VA-DL Interline (separate PNR) + MCT in LAX?

[pythonisman]

Hi all,

Second set of stupid questions from me tonight, trying to lock in some flights for a trip to the US in a couple of weeks.

I land at LAX on VA7 @0655 on 31/7. I didn't know where I needed to end up when I booked the long haul sectors, so I only booked to LA (I had issues last year when I needed to change a domestic sector).

If I book a DL domestic flight (to SJC) will VA be able to Interline my luggage (and/or give me an onward boarding pass) in Australia, or is there a simpler way?
I know there are transfer desks when you exit TBIT, but I'm not sure if they're for tagged through luggage only (or if you can use them if you have an onward flight to save queues at the standard terminal?)

(Or does anyone have relevant experience to share?)

Additionally - and I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this - I land @0655 into TBIT, flying in the J cabin. I'm keen not to waste time on the ground in LAX (but also don't wanna miss my flight). VA-DL MCT (Int-Dom) according to expertflyer is 2hrs (seems pretty standard).

DL have flights LAX-SJC at 08:30 (arr 09:51) and 10:15 (arr 11:40).
I'm pretty sure 08:30 (1hr 35m layover) is not enough time in LAX, but at the same time if everything went right, *might* be possible.

If I booked a "flexible first" seat on the 10:15, and got in early enough to make the 08:30; do you reckon they'd let me 'fly ahead'?

I might end up just booking the later flight anyway, which will let me have a shower on the ground in LAX and I wouldn't need to worry so much, it'd likely just mean rocking up at my meetings (midday) either with my luggage in tow, or a tad late.

Anyway, I'll quit rambling, was mainly just after some of your infinite wisdom and insight!

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Ewing]

I've tried it before and always had a big fat *no* (even in VA J to DL F). You'll need to collect your bags and go re-check with Delta.

Delta on the other hand are more than happy to interline your bags on separate bookings from DL -> VA. You still need to get collect a boarding pass at LAX but the bags will have gone straight through.

 

[Seriously?]

I've tried the flexible first seat on a layover time that allowed for delays, with the intention of changing to an earlier flight. Unfortunately it's never worked, as soon as the question "do you have checked bags?" gets answered in the affirmative, there is no flying ahead.

I've still not found an easier way than exiting TBIT, heading up a floor and over to the DL terminal and checking in. The showers in the Sky Club are the best thing about that place

 

[serfty]

You could take a punt on SDC (same day confirmed) change.

Being booked in a premium cabin in the first place (even in G class) means that as long as the 8:30 flight is at least F1 and you are in time for baggage cutoff then you can change for $0 + tax as a VA WP. (Normally USD50 but VA WP seem to be treated as a Diamond Medallion and the fee has been waived).

I was able to do such a SDC at a check in kiosk at T5 earler this year.

 

[VRC]

http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/showpost.php?p=1250934
As I replied in another thread was able to have bags through checked at MEL check in with my VA J reward booking MEL BNE LAX to a separate paid DL booking LAX SFO. Even received my boarding pass for DL flight. I would go for the longer layover and have a shower to freshen up and avoid the stress of a short connection. Just did the bag drop with the attendant at TBIT.

 

[pythonisman]

Thanks for the replies guys.
I've booked the later flight (90 minutes is just not long enough for comfort) and if it ends up being doable with something like the SDC change (if by luck my bags are out early and I got lounge time in LAX for a shower) that'd be ideal, if not I kick back a little bit and just rock up a bit late. Either way will be alright.

Thanks again!