You get off plane at LAX, go through US immigration, claim bags, go through US customs, drop off bags, reclear security, and then reboard.

Same terminal (TBIT). Not sure if it's same aircraft or not. QF107 usually departs LAX 2 hours after it arrives. So, if first flight is late, the next leg is usually late as well.

It is a rather confusing situation, and it is definitely not a dumb question.

It's not the same aircraft -its much smaller.
if you are coming back on those flights you will be taken by bus from QF 108 at LAX to the departure for Oz -that way you do not have to go through security.

Thanks for the clarification. We are coming home via Hawaii so that will be different altogether.

Indeed, SYD-LAX is currently a 747-400, while LAX-JFK uses an Airbus 330-200.

As others have said, yes you will have to go through immigrations and customs. Just make sure that you allow the time for it. You'll enter immigrations and it is (usually) what takes the longest, unless you have items they need to check. Once through there you'll see the baggage claims area. Grab all your bags and stand in the fun customs line. IF you have something that needs checking they'll put a big B on your paper and make sure you go to the correct line. It's different than the one for people that are just passing through. Most people just have to pass off their paperwork at customs, flash their passport and keep moving.

Once through customs you can go two different ways. I'm not sure if your airline has it, but some airlines have an area (before leaving the secure part) where you can recheck your bag. This is to the right as you exit from customs. Ours always do so I'm hoping they all do! After that (as long as your LAX-JFK flight is also leaving from the International Terminal) you simply leave and go upstairs to return to security. It is confusing and each airport is different! We fly LAX internationally and actually just came through there a week ago. In my experience the security lines are usually fairly short and they move quickly.

Good luck and enjoy your trip!

Thanks everyone for the help. I feel much more relaxed about the change now. I just didn't fancy getting to LAX at about 1am, sleep deprived and not having a clue about what happens next.

cheers, Cathie

Don't worry, it will be almost 7am LA time... on the day you departed. You will do fine.

OMG rkkwan I suppose it will be about that time. I'm dreading it to be honest, I hate that sleep deprivation thing. We arrive in NYC at about 5.30pm and plan on checking into our hotel, having a bit of a walk, dinner somewhere and then off to bed for the night.

the last time I did that flight I arrived at midnight because of late plane leaving Oz, very long lines in immigration and missed connections in LA

rkkwan-some flights on the Syd/lLA have the 380

I was referring to the SYD-LAX leg of QF107.