Hi everyone,

I'm traveling SFO-EWR-TLV on CO, with a long layover in EWR (arriving 6am, departing 10:40pm).

I have a feeling that I won't be able to check my luggage all the way to TLV and will have to pick it up in EWR. I tried asking a phone agent about it and they didn't seem to know, but my itinerary is split into two pieces (SFO-EWR, ERW-TLV), because this is no longer considered a connection.

So... the first question, does anyone know for sure whether I can check luggage all the way to TLV or not?

Second, if I cannot, then what is my best option for dealing with the luggage? The idea of the layover is to simply bum around NYC, meet up with a couple of friends, etc.

I understand that Penn Station has a left luggage service for Amtrak ticket holders, so that's an option (take Amtrak from EWR to PS) but not ideal for various reasons. Any other options?

Can I simply not pick up and let it sit in CO's baggage claim office for 14-15 hours? How long do they hold luggage until they try to send it somewhere (presumably to the address on the tag?) Will FBI be waiting for me when I come to claim it? If the address on the tag is foreign (e.g., TLV), will they send it there?

Please share your knowledge and wisdom, thank you!