We're flying BUR-SFO-AKL this weekend, with an early morning departure from BUR and a 14 hour connection in SFO. I wouldn't call the lengthy connection "voluntary" because it was the only option available departing from LAX or BUR offered by the award search engine, but UA may disagree since obviously there are much shorter connections available.

Will they let us check bags through to AKL since the connection isn't overnight? And if they will allow it, would we be able to short check one piece just to SFO? We're taking advantage of the long connection to meet up with family that lives in the area and will be bringing Christmas gifts. I'd much rather throw them all into a box and check that than carrying them on.