Originally Posted by
wolterjwb
Used miles through AA to go LAX-Brisbane (on Qantas). Booked separate flight, same day, to go Brisbane to Gladstone. Called Qantas and asked about adding flight due so I don't have to go out security, grab back, then go back through. They said I had to go out. Anyone have luck adding a flight (I get free luggage so that's not a concern, it's leaving secure area and rechecking)?
Similar to arriving in the US, you always have to clear customs and immigration (and security for that matter) on your first port of arrival in Australia. So QF is right, there is no way how you can arrive on an international flight and not having to re-check you bag.
Having said this, your bag can still be tagged through, meaning the tag will show Gladstone as the final destination and after passing customs you can just re-check it at the transfer counter. You also have to go through security again after changing terminals.