Leaving LAX after checking in bags
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 4
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.
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.
#2

Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,681
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.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 4
Originally Posted by jtkauai
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.
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?
#4




Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: MEL
Programs: QP NB
Posts: 217
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.
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.
#5
Moderator, Omni, Omni/PR, Omni/Games, FlyerTalk Posting Legend




Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Between DCA and IAD
Programs: UA 1K MM; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 72,674
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.
#6
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend




Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 47,235
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.
#7
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Commuting around the mid-atlantic and rust-belt on any number of RJs
Programs: TSA Random Selectee Platinum, * Gold, SPG/HH/MR mid-tier, and a tiny bag of pretzels.
Posts: 9,255
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.
#11


Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: LGB-BUR-LAX-ONT (in order of preference!)
Posts: 429
Originally Posted by BronzedAussie
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...
I know they used to be around but I thought they took them out after 9/11.
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: STL
Programs: AA 2MM, AS MVP Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 12,966
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!!"
#13
Moderator: Avianca, Travel Photography, Travel Technology & USA




Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Far western edge of the La-La Land City limits
Programs: Emeritus VIP Fromins Deli Encino grandfathered successor program - UA MM & HH Diamond
Posts: 3,812
Originally Posted by aslsigner
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.
I know they used to be around but I thought they took them out after 9/11.
They no longer exist. You are correct, they went bye-bye as a consequence of 9/11.

