I'm considering traveling LAX >---> SYD >---> DPS (Indonesia) in a few months. Delta on the first leg, then a plane change to Virgin Australia for the second. Only 2 flight numbers on each, so there really is an airline change.
Delta told me the bags would automatically pass thru to DPS without going thru Customs in AU, BUT the price is so right (cheaper than a straight flight LAX >---> SYD) that I'm considering NOT having my bags pass thru and instead spending some time in Oz before getting a separate flight to DPS later.
It's a 15 hour flight followed by a 6 hour flight with less than 5 hours between and I've had problems with DVTs in both legs and PEs in both lungs just 3 years ago, so I'm leery of spending that much time (20 hours) in a plane over a 26 hour span. I really feel I'd be better off with at least a few days between legs.
Is there a way to NOT have my bags automatically pass thru at a plane change?