Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan - SEA to LAX to PVR

Super easy question, I'm certain. :p

My co-worker is getting married on Saturday and leaving Sunday morning at 6:40 at for his honeymoon.

SEA --> LAX --> PVR

The question is... how does customs and stuff work on something like this?

1. Where do they look at his passport? SEA or LAX?
2. Can he still check in via OLCI?
3. Is he going to have to get off the plane at LAX and do some customs-like thing? Or is that only when he returns from Mexico?

Just wanting to make his morning easier. If this is just a SEA to LAX kind of flight, he's gonna show up 45-60 min before the flight. I'm just double checking to make sure that there's no reason to get there earlier on a Saturday morning.

I haven't been to Mexico in a while now... :(

Thanks!

From doing this in 2008 (SEA-LAX-CUN), answers inline:

1. Where do they look at his passport? SEA or LAX?

LAX. He'll get called to the podium prior to boarding at LAX and will need to show documentation there.

2. Can he still check in via OLCI?

Yes.

3. Is he going to have to get off the plane at LAX and do some customs-like thing? Or is that only when he returns from Mexico?

If there's an intermediate stop before crossing an international border, the plane has to be swept for security reasons, so everyone gets off the plane. There is no customs and immigration at that point, so he'll get to experience the elegance and luxury that's AS at LAX T3rdWorld. C&I happens on the return, deep in the bowels of TBIT (and the experience reminds me of a maximum security prison).

Super easy question, I'm certain.

My co-worker is getting married on Saturday and leaving Sunday morning at 6:40 at for his honeymoon.

SEA --> LAX --> PVR

The question is... how does customs and stuff work on something like this?

1. Where do they look at his passport? SEA or LAX?
You can enter your passport info ahead of time. It is then verified upon checkin OR you can check in at the KIOSK and slide your passport.
2. Can he still check in via OLCI?
I can checkin online, but still need to either complete number 1 above or go to the GATE (not ticket) counter, and they STAMP your boarding pass indicating Intl Docs Checked. Like a little Red Smiley Face. Unless you are using any paper coupons, then the dreaded SEE AGENT FOR BOARDING PASS messge appears
3. Is he going to have to get off the plane at LAX and do some customs-like thing? Or is that only when he returns from Mexico?
You will deplane in LAX, but you just hang out in the normal domestic terminal. No customs stuff in LAX on the way there
On the way back, customs is at LAX. You deplane and do customs. As you leave customs, you can re-check your bags but note: any hand carried booze or >3oz liquid MUST now be put in a checked bag, as you need to leave the Intl Terminal and walk over to #3 terminal and re-clear security. About a 6 minute stroll.

Just wanting to make his morning easier. If this is just a SEA to LAX kind of flight, he's gonna show up 45-60 min before the flight. I'm just double checking to make sure that there's no reason to get there earlier on a Saturday morning.

I haven't been to Mexico in a while now...

Thanks!

Oh, and hope he has a great time. Remember also, it is the rainy (late night / early morning) time of year.

b

Thanks you two! I heart flyertalk.