Hello --

I wonder if you can give me some advice about an international connection at DFW.

I am traveling ORD > DFW with AA, then onto BNE (Brisbane, Australia) with Qantas. I have two hours connection time in DFW.

How much will time I need? I know that 2 hours should be sufficient, but I've checked the on-time performance of ORD > DFW and it isn't that great, often arriving up to 1 hr 15 mins late.

As I booked the flights together as a single trip, I assume that I should be able to check my bags all the way to Brisbane at ORD? Do I have to clear customs and exit the US at DFW, or at ORD?

I guess I am a little worried about the connection b/c the DFW > BNE flights are only four times weekly, so I will be stuck in DFW for 48 hours if I miss my connection. Is it worth booking an earlier flight to DFW to be safe, even if I have to pay change fees or an entirely new flight?

Excuse my ignorance -- I haven't been to DFW before, or done a lot of long-haul connecting flights.

Thanks for your help.