My wife and I are finally taking our honeymoon trip (8 years late) from the US to Australia in November. I have a question I'm hoping someone can answer about flying Quantas to/from LAX.

We'll be arriving at LAX for our Australia departure on either Southwest or Midwest Express. First off, it's my understanding if we fly Southwest, we'd have to collect our bags upon arrival at LAX and recheck them, whereas if we fly Midwest Express, they'll be checked all the way to Australia. Is that right?

Secondly, we're flying out of LAX on Quantas at 11:30 p.m. Our current plan is to arrive at LAX on either Southwest or Midwest about 6:10 p.m. I assume that allows plenty of time to get all the checkin stuff taken care of, as well as allow for any minor delays? Then we're scheduled to arrive back at LAX from Australia at 7 a.m. Would it be safe to schedule a 10:30 a.m. flight from LAX back to home?

Would appreciate any thoughts/suggestions. Thanks!

It's QANTAS - Queensland And Northern Territory Aerial Service.

You'll be fine....And it's QANTAS Airways Ltd......as of 1967..The original name was changed in 1934 to QANTAS Empire Airways...Have alovely trip.

Thanks for the replies.

Believe it or not, I made a conscious effort to spell it correctly for months after we booked our original flights. Can't believe I regressed.

Re your question about luggage, call Southwest, Midwest Express AND Qantas to determine whether either airline can offer check-through service to Qantas.

You don't need to call Southwest - they do not interline.

But their on-time performance is so good I wouldn't worry. You will have enough time to retrieve your bags and change terminals.

I don't have any experience w/ Midwest Express so can't help you there.

For your return flight I'd be happier w/ a longer layover. 3.5 hours should be much more than necessary - but that is a looooong flight into LAX and it could easily run late (or early for that matter).