Just to be specific - since Dec 2013, VA check in has been at T3 with the flights departing from TBIT - short walk away.
Here's a report from June regarding the Airside shuttle from T5 - if coming on DL into LAX to connect to VA on the one booking you should not need to worry about luggage or checking in at T3.
Originally Posted by
Kolo 
Originally Posted by
artemis
It was my understanding from the website, that it could still be done.
Where did you go to get the airside shuttle? Just to confirm - you didn't have to clear security in TBIT (the worst part of the whole thing!)
From whichever terminal the DL flight from ATL landed at. At the relevant gate (someone above said 50) there was a sign for VA transfers. Wait to be called, then you go downstairs to a bus on the tarmac, which drives you to TBIT airside. On entry there, they reissued the BP then it was off the the wonderful Star Alliance lounge. A bit of a hike but no security. I travelled PIT- ATL-LAX and the only security I had to go through was at PIT.
I do note that the DL website indicates gate 51A for a shuttle:
http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_...s-angeles.html