Apologies if this is the wrong place, as this is only tangentially United-related...

I was looking to clarify some things about making D/I and I/D connections in Australia (let's use SYD as an example). I know that domestic and int'l are basically two separate airports. Say I am flying SFO-SYD-BNE on a single United ticket, with SFO-SYD in UA J and SYD-BNE in QF Y (or really any carrier but QF seems to have the best service). I will always need to reclaim my bags to go through customs (I assume), and haul them myself to check in with QF. What effective baggage allowance do I get on the SYD-BNE segment? Do I just have bags tagged to BNE (according to my UA 1K in J allowance) that QF will scan? Do I have to conform to the QF domestic Y allowance? The QF Y allowance for SFO-BNE?

And then same questions for the return journey, checking bags in BNE. I assume I also have to manually cart them around at SYD, or is this transfer online? And what allowance, if flying UA J overwater?

Yes, claim & recheck. Some variability on baggage allowance based on elite status as well, just look that up with each airline. For QF carryon, weight limit is 7kg (15lbs), usually enforced. SYD is a pretty easy airport to do this.

The baggage allowance will be as printed on your UA ticket
I have never seen QF enforce carry-on limit.
But if vastly over size and/or vastly over weight (= as common practice by USA passengers on USA airlines) they will enforce.

Airport info SYDNEY (SYD) - amenities, transfers, transport

Smartgate at Australia & NZ immigration

So what if I check a 30kg (66lb) bag at the counter in SFO? What is the destination printed on the tag (yes, I know it comes off the belt in SYD)? Can I check this onto a QF Y segment on the same ticket?

Hi FT

Would greatly appreciate some advice on the LAX - SYD UA 839 flight - thanks in advance

1) I am coming in from another United flight. Currently it is scheduled for Terminal 8. Can I get from Terminal 8 to Terminal 7 without exiting security? I would think so, but just wanted to double check.

2) Lounge access would be the RCC in Terminal 7? Add on: No point in going to the *A lounge in TBIT?

3) As am flying polaris for the first time and hearing of the cut backs. What is everything that I can ask for from a Polaris experience for a flight soon in June/July?

4) For the mattress pad, if the seat next to me is empty, will the FA agree to set it up on the seat next to me?

5) I currently have a choice between the left side and right side window. Any recommendation on which side for views coming into SYD?

6) I have not yet been on a UA 787. Is it the same color mood lighting all the way (perhaps some dim blue color)?

Thanks so much!

Left (if landing from the north). If the flight comes in the other way (from the south) not much of a view left or right side of the aircraft.
But as the flight lands at ~06:45 (depending on when you come) it may be darkish.

1) Yes, easy to walk T8 to T7. (You'd have to try hard to exit security in that transfer!)
2) The United Club (formerly RCC) in T7 will be your nearest lounge option. If you have time and don't mind the walk, the TBIT *A lounge has somewhat better food and drink, and it has showers. The walk is about 20min each way, and it can be done without going landside. Typical membership / *G status / J ticket access rules apply for both.
3) Pyjamas, gel pillow (if not at the seat, which it should be), mattress pad, hot snack mid flight. You can ask to try all the wines, but it may be more awkward if they've removed the wine flight trays.
4) Presumably that is fine, but I have no experience with that.
5) No opinion. I think you can catch the harbour bridge from the left on the final approach, but the approach typically involves a bank turn. I assume you might also see sunrise depending on time of year, but that tends not to be so amazing from in the air.
6) You're referring to the ceiling mood lighting? I believe it is, although the main lights are on at the beginning and end, which makes it feel sort of like day time.

Yes, in fact you can get all the way from T8 to TBIT while remaining airside.

The *A lounge is vastly superior to the UC in T7, but it's about a 40 minute round-trip walk at a normal pace so I would only bother if it's going to mean some real time in the lounge.

As mentioned, pajamas, mattress pad, gel pillow, slippers, mid-flight snacks, full bar PDB (it's OJ/sparking wine/water on a tray now - other drinks on request). If you see "Asian chicken" something on the menu (basically udon noodles and chicken curry), order it. IME the menu description isn't very appetizing but the meal is. I don't remember if it's in the current US-Oz mealset.

Seems reasonable, but every crew is YMMV about being reasonable.

Left side. If landing on the 16s you get a spectacular view of Sydney harbor and the opera house. Be aware that there is no window at 4A on the 789.

I think so? Can't say I have noticed.

Everytime I've flown that route, Polaris/Business has been filled up with upgrades at the last minute. Consider yourself very lucky if you wind up having an empty seat next to you in that cabin.

-j

How long to departure? Usually it's a safe assumption that Business cabins go out 100% full and just pick a seat based on that. Even if there aren't enough revenue pax, NRSAs are attracted to light J loads.

Very unlikely to have an empty seat --- upgraders and then NRSA will fill any empty seats.

Another metric -- iy is a bit over a mile each way and a bit circuitous. A good way to stretch your legs after a long flight but a significant distance.

• three days out - 12 seats showing unassigned
• and as FT has said for upgraders and NRSA (here is article that just popped up for award space

https://thepointsguy.com/reviews/uni...laris-syd-lax/

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Is there enough room to stand up and make my own bed with the mattress pad in a window seat if the aisle seat is already in bed mode?

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updates:

I don't normally go through LAX ( the United Lounge is nice enough for a US carrier lounge ). I wish they had showers. Having to walk an hour for a shower isn't really an option.

Lounge attendent did confirm that the flight will go out full with NRSAs. And there were plenty of NRSAs all quite anxious waiting.

Oh, an hour is hyperbole. It's only 45 minutes walking. (Yes, I agree it's not convenient or reasonable.) Can't wait for the Polaris Lounge to open. Or to even start construction!

probably too late: It is possible to make the bed standing between the seats if the aisle is reclined, but you should have good balance and low-light vision if you wish to do so.