thanks for the heads up.... I will track down a OneWorld policy statement and make sure to print it out. If I find the link I will post it here. I'll be checking in with the business class/elite status desk at LAX and they are usually (somewhat) pleasant.

And in case there is a problem, my layover at LHR is 2 1/2 hours so, I guess getting my bag and coming back in won't be the end of the world. (Just really annoying.)

I actually had a fairly painless transfer at T5 this summer on the similar LAX-LHR-BRU itinerary. The only thing that still bothers me is changing from AA to BA and taking those ridiculous buses.