Originally Posted by
bdemaria
The OP is arriving SYD-LAX so it make no difference whether or not s/he is then flying LAX - YYZ direct or LAX-ORD, the arrival from SYD mandates that OP clear customs/claim luggage, etc...
Maybe LAX is different from MIA....but at MIA, if you are arriving from overseas AND connecting to a nonstop flight to Canada, you do NOT need to claim your luggage. Instead, you clear Passport Control and Customs with your hand luggage only--checked bags get transferred directly to your flight to Canada.
AFAIK, Canada is the ONLY place where luggage ITI will work. For all other destinations (including intermediate stops within the USA), you must claim all checked bags.
Does LAX not allow this baggage transfer for International-to-Canada?