Originally Posted by
guv1976
Bags should be checked through (inspect your claim tags at LAX), and you should not see them again until you arrive at LHR. You can remain airside at JFK, so it should not take you more than 15 minutes to get from one gate to another. (There are no exit formalities when departing the United States.)
I should have mentioned that my entire itinerary is SYD-LAX-JFK-LHR all-in-one AA booking still. I didn't bother mentioning the SYD-LAX leg, as I know I must go through passport control, collect my bags and re-check them in LA.
In light of this situation, I suppose, I still won't see my bags in JFK and will remain airside and should have time to relax in a lounge.