Originally Posted by
cliffordbarnabus
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i do NOT want to deal with exiting security and then re-entering passport control etc etc (i'm a usa citizen).....
I believe in your case your luggage should go all the way to Chicago unless you specifically ask for retrieval in Hong Kong. I suggest calling Thai to see what they will/can do when you check in.
Personally I am comfortable leaving my luggage in the hand of ground handling for 17 hours or more. I did a few extended transits (almost 24 hours) in a few cities and so far nothing went terribly wrong (just one piece arrived at destination before I did).
A bit of off-topic here...but are you planning to stay airside for 17 hours overnight? Depending on your arrival and departure time, going landside for a brief tour of Hong Kong / taking rest in a hotel room may be a good idea.