[serfty]

You should be fine, look here:

• Qantas Baggage - Golf Clubs

Golfing Equipment

A golf set consists of one golf bag including clubs, golf balls, and golf apparel. Golf bags and collapsible buggies are carried as baggage and are exempt from normal linear dimension restrictions.
...
International Piece System

When the checked baggage piece allowance of one golf set and your checked baggage exceeds the free baggage piece allowance, you will be charged 50% of the applicable additional baggage charge for one such golf bag per passenger ([edit: USD53]). Any additional golf equipment will be charged at the normal additional baggage rates ...

 

[Chucksta]

I think I have changed my mind on bringing my golf clubs.

Instead, I will most likely purchase a new driver in the USA. Prices seem much cheaper than AUS!

Couple of questions:

Can I bring a driver as hand carry? If not, can it be checked in by itself? Does QF charge for this? Should I box it up, but this will mean it exceeds the dimension allowance for USA (62 inch).

Also the AA website says: Swingless Golf Club load strips are prohibited in check in and carryon. What on earth is this???

thanks

Chucksta

 

[Harriet Vane]

From the Qantas website:

Governments have directed that for security reasons, all knives, sharp objects or cutting implements of any kind and any length, whether of metal or other material, and some sporting goods, must be packed in your checked baggage. They cannot be carried in your cabin baggage or on your person.


...


'Sporting goods' include but are not limited to: sporting bats, billiard/snooker/pool cues, catapults.
​

On the basis that a golf club is in the same vein of items (club/bats/long stick-like things) I'd say there's no doubt that it needs to be checked.

 

[oz_mark]

Never realised I was supposed to check my catapult in.

 

[Harriet Vane]

Never realised I was supposed to check my catapult in.

It makes you wonder how often it had to happen ("No, sir, I'm sorry. You cannot take your catapult onto the aircraft.") to make them put it on the website.