BLUF: AMCITS (seniors), NZ & AUS eVisas received, Global Entry card carriers, Delta Platinum Medallion, Delta Million Miler

My wife (bad knees & back - wheel chair assist requested) & I are taking a cruise soon & flying ATL-LAX-AKL on the front end.

Once upon a time Delta & Air New Zealand had a baggage interline agreement, but no more. The tickets were booked through a travel agent, then through the cruise line & carry a ANZ ticket number so no one, ANZ included, wants to change the DAL leg to a flight 90 minutes earlier for any less than TINS $2500.

Has anyone recently had to claim bags at LAX T3, transfer (prob by bus) & re-check at TBIT, then go through TSA? If yes, about how long did it take? We've been given 2 hrs 20 min between flights at LAX, so it's a do-able deal if "Murphy" is not in play & the FAA doesn't mess things up, the flight is on time or early, etc. Have done this type of "no-fun" connection at JFK before & swore never to do it again. But that's what we get for letting Oceania Cruises do the air booking.

Coming back is all United from SYD-SFO-ATL, so it's not a problem on the back end.

Comments?

TIA.