Leaving LAX after checking in bags
 

Hi all,

I am flying home from SFO to Sydney via LAX, but I want to spend the day in LA on the way. The Qantas call center said I couldn't leave LAX if my bags were checked in all the way to Sydney.

Is this true? Is there any enforcement of this policy, or could I leave LAX & come back in the evening to board my flight to Sydney?

If not, what is a better alternative? Can I collect my bags at LAX & store them there for the day.

Many thanks,
Brett.

they are certainly not going to know whether or not you are there. but, i thought there was a 4 hour rule on checked baggage for a layover, meaning if the layover is over 4 hours, then you have to get and recheck bags. if you're leaving lax for the day, are you getting a car (how else would you get anywhere in la?)? in that case no problem. and finally, i seem to recall a place that opened nearby lax that does checked luggage, but don't have details.

Thanks jtkauai, I was planning to get a Supershuttle down to Disneyland for the day, so I was sincerely hoping there is no enforcement of this policy.

As I am changing from a domestic SFO-LAX flight to an international LAX-SYD flight, wouldn't I just look like any other domestic pasenger? ie. I wouldn't be ushered into a transit lounge to wait 12 hours for my next flight would I?

Short term storage
 

If Qantas do not allow you to check your bags in more than 4hrs ahead, which I would be suprised if they wouldn't (you should be able to check them through from SFO) then you could always put them in the short term storage lockers and then take off for the day, can think of much better ways to spend a day in LA than sitting around the airport.
Best bet I think, is to just check your bags all the way through and then take off (I've done it before) just as long as both your flights are with eiher qantas or oneworld carriers.

I doubt the airline will ever know if you leave the airport. I've checked in more than once at various airports, checked the bags, and then left the terminal to go have dinner with friends, etc., and know that I don't have to worry about a long check-in line when I get back. Never been a problem for me, even when the staff clearly sees me leaving the terminal.

I suggest it's alot less of a hassle to get your bags and rent a car. There are some good deals available which would keep the cost fairly close to your supershuttle expense - plus you have the flexibility with a rental car to go where you want on your own schedule, which is certainly worth a few extra dollars.

As long as the SFO-LAX flight is with AA or another oneworld carrier and your bags are checked all the way thru to SYD, QF is not going to know if you leave LAX. Just go and enjoy SoCal.

Yes my SFO-LAX flight is with AA, so I should be OK.

Thanks very much guys - I had no idea who to ask (Qantas & LAX aren't going to answer honestly), but I've obviously come to the right place!

Thanks again,
Brett.

I've done all-day connections before. Just check your bags all the way through at SFO, don't worry, and pick them up in SYD.

Thanks again all - I've changed my flight & now have the full day in sunny Southern California! :-)

Brett.

Does anyone know where these lockers are? I've looked through Terminals 5-8 (maybe not all that well) for them and I've never seen them.

I know they used to be around but I thought they took them out after 9/11.

Just don't get caught in the legendary LA traffic jams and miss your flight back. Your bag will be pulled off the flight, and it very well may go "BOOM!!" :)

They no longer exist. You are correct, they went bye-bye as a consequence of 9/11.