LAX transfer desk question
 

Flying QF to LAX then onward on AA on a separate ticket. All flights booked through AA.

QF refuses to bag tag to my final destination.

is there an AA desk in the transit area that can issue new tags, or is it a handoff of baggage only?

Otherwise I have to schlep to T4, use the regular line and regular security, correct?

I sort of recall there being an agent in the transfer area. Or go upstairs at TBIT departures. You’ll have to go through security again for your domestic leg in any event,

IIRC. I haven't had to use it, but I recall an AA desk right outside LAX Customs. I would assume they would look up your PNR and issue new bag tags.

I'm usually connecting to a (US) domestic with an all-AA itinerary so I just flop my bags on the belt.

All the best, James

You would have to go through the regular line and regular security no matter what.

The transfer area in TBIT once you leave immigration and customs is *NORMALLY* staffed with an AA agent, though YMMV, if there is an agent they will check your bag. If not, you will need to go to T4 and check your bag, you however can walk back to TBIT and clear security there as at some peak hours it's quicker than T4, due to T4 construction shortening the TSA security screening area.

Well this couldn't have been more inconvenient.

QF said someone would meet me off the plane at LAX to expedite me or provide a new bag tag. Nope.

AA rep at the transit belt? Nope.

Walked with bags to T4 to find out.... plane was leaving from TBIT.

D'oh.

Lucky I made the flight.

Was your flight delayed?

Arrived 30 minutes late. Had 105 minutes to clear customs, get bags, walk to T4, wait in line, check bags, walk back to TBIT, wait in peecheck line and walk to the furthest gate.

All uncalled for if QF did what they said, AA had a rep anywhere in the teansit area or someone told me I was leaving from TBIT. I never in a million years would have assumed that and didn't check the gate assignment. AA is too lazy to ferry a bird to T4 I guess

Before COVID, AA did have a agent in the connections area at TBIT to help with baggage transfers and ticket issues. There was even an agent at the TBIT ticket counter too. If there wasn't an AA agent, TBIT had general GSA that handled baggage transfers for all the airlines that use TBIT. Not sure if they are still there. Also before COVID, all the oneworld airlines had oneworld Global Support staff that would monitor flights and help passengers with short connection. QF was probably relying on old pre-COVID information.

Regarding the AA planes at TBIT, AA has been sending planes to TBIT since before COVID. Unfortunately it's a long walk but not a new practice.

OP: hence why I said "normally". I've seen an AA agent in their post pandemic but around BA arrival times as staffing allows
Also I did suggest checking in the bag at T4 and walking to TBIT. Even if my flights are T4 I've been using TBIT security