Originally Posted by
pofriri
Thank you! I did a search for that and couldn't find it! However, is it true that I have to collect my bags and clear security in LAX? That seems odd to me as bags are usually checked all the way through.
For JFK-LAX-SYD, you should not have to claim bags at LAX as long as this is all on one ticket or separate DL tickets for which DL can through-check across separate tickets.
If things run on time, 2 hours is plenty of time and even an arrival delay of an hour should leave you ample time.
When you return to the US on SYD-LAX-JFK, you will have to claim your bag and drop it back off after customs and then reclear security. You should not need to "recheck" your bag - just drop it off - as long as it is tagged to JFK. But all travelers must claim their checked bags at the first port of entry in the US to clear customs.