Air New Zealand Air Points - LAX Options

I'm arriving into LAX from DEN at 11.00am and as NZ check-in doesn't open until ~6.30pm I don't want to be sitting around with the extra large and extra heavy luggage that I will have with me.

I am sure it will be impossible to check my luugage all the way through from BIL-DEN-AKL.

I'd much rather be in the lounge with my feet on an ottoman than in the terminal with my feet on my luggage!

Any suggestions or recommendations appreciated.

Not sure about BIL, but checking in at various UA stations I have (even on separate tickets) sent the luggage through XXX - DEN - (SFO or LAX) - AKL - WLG, and not had a problem.

Perhaps check with your BIL - DEN - LAX carrier about the possibility of through-checking luggage?

Good luck.

If you are on a single ticket then through checking bags will be no problem. The boarding pass might be a problem if the NZ flight isn't open for check in when you arrive in BIL.

For that length of transfer I'd want to leave the airport. Worst case grab a shuttle to the 4 points and have some beers, or in-and-out for a burger. There will possibly be other FTers doing the same.

Slightly OT the OP states that the NZ check-in at LAX doesn't open until 6:30p? I am scheduled on NZ0005 which has a 7:30p depature. This seems a bit tight. Was he possibly referring to the Gate agent not the check-in counter. We are also arriving early and would rather not schlep luggage around for a few hours.

Think I''ve answered my own question. IT appears that NZ5 departure time changes by about three hours beween now and Jan (when we leave). Makes sense now.

FYI the koru lounge opens at 2pm. you need to have a boarding pass to get through security but you'll likely get that at 1st check in. through check your bags all the way if you can. I like to go to Venice Beach and watch the crazy folks but it could be a little chilly. You cn also go to Long Beach and see the old Queen Mary 2 boat! You just have to go through Compton to get there.

FYI the koru lounge opens at 2pm. you need to have a boarding pass to get through security but you'll likely get that at 1st check in. through check your bags all the way if you can. I like to go to Venice Beach and watch the crazy folks but it could be a little chilly. You cn also go to Long Beach and see the old Queen Mary 2 boat! You just have to go through Compton to get there.

The lounge opens at 2pm even though NZ2 departs LAX at 4pm? I realize the inbound NZ2 doesn't even arrive until 2pm but seems to me the lounge could open just a bit earlier than that.

Is the AC ML lounge open earlier? I'll be connecting to NZ2 and arriving at about noon soon. :)

AC lounge is open earlier.

NZ check in at LAX also is only open for a relatively short period before NZ2's departure.