Los Angeles - Is LAX becoming a black hole?

I connected at LAX on 20 July (SYD-YYZ). Forgive the rant but LAX is one of America's most important airports, and it is a black hole for FF! My beefs:
- there is no in transit area for FF travelling to Mexico, Canada, etc.
- LAX doesn't recognize the NEXUS card, & the CBP lineup took 1.5 hours;
- the CBP does not appear to use the normal risk-based primary/secondary inspection regime. I saw passengers @ primary for 20 minutes! No wonder there are long lines;
- the CBP facilities are badly organized, staff create and close lines at whim, and the signage is non-existent;
- FF's cannot visit lounges in other terminals as your boarding card limits access to the terminal of departure;
- the A bus service connecting T's was sporadic.
Don't get me wrong! I want to use LAX.........it has great connections to Pacific destinations & it should be one of the US's premiere aiports. The Alaska Board Room Lounge (Tom Bradley Terminal) is one of the best! However, the long lines and the physical condition of the terminals make it less attractive to do so. Many of these problems have been around since 2007, so my ? is whether anything is improving at LAX?

I've never flown through LAX so can't answer your question, but allow me to add one of my own. I'm flying out of LAX in October on Delta (Terminal 5). My colleague is flying Continental (Terminal 6). Do I understand you as saying he won't be able to join me in the Delta lounge?

The DL terminal at LAX is connected by underground tunnel airside to one other terminal but I don't remember whether it's the terminal that CO uses curently.

There is an airside tunnel between Delta and Continental. Give yourself 7-10 minutes (let's just say it's a very odd walk, zigzagging through the bowels of the airport ;)).

Many of these problems have been around since 2007, so my ? is whether anything is improving at LAX?

There is a billion dollar remodeling project going on for the Bradley Terminal, as we speak.

I connected at LAX on 20 July (SYD-YYZ). Forgive the rant but LAX is one of America's most important airports, and it is a black hole for FF! My beefs:
- there is no in transit area for FF travelling to Mexico, Canada, etc.
- LAX doesn't recognize the NEXUS card, & the CBP lineup took 1.5 hours;
- the CBP does not appear to use the normal risk-based primary/secondary inspection regime. I saw passengers @ primary for 20 minutes! No wonder there are long lines;
- the CBP facilities are badly organized, staff create and close lines at whim, and the signage is non-existent;
- FF's cannot visit lounges in other terminals as your boarding card limits access to the terminal of departure;
- the A bus service connecting T's was sporadic.
Don't get me wrong! I want to use LAX.........it has great connections to Pacific destinations & it should be one of the US's premiere aiports. The Alaska Board Room Lounge (Tom Bradley Terminal) is one of the best! However, the long lines and the physical condition of the terminals make it less attractive to do so. Many of these problems have been around since 2007, so my ? is whether anything is improving at LAX?

You are preaching to the choir :D

1. There are no such thing as "transit lounge" anywhere in the US since 9/11. Our Govt has deemed everyone flying on airplanes as a potential terrorist. :rolleyes:

2. Risk-based inspection? Ha... you are talking about a country that makes everyone takes off their shoes and get a naked picture taken just to enter the terminal.

3. Lack of connection between terminals at LAX is a long running grievance. It's as if we went out of our way to make airside connection difficult. I can't tell you why LAX doesn't have airside shuttle (like "A" shuttle but runs within secured zone)... it seems like a cheap and easy thing to do. And bonus - we also make sure airlines from the same alliance are at opposite end of the airport to make getting on code share flights extra hard! This one is a no charge free service...

4. Sporadic shuttle service? That's why I always tell people to walk. LAX terminals are really compact so you can always get across the airport faster by walking than waiting for the shuttle bus. And don't get me started on the idiotic 2-level split departure/arrival mess that doubles vehicle traffic for no reason.

5. Bradley Terminal is undergoing major renovation. We should be up to 1990s world standards by 2013.

6. Signage? Signs are for people who read English! You are going to make me foam at the mouth now... LAX not only lack signage in English, it is completely lacking in actual useful signs in foreign languages. And the few signs at Bradley terminal in Chinese/Korean/Japanese are atrociously translated that they don't mean anything.

There are no such thing as "transit lounge" anywhere in the US since 9/11. Our Govt has deemed everyone flying on airplanes as a potential terrorist. :rolleyes:



I thought that the requirement for all travelers, even those connecting between international flights, to go through Immigration and Customs, and have a visa (even the transit visa was a visa), had been around since long before 9/11. Perhaps surprising we even have a visa waiver system (ESTA). And it isn't just "our Government" that has pushed measures against, or in theory against, terrorism. Any politician who would argue against such measures would likely feel the wrath of the public at election time.

People certainly want more improements, but who wants to pay for them? Those who want the improvements really should contact airport officials and, even more importantly, elected officials and tourism officials (and suggest funding sources, if possible). Didn't LAX just end its contract with Traveler's Aid? The trend seems to be for cutbacks. And renovations to accommodate the new mega-Airbus could take priority. There are many airports that could use improvements. I'm not sure if LAX use has increased or declined lately. Some airports (e.g., ONT) have far fewer passengers than in the past, so chances for improvements could be small. ONT doesn't even have any options for eating outside of security.

You are preaching to the choir :D

1. There are no such thing as "transit lounge" anywhere in the US since 9/11. Our Govt has deemed everyone flying on airplanes as a potential terrorist. :rolleyes:

2. Risk-based inspection? Ha... you are talking about a country that makes everyone takes off their shoes and get a naked picture taken just to enter the terminal.

3. Lack of connection between terminals at LAX is a long running grievance. It's as if we went out of our way to make airside connection difficult. I can't tell you why LAX doesn't have airside shuttle (like "A" shuttle but runs within secured zone)... it seems like a cheap and easy thing to do. And bonus - we also make sure airlines from the same alliance are at opposite end of the airport to make getting on code share flights extra hard! This one is a no charge free service...

4. Sporadic shuttle service? That's why I always tell people to walk. LAX terminals are really compact so you can always get across the airport faster by walking than waiting for the shuttle bus. And don't get me started on the idiotic 2-level split departure/arrival mess that doubles vehicle traffic for no reason.

5. Bradley Terminal is undergoing major renovation. We should be up to 1990s world standards by 2013.

6. Signage? Signs are for people who read English! You are going to make me foam at the mouth now... LAX not only lack signage in English, it is completely lacking in actual useful signs in foreign languages. And the few signs at Bradley terminal in Chinese/Korean/Japanese are atrociously translated that they don't mean anything.
LAX is a dump, with lots of serious issues, but there are some unfair statements in the OP and replies.

Point 1 above not unique to LAX.

Point 2 above not unique to LAX.

Point 3 above not unique to LAX. Try JFK. Also, LAX can't be responsible for airline alliances, the vast bulk of which occurred long after airline tenants moved into their terminals.

Point 4: The dual roadway significantly reduces terminal congestion. Not at all sure how this could double vehicle traffic.

I dislike LAX rather intensely, and I've been flying out of there nearly every week for the past seven years.

So what don't I like?


It's a police state. You always see airport cops giving tickets. I've gotten several (!!) myself, including jay walking. :mad:
Signs? Agreed...good luck finding out which terminal your airline uses just by driving around the loop. Or which of the green/red/blue/purple signs you're supposed to stand under for your shuttle.
Parking payment booths, which require the driver to put the ticket into the slot, then creep forward and pay. And booths that are never manned. And excruciatingly slow personnel.
Randomly blocking off the Sepulveda south-bound exit, even though Sepulveda is moving just fine.
NEVER enough cops at peak times. (Ok, this isn't unique to LAX.) [**]
And my United flights that always seem to be leaving from T6 or T8 with the RCC in T7.
And the always mirthful "perp walk" up the ramp out of customs at TBIT.


[**] Brain fart: I meant not enough TSA screeners. Thanks to a later poster for pointing out an inconsistency here.

One note. There is no such thing as "transit" in the USA. Roughly same thing in Canada, although you do have expedited clearance "B" lines.

A "police state"..... without enough cops???:confused::eek:

P.S. Badly translated signs are not unique to LAX.. or English speaking countries for that matter....

Love the one at PVG that (in English) says "You are here".. no map or anything... just that line....

I have no idea what the Chinese version directly above it means......

There are no such thing as "transit lounge" anywhere in the US since 9/11. Our Govt has deemed everyone flying on airplanes as a potential terrorist. That's got nothing to do with 9/11. US airports didn't have transit lounges before 9/11, either, and it has nothing to do with the government's idea of who is a potential terrorist. It's just a different system. We usually don't have sequestered international-only concourses, so you have to "enter the US" to proceed with an onward flight.

One note. There is no such thing as "transit" in the USA. Roughly same thing in Canada, although you do have expedited clearance "B" lines.

Thanks to all for the replies to my rant! I take most of the points on board.

On this one above, I beg to differ. The int'l arrivals area at T 1in YYZ has a designated connections desk on Level 2, before Customs & Immigration. I frequently see int'ls there checking in for their next flight. AC, in particular, is taking advantage of this arrangement. On my LAX-YYZ flight, for ex., there was an entire sports team changing planes enroute to Europe! I understand YVR has a similar arrangement, for its numerous Asia flights. I don't know about YUL.So Canadian airports do have an intransit area, & int'l carriers are taking advantage of it.

ps I am looking forward to my next trip to LAX!

...On this one above, I beg to differ. The int'l arrivals area at T1 in YYZ has a designated connections desk on Level 2, before Customs & Immigration.,,,But T3 at YYZ does not, for example (T3 is privately owned for-profit terminal); only recently has T3 added expedited inspection lanes for int'l transit pax, but they must enter Canada....so not consistent even at the same airport! Absurd, annoying and expensive for some. LAX is actually pretty good, if you know the ropes and time your flights right (choice of airline/terminal/time of day/status). I go through there several times per month and rarely takes more than 30 min for immigration/customs, but I time my flights with some care. QF arrival is much better than the DJ arrival, for example, from SYD.

Point 4: The dual roadway significantly reduces terminal congestion. Not at all sure how this could double vehicle traffic.



The double deck roadway without mode separation doubles traffic because all the shuttle buses have to make 2 circles to drop off and pickup. It's outdated thinking.

Given that we have 2 completely separate road ways, the smart way to handle vehicular traffic at LAX would be to send buses and shuttles and taxi to one level, and send private vehicles to another level. This way, you instantly reduce 50% of buses and shuttle traffic, which are the main contributor to LAX's traffic, and will improve boarding and dispatch efficiency (easier to stick to a schedule = less buses required). And if buses doesn't have to compete for curb space and get stuck with the private cars, they will be faster and more effective, and more people will use public transportation, thereby reducing the demand for private automobile accessing LAX as well.

The double deck roadway without mode separation doubles traffic because all the shuttle buses have to make 2 circles to drop off and pickup. It's outdated thinking.

Given that we have 2 completely separate road ways, the smart way to handle vehicular traffic at LAX would be to send buses and shuttles and taxi to one level, and send private vehicles to another level. This way, you instantly reduce 50% of buses and shuttle traffic, which are the main contributor to LAX's traffic, and will improve boarding and dispatch efficiency (easier to stick to a schedule = less buses required). And if buses doesn't have to compete for curb space and get stuck with the private cars, they will be faster and more effective, and more people will use public transportation, thereby reducing the demand for private automobile accessing LAX as well.

+1. The buses and taxis, (more buses I think) are a big cause for traffic at LAX. They weave in and out and almost crush cars with reckless abandon!

If you have NEXUS, cant you get Globalentry for LAX?

i've walked from T8 to whatever terminal DL is in...is that 5? there is an underground walkway there.

i haven't tried it at LAX, but i've been able to gain access to different terminals at other airports (DCA and SFO come to mind). my thinking is, as long as you have a boarding pass, you're OK.

Yes, LAX is the most embarrassing international airport in the U.S. and also ranks at bottom among locals too. We apologize and hope that one day there will be better options for food/bev, layovers, immigration that is not constantly under construction, etc.

Yes, LAX is the most embarrassing international airport in the U.S. and also ranks at bottom among locals too. We apologize and hope that one day there will be better options for food/bev, layovers, immigration that is not constantly under construction, etc.

LAX is rather dumpy but pretty much every single point mentioned by OP can be applied to almost any other large airport in US so it's hard to single out LAX on those metrics.

LAX real issues are aging facility with limited space and access both inside and outside, poor baggage handling setup, lack of food options, no public transport, awful traffic etc.

LAX is a black hole, yes...I get anxiety just thinking about going there. I wish there were more options from BUR!

Yes, LAX is the most embarrassing international airport in the U.S. and also ranks at bottom among locals too. We apologize and hope that one day there will be better options for food/bev, layovers, immigration that is not constantly under construction, etc.

you must not have used UA in/out of IAD before. sure, the B concourse is great, but the rest of the airport?

Just finished our 11 night stint arriving and leaving LAX..

Arriving was brutal as we were whisked on a bus 15 minutes to Customs and took 3 hours to clear.. brutal..

Leaving.. smoother than I though.. was expecting a really bad experience.. but was actually quite expeditious.. with help from Executive check in of course with Aeroplat flying AC

Arriving was brutal as we were whisked on a bus 15 minutes to Customs and took 3 hours to clear.. brutal..


Yeah. LAX customs is not well-known for being fast. When I went through LAX customs in 2005, we were held up (separated because wife was on the no-fly list, or someone with the same name) and waited for a very very long time. I had no idea what was going on and they wouldn't let me wait. So I cleared, went to the terminal, and slept.

At the end of the day, LAX is a ghetto airport. Is is a shamefull example of the gateway to one of the greatest metropolitan areas of the United States. I live here and had the opportunity to come into terminal 2 immigration and was appalled that this is the first place that new visitors to the US see.

That said, I have also been to the monuments built as airports elsewhere and realize that our government simply does not have the money to match that without confiscating it from its citizens to merely erect a monument.

However, I am happy for some of the advantages of LAX:

Almost all gates are close to the street, meaning you do not have to walk forever or take a shuttle merely to get to baggage claim when arriving. I recall landing at DIA and walking forever only to get to a monorail and it seemed to take forever to get to the street.

LAX is close to downtown and Beverly Hills, Century City, Santa Monica and the main business centers in LA. It takes 12 minutes to get to my home in Brentwood and about 20 minutes to get to my office in Beverly Hills. Good luck with that at O'Hare and don't even think about what the affluent New Yorker's in Westchester deal with coming out of LGA.

I live near the western end of the runway, but all I see is the construction that is going on to expand TBIT.

The black hole that you speak of, that's located in one of the empty office tower buildings on World Way West! (I know, as I practice riding my motorcycle on that street).

But if you find yourself at LAX on a weekday between 6am and 1pm, just head out to "The Daily Grill" on the ground floor of the Theme Building (the one building that looks like a space ship).

I personally go to The Daily Grill for lunch when I get the chance...and in two instances, managed to hook up with female FA's (one from AF and other from KLM) on two different nights.

These FA's, they do get lonely sometimes. ;)

Yeah. LAX customs is not well-known for being fast. When I went through LAX customs in 2005, we were held up (separated because wife was on the no-fly list, or someone with the same name) and waited for a very very long time. I had no idea what was going on and they wouldn't let me wait. So I cleared, went to the terminal, and slept.

How horrible.. your experience was probably magnified 5 times, just because it happened at LAX:eek:

How horrible.. your experience was probably magnified 5 times, just because it happened at LAX:eek:

Yeah. That's why we both got Global Entry, so she was screened and they wouldn't confuse her with someone else. It was painful waiting for such a long time not knowing why she was detained.

But LAX is my home airport, and I love it, but it really is a dump compared to the other major airports of the world. I have a lot of Korean friends and I wonder sometimes how they must feel when they come here after seeing ICN and how modern that airport is.

Yeah. That's why we both got Global Entry, so she was screened and they wouldn't confuse her with someone else. It was painful waiting for such a long time not knowing why she was detained.

But LAX is my home airport, and I love it, but it really is a dump compared to the other major airports of the world. I have a lot of Korean friends and I wonder sometimes how they must feel when they come here after seeing ICN and how modern that airport is.

I need to get something similar.. like Nexus..

Would Global entry save a ton of time?

Would Global entry save a ton of time?

Yes. It does. You just walk up to the kiosk and put in your passport and let the scanner scan your fingerprints. You answer a bunch of questions (usually NO to declaring animals or plants) and it prints out a sticker. You walk straight to the exit and flash the card. CBP officer waves you through. Out.

It takes a few minutes, literally, to get out of customs.

I've never used it at LAX, but have used it at DFW, ORD, and JFK, and all have been very fast.

Yes. It does. You just walk up to the kiosk and put in your passport and let the scanner scan your fingerprints. You answer a bunch of questions (usually NO to declaring animals or plants) and it prints out a sticker. You walk straight to the exit and flash the card. CBP officer waves you through. Out.

It takes a few minutes, literally, to get out of customs.

I've never used it at LAX, but have used it at DFW, ORD, and JFK, and all have been very fast.

I wonder if its that simple with LAX.. I mean 3 hours in the customs lines..

I would even go through the trouble of getting the card as a foreigner (if allowed) the next time I have to fly to LAX under the same circumstances..

I wonder if its that simple with LAX.. I mean 3 hours in the customs lines..

I would even go through the trouble of getting the card as a foreigner (if allowed) the next time I have to fly to LAX under the same circumstances..

I don't know about LAX, but I'll find out in a few weeks. I'll be flying international and coming in to LAX.

GE is open to Canadians, and on the website, it says to Nexus members. I don't know if that means you need to apply for Nexus first.

I feel bad about LAX and its dilapidated state, but I also understand that it is one of the world's major airports, and it's not that easy to just shut it down for remodeling.

I don't know about LAX, but I'll find out in a few weeks. I'll be flying international and coming in to LAX.

GE is open to Canadians, and on the website, it says to Nexus members. I don't know if that means you need to apply for Nexus first.

I feel bad about LAX and its dilapidated state, but I also understand that it is one of the world's major airports, and it's not that easy to just shut it down for remodeling.

LAX won't seem to bad if you can get in and then out quickly.. both departing and arriving..

Hanging out in the corridors is akin to hanging out on a park bench not knowing the time..

I think the next time we travel we'll get the Nexus and GE pass.. just to see what all the fuss is about..

Maybe we'll extend our passports too.. Got good use out of 7 trips since the last renewal..

LAX's main issue is that it was primarily designed to be an O&D airport and, as such, functions well. So, maybe it's not pretty but I can roll up to the curb, check-in and be on the plane in a very short period of time - all with my own two feet. No waiting for shuttles/trains to take me to faraway terminals. Can DEN handle a metro area of 18M+ people at its curbs with the level of traffic that LAX does?

I do agree that the incessant shuttle buses for rentals, parking and hotels is an annoying contributor to street traffic.

I guess because I live here I don't have to transit at LAX so I can't speak to that experience although I can imagine it's not great.

On the other hand, I transit frequently in ORD and IAD. International to domestic at ORD drives me nuts with the separate terminal, the 3 mile walk from the plane to customs and then the whole process of the train and security all over.

Regardless of what people say about IAD, the mid-field customs and escalator upstairs to the departing gate is fantastic, even if you have to clear security again.

LAX's main issue is that it was primarily designed to be an O&D airport and, as such, functions well. So, maybe it's not pretty but I can roll up to the curb, check-in and be on the plane in a very short period of time - all with my own two feet. No waiting for shuttles/trains to take me to faraway terminals. Can DEN handle a metro area of 18M+ people at its curbs with the level of traffic that LAX does?

I do agree that the incessant shuttle buses for rentals, parking and hotels is an annoying contributor to street traffic.

.

Hmmm.. interesting observation..

So basically LAX functions well.. even though the appearance of the airport is quite dated..

I thought I was in Twilight Zone when we got off the plane, and had to step outside and ride 15 minutes to Customs.. only to wait 3 hours to pass through.:rolleyes:

Hmmm.. interesting observation..

So basically LAX functions well.. even though the appearance of the airport is quite dated..

I thought I was in Twilight Zone when we got off the plane, and had to step outside and ride 15 minutes to Customs.. only to wait 3 hours to pass through.:rolleyes:

Where did you land that you had to take a shuttle? Was this at TBIT?

LAX's main issue is that it was primarily designed to be an O&D airport and, as such, functions well. So, maybe it's not pretty but I can roll up to the curb, check-in and be on the plane in a very short period of time - all with my own two feet.

Heh. It's not that fast if you factor in TSA. :)

Where did you land that you had to take a shuttle? Was this at TBIT?





I dunno.. It was flight CUN-LAX on July 27th.. and as soon as we exited at 9:30 pm out the gate, we walked down the stairs onto the pavement.. boarded a two buses.. packed like sardines.. and whisked away for 15 minutes to Customs..

It was like I said.. living in the Twilight Zone..

I dunno.. It was flight CUN-LAX on July 27th.. and as soon as we exited at 9:30 pm out the gate, we walked down the stairs onto the pavement.. boarded a two buses.. packed like sardines.. and whisked away for 15 minutes to Customs..

It was like I said.. living in the Twilight Zone..


On occasion, inbound international flights must land at the West remote gates. This is due to too many internationals all landing at the same time.

Normally, you would land at one of the terminals ( depending on your airline), and not de-plane onto a bus, but directly to Immigrations and Customs.

I would not say this is a "common" occurrence at LAX. But it does happen.

HP

On occasion, inbound international flights must land at the West remote gates. This is due to too many internationals all landing at the same time.

Normally, you would land at one of the terminals ( depending on your airline), and not de-plane onto a bus, but directly to Immigrations and Customs.

I would not say this is a "common" occurrence at LAX. But it does happen.

HP

I think you may be right..

When we entered into Customs.. seems like alot of intertnational flights landed at the same time..

Some of the Customs officials said that it was normal.. ended up being 3 hours..

and one official just before we left.. said it was a zoo tonite..:rolleyes:

I'm not sure if the 3 hour wait was standard..

I arrived at TBIT yesterday (Sunday Aug 21) from CDG at 2:20 PM just as several other flights arrived (CX, CI, PR, KE etc). The immigration lines quickly filled up (looks like there were about 2,000 people). I was able to clear immigration and customs in 1 hour 20 minutes. Of course I'm US citizen returning home with minimal baggage so there are no questions, no finger prints, and no extra custom screening. I can see the "Visitor" line moving quite a bit slower and it reminded me of this thread... :(

I cleared immigration in about 50 minutes and my bags were already waiting for me at luggage claim. There was another line to clear customs and I saw lots of upset Filipinos at custom area because they clearly have missed their connecting flights to the Midwest or East Coast; and the custom officers were directing all of them to secondary screening and opening all their cardboard boxes for extra hand inspection. I saw all kinds of contraband just sitting on the table: meats, fruits, wood products, plants (yes, live ones in potted soil), and lots of big knives :confused:

On a whole though, my experience at TBIT this time wasn't that bad. There was no visible sign of construction (even though you can see plenty while taxiing to the gate), and the terminal was well lit and smelled pretty fresh. It even has new signs pointing towards exits in multiple languages! It's a lot better than I remembered. The last time I came through TBIT was about 2 years ago and it was dingy and smelled like vomit.

I arrived at TBIT yesterday (Sunday Aug 21) from CDG at 2:20 PM just as several other flights arrived (CX, CI, PR, KE etc). The immigration lines quickly filled up (looks like there were about 2,000 people). I was able to clear immigration and customs in 1 hour 20 minutes. Of course I'm US citizen returning home with minimal baggage so there are no questions, no finger prints, and no extra custom screening. I can see the "Visitor" line moving quite a bit slower and it reminded me of this thread... :(

I cleared immigration in about 50 minutes and my bags were already waiting for me at luggage claim. There was another line to clear customs and I saw lots of upset Filipinos at custom area because they clearly have missed their connecting flights to the Midwest or East Coast; and the custom officers were directing all of them to secondary screening and opening all their cardboard boxes for extra hand inspection. I saw all kinds of contraband just sitting on the table: meats, fruits, wood products, plants (yes, live ones in potted soil), and lots of big knives :confused:

On a whole though, my experience at TBIT this time wasn't that bad. There was no visible sign of construction (even though you can see plenty while taxiing to the gate), and the terminal was well lit and smelled pretty fresh. It even has new signs pointing towards exits in multiple languages! It's a lot better than I remembered. The last time I came through TBIT was about 2 years ago and it was dingy and smelled like vomit.

1 h 20 min is oasis.. congrats..

Me.. I'm not going through International customs again (well never say never).. 3 hours.. and not a minute shorter.. We arrived at a decent hour.. and got out around near midnite..:eek:

We were there in 2000, 2008 and 2011.

Nov 2000: we flew with AF, so ended up in TBIT, waited 3 hrs to clear immigration (back then I think it's normal for intl pax), everything was fine and great because none of the 911 measures were there at that time.

Feb 2008: arrived at T5 with DL (got re-routed from AF to DL), it was 9pm and T5 was haunted, and no luggage cart unless you are willing to pay $3.
At dept, it was with AF at T2, a huge mess. We had to check-in then got the luggage tags on our bags and then we had to move it to TSA screening. I thought it was only in Orlando but at LAX too? The worst is that there were no space and there were people everywhere. TSA officers were the worst I have encountered.

Feb 2011, flew in with Swiss (I made sure it's not T5 or T2 unless I know that I don't have to move bags again). Arriving in TBIT, waited 30 mins for a walkway. 20 minutes and we were through immigration (thanks god that we have kids! with small kids we got priority at ATL too). Then because we brought our own pizza for the kids we had to queue at quarantine, and they had to throw the meat sauce pizza away -fair enough.
Check in for dept was nice, but the worst is after security. There are no shops, lounge close to the LX gate, so we were stuck and had nowhere to go. The worst is that you don't know how long it takes to go through security and after that you are led directly to the area close to the dept gate.

The best airport in the US I have been to is DFW, a very nice airport (can compare to European ones).

IAD was bad, we were driven by a bus to immigration and it took us 3 hrs to go through, thus we missed our connecting flight at 3pm or so. There was a tornado on our onward plane and we had to deplane and then after queuing, asking, begging the GA to put us on the next flight etc. we were eventually at Orlando at 1am. It was before kids time - I can't imagine when this happens now.

So we learned our lesson and flying directly into our destination rather than using the 'nice' first port of entry.

LAX is close to downtown and Beverly Hills, Century City, Santa Monica and the main business centers in LA. It takes 12 minutes to get to my home in Brentwood and about 20 minutes to get to my office in Beverly Hills. Good luck with that at O'Hare and don't even think about what the affluent New Yorker's in Westchester deal with coming out of LGA.

uh, LAX is not close to downtown. BUR is closer. ORD is the same distance to downtown chicago. and LGA? easy trip to midtown. LAX is actually one of the least convenient airports in the US in terms of public transportation. same with DEN (but at least DEN is a way nicer airport)

I arrived at TBIT yesterday (Sunday Aug 21) from CDG at 2:20 PM just as several other flights arrived (CX, CI, PR, KE etc). The immigration lines quickly filled up (looks like there were about 2,000 people). I was able to clear immigration and customs in 1 hour 20 minutes. Of course I'm US citizen returning home with minimal baggage so there are no questions, no finger prints, and no extra custom screening. I can see the "Visitor" line moving quite a bit slower and it reminded me of this thread... :(

I cleared immigration in about 50 minutes and my bags were already waiting for me at luggage claim. There was another line to clear customs and I saw lots of upset Filipinos at custom area because they clearly have missed their connecting flights to the Midwest or East Coast; and the custom officers were directing all of them to secondary screening and opening all their cardboard boxes for extra hand inspection. I saw all kinds of contraband just sitting on the table: meats, fruits, wood products, plants (yes, live ones in potted soil), and lots of big knives :confused:

On a whole though, my experience at TBIT this time wasn't that bad. There was no visible sign of construction (even though you can see plenty while taxiing to the gate), and the terminal was well lit and smelled pretty fresh. It even has new signs pointing towards exits in multiple languages! It's a lot better than I remembered. The last time I came through TBIT was about 2 years ago and it was dingy and smelled like vomit.

You and a couple of other posters seem to be perfect candiates for GE. I have never spent more than 15 mins total to clear immigraton and customs at LAX.

You and a couple of other posters seem to be perfect candiates for GE. I have never spent more than 15 mins total to clear immigraton and customs at LAX.

I was thinking about this also. Might say 30 minutes is the limit for me. I've returned through Bradley probably a dozen times since 2000, and about three times through the CO/UA facility.

Compared to the mayhem that is IAD, it's a dream.

uh, LAX is not close to downtown. BUR is closer. ORD is the same distance to downtown chicago. and LGA? easy trip to midtown. LAX is actually one of the least convenient airports in the US in terms of public transportation. same with DEN (but at least DEN is a way nicer airport)

Probably inconvenient because when LAX was built, there was enough land to handle the air traffic as envisioned..

It is a behemoth of an airport.. but seems to be an integral hub for many airlines because of its ability to handle capacity.. albeit not in a very classy manner..

Probably inconvenient because when LAX was built, there was enough land to handle the air traffic as envisioned..

It is a behemoth of an airport.. but seems to be an integral hub for many airlines because of its ability to handle capacity.. albeit not in a very classy manner..

LAX does have the most aircraft movement in the world. That probably means, they're constantly rearranging plane positions to accommodate other planes.

When I landed into LAX this Monday, we were getting in to 47A. As we neared the terminal, we turned left (landed on 24L) and started heading away from T4. I thought that we were going to go to the remote terminals, which would have been terrible! Fortunately, we were just moving around to make space for other planes leaving the alley. We turned around again and made it back to 47A. So LAX's ability to handle aircraft is probably true, but it's not in the most elegant way. :)

uh, LAX is not close to downtown. BUR is closer. ORD is the same distance to downtown chicago. and LGA? easy trip to midtown. LAX is actually one of the least convenient airports in the US in terms of public transportation. same with DEN (but at least DEN is a way nicer airport)

LAX does have the most aircraft movement in the world. That probably means, they're constantly rearranging plane positions to accommodate other planes.

When I landed into LAX this Monday, we were getting in to 47A. As we neared the terminal, we turned left (landed on 24L) and started heading away from T4. I thought that we were going to go to the remote terminals, which would have been terrible! Fortunately, we were just moving around to make space for other planes leaving the alley. We turned around again and made it back to 47A. So LAX's ability to handle aircraft is probably true, but it's not in the most elegant way. :)

My experiences with LAX is as standard as the ever changing weather here in YYC..

Like the last time we landed.. we boarded a bus to go to Customs.. and waited 3 hours.. gimme a break..

The fact that LAX parralel parks their planes says something about what they do on a daily basis to achieve the amount of air traffic that they do.. and why LAX never has time for renos..

It's a police state. You always see airport cops giving tickets. I've gotten several (!!) myself, including jay walking. :mad:




Well considering I saw a woman get hit by one of those shuttle vans, I can't fault them for issuing jaywalking tickets.

Well considering I saw a woman get hit by one of those shuttle vans, I can't fault them for issuing jaywalking tickets.

Sometimes if we understand why tickets are issue, in hindsight we can appreciate a reduction in accidents..

If tickets are revenue driven, then I agree.. its' the wrong motivation to hand out tickets..

Sometimes if we understand why tickets are issue, in hindsight we can appreciate a reduction in accidents..

If tickets are revenue driven, then I agree.. its' the wrong motivation to hand out tickets..

I don't think the concept of tickets is either an A, B or C issue. It's more of an "All of the above" issue. Sure there is a revenue motive to issuing tickets, but they also serve a punitive and preventative purpose as well.

I don't think the concept of tickets is either an A, B or C issue. It's more of an "All of the above" issue. Sure there is a revenue motive to issuing tickets, but they also serve a punitive and preventative purpose as well.

I agree the issues are not mutually exclusive..

But the perception in the public minds are.. my point is that better communication will lessen opposition to the issuance of tickets..

My experiences with LAX is as standard as the ever changing weather here in YYC..

Like the last time we landed.. we boarded a bus to go to Customs.. and waited 3 hours.. gimme a break..

The fact that LAX parralel parks their planes says something about what they do on a daily basis to achieve the amount of air traffic that they do.. and why LAX never has time for renos..


Honestly, do you think you have beat that horse enough?

Yes, we understand you had a terrible experience on a flight back from CUN.

Landing at the remotes is NOT a usual experience for most international passengers. A 3 hour transfer through immigrations/customs is NOT the usual amount of time needed.

Very difficult to judge life in general, in a vacuum.


HP

Honestly, do you think you have beat that horse enough?

Yes, we understand you had a terrible experience on a flight back from CUN.

Landing at the remotes is NOT a usual experience for most international passengers. A 3 hour transfer through immigrations/customs is NOT the usual amount of time needed.

Very difficult to judge life in general, in a vacuum.


HP

I was confused at LAX customs because many of the staff members that I spoke to said that this was the usual every day, all day..

If you're saying its not, then what is the usual? A regular landing going through customs within the actual terminal where landed?..

I'm not sure where we landed, but if its a remote tower, certainly that was not expected..

I agree the issues are not mutually exclusive..

But the perception in the public minds are.. my point is that better communication will lessen opposition to the issuance of tickets..

Most people in the public rarely look at an issue beyond a superficial level of comprehension so one can not put to much effort into changing public perception.

Personally, I say issue as many tickets as required, especially if some of that money can go to the airport. Let the idiots contribute to airport improvements. ;)

Most people in the public rarely look at an issue beyond a superficial level of comprehension so one can not put to much effort into changing public perception.

Personally, I say issue as many tickets as required, especially if some of that money can go to the airport. Let the idiots contribute to airport improvements. ;)

Agreed.. the factor of anger plays a key to perception..

Since the natural reaction is anger when receiving a ticket.. and a welling up of emotions inside.. sometimes justifying ill will towards the officer handing you the ticket.. I suppose education of perception will be minimally effective at ticket issuance level..

Our local police has put out some effective advertising campaigns addressing the importance of law abidance.. I know its a hit to the budget, but its greatly appreciative that there is some forewarning to ticketing issuance possibilities, and the background in which and why laws are being enforced..

As someone who lives on the westside of LA and religiously flies UA (taking advantage of elite security at T6) I find LAX to be an amazingly convenient airport. Like the rest of LA, a great place to live but a horrible place to visit...

Whenever I walk through LAX (usually in terminals 6-8), I feel like I'm in a time warp, back to 1980 or so. The whole look and the Muzak they play.

For such an international city with great food options, I find the food options at LAX to be amazingly poor, and with few (any?) actual sit-down restaurants.

As far as major U.S. airports, I'd say LAX is competitive with IAD...

As someone who lives on the westside of LA and religiously flies UA (taking advantage of elite security at T6) I find LAX to be an amazingly convenient airport. Like the rest of LA, a great place to live but a horrible place to visit...

I agree. I also live on the westside, and getting to the airport is fairly convenient most days and times (if I drive). Not so much with public transport, but it is available when I don't want to park my car. I do admit that I am also fond of the trains and subways that go straight into other airports, and I wish LAX had something similar, preferably from north of the airport. :D

Whenever I walk through LAX (usually in terminals 6-8), I feel like I'm in a time warp, back to 1980 or so. The whole look and the Muzak they play.

For such an international city with great food options, I find the food options at LAX to be amazingly poor, and with few (any?) actual sit-down restaurants.

As far as major U.S. airports, I'd say LAX is competitive with IAD...

I can't complain about LAX's flights. They have enough of them that I don't really feel like there's a drought. I fly AA and the frequencies are abundant, and since I'm willing to connect via DFW, there are a ton of options for LAX-DFW (16 times a day) that I can hit most connections out of DFW.

Whenever I walk through LAX (usually in terminals 6-8), I feel like I'm in a time warp, back to 1980 or so. The whole look and the Muzak they play.

For such an international city with great food options, I find the food options at LAX to be amazingly poor, and with few (any?) actual sit-down restaurants.

As far as major U.S. airports, I'd say LAX is competitive with IAD...

I guess LAX is so busy, they don't have time and can't afford to shut down for a reno..

I agree, it seems 70s 80s ish.. Would be nice for more up to date food choices..

I guess LAX is so busy, they don't have time and can't afford to shut down for a reno..

I agree, it seems 70s 80s ish.. Would be nice for more up to date food choices..

But they are renovating TBIT right now. And they have temporarily shut down some gates in T4 to accommodate or something.

I guess LAX is so busy, they don't have time and can't afford to shut down for a reno..


They don't have to shutdown the entire airport. The renovation that will happen will occur in phases. The central terminal, TBIT, transportation center, rental car facility, and midfield concourse will be built without disrupting airport operations.

The stuck-in-the-80s feel is mainly because the airport hasn't been updated since the early 80s when it was renovated for the 1984 Olympics. Since that time, NIMBYs in the Westchester area and lack of leadership from the City and LAWA itself have stalled all development plans. Aside from a limited redo of T4 and minor refurbishment of T5 and T6, LAX terminals has not changed since 1983.

It took the current Mayor, who cleaned house and appointed a new LAWA management to actually get going on TBIT expansion and renovation. And we are finally getting some traction on automated people mover and light rail extension that will bring the trains to the airport.

The stuck-in-the-80s feel is mainly because the airport hasn't been updated since the early 80s when it was renovated for the 1984 Olympics. Since that time, NIMBYs in the Westchester area and lack of leadership from the City and LAWA itself have stalled all development plans. Aside from a limited redo of T4 and minor refurbishment of T5 and T6, LAX terminals has not changed since 1983.

It took the current Mayor, who cleaned house and appointed a new LAWA management to actually get going on TBIT expansion and renovation. And we are finally getting some traction on automated people mover and light rail extension that will bring the trains to the airport.


Get your facts straight.
The "nimby's" in Westchester have had NOTHING to do with the lack of renovations to ANY terminal or light rail/people mover at LAX.

That is a FACT.


HP

Get your facts straight.
The "nimby's" in Westchester have had NOTHING to do with the lack of renovations to ANY terminal or light rail/people mover at LAX.

That is a FACT.


HP

LAWA's plan to replace T1/T2/T3 is tied up with moving the north runway, which is blocked by NIMBYs of various degree of crazy. The TBIT expansion had few NIMBY opposition this time but early attempts were rebuffed by NIMBYs who successfully argued for the silly multi-airport regional strategy. Again, as I also pointed out, the slow progress is also due to indifference of LAWA and City leadership (in the face of NIMBYs and otherwise).

The current leadership has moved the ball forward and appeased some of the NIMBY factions with restoration of Westchester golf course and other goodwill gestures. But the north runway and T1/T2/T3 modernization is still not happening.

LAWA's plan to replace T1/T2/T3 is tied up with moving the north runway, which is blocked by NIMBYs of various degree of crazy. The TBIT expansion had few NIMBY opposition this time but early attempts were rebuffed by NIMBYs who successfully argued for the silly multi-airport regional strategy. Again, as I also pointed out, the slow progress is also due to indifference of LAWA and City leadership (in the face of NIMBYs and otherwise).

The current leadership has moved the ball forward and appeased some of the NIMBY factions with restoration of Westchester golf course and other goodwill gestures. But the north runway and T1/T2/T3 modernization is still not happening.

COMPLETELY inaccurate. The movement of the North runway, and a remodel of T-1 thru 3 are totally different issues.

LAWA moved the south 25's, but didn't "expand" T-4 through 8, did they?

Terminals 1,2 and 3 can be remodeled and revamped without moving EITHER of the 24's runways further north.

And since the moving of 24R has always been the ONLY REAL plan presented by LAWA ( not 24L), your NIMBY argument in regards to remodeling the north terminals, holds no merit.

HP

COMPLETELY inaccurate. The movement of the North runway, and a remodel of T-1 thru 3 are totally different issues.

<snip>

And since the moving of 24R has always been the ONLY REAL plan presented by LAWA ( not 24L), your NIMBY argument in regards to remodeling the north terminals, holds no merit.

Mayor Hahn's LAX modernization plan involved moving the inner runway on LAX's north side in order to to accommodate a center taxiway and increase the separation between the runways. That plan required the demolition of Terminals 1, 2 and 3 (LAX Master Plan (http://www.ourlax.org/program.aspx)).

That plan was opposed by Westchester residents. The city dropped that proposal in exchange for a promise by airport-area communities to drop federal and state lawsuits that challenged it (Los Angeles Times (http://articles.latimes.com/2006/nov/28/local/me-airport28)).

Eventually, a panel of academics determined that the current runway configuration is safe and that while increasing the separation between the two runways may improve safety, the current risk is so low that reducing it further would not result in any practical benefits (ARSAC (http://www.regionalsolution.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=96&Itemid=2)). That news was welcomed in Westchester (Los Angeles Times (http://articles.latimes.com/2010/feb/20/local/la-me-lax-report20-2010feb20)).

But they are renovating TBIT right now. And they have temporarily shut down some gates in T4 to accommodate or something.

American claims to be renovating. That means they are using some remote gates. When my flight from BOS to LAX arrived at a remote gate a couple of weeks ago, it was a surprisingly long bus ride to the terminal. I think we may have been out where the old Imperial terminal was for those who remember that.

I lived in LA for 17 years and it is my most frequent business travel destination, so I'm used to LAX. It's not wonderful, but it isn't nearly as bad as MIA.

American claims to be renovating. That means they are using some remote gates. When my flight from BOS to LAX arrived at a remote gate a couple of weeks ago, it was a surprisingly long bus ride to the terminal. I think we may have been out where the old Imperial terminal was for those who remember that.

I lived in LA for 17 years and it is my most frequent business travel destination, so I'm used to LAX. It's not wonderful, but it isn't nearly as bad as MIA.


The remote stands are in the north/west portions of the airport.

The old Imperial Terminal is/was on the south side of the airport, about midway down 25L.

HP

COMPLETELY inaccurate. The movement of the North runway, and a remodel of T-1 thru 3 are totally different issues.

LAWA moved the south 25's, but didn't "expand" T-4 through 8, did they?

Terminals 1,2 and 3 can be remodeled and revamped without moving EITHER of the 24's runways further north.

And since the moving of 24R has always been the ONLY REAL plan presented by LAWA ( not 24L), your NIMBY argument in regards to remodeling the north terminals, holds no merit.

HP

I guess you are one of those NIMBYs in Westchester :o

TWA884 has already owned you so I will just leave it at that. The current state of terminals has everything to do with 25 years of NIMBY interference. Just as much as indifferent city and LAWA leadership.

I guess you are one of those NIMBYs in Westchester :o

TWA884 has already owned you so I will just leave it at that. The current state of terminals has everything to do with 25 years of NIMBY interference. Just as much as indifferent city and LAWA leadership.


TWA884 has hardly "owned" me, child.

If you actually READ the proposal in TWA's link, it states the plan is to move 24L south, and would mean demolition and reconstruction of Terminals 1,2 and 4.

No Westchester resident would be against this proposal, since it would have NO impact on the airport boundaries.

If your issue is with moving 24R to the NORTH, rerouting all 6 lanes of Lincoln Blvd, and wiping out more business and increasing even more noise in the area....then that is different.

But that plan has been found by NASA to have no merit.


HP

American claims to be renovating. That means they are using some remote gates. When my flight from BOS to LAX arrived at a remote gate a couple of weeks ago, it was a surprisingly long bus ride to the terminal. I think we may have been out where the old Imperial terminal was for those who remember that.

I lived in LA for 17 years and it is my most frequent business travel destination, so I'm used to LAX. It's not wonderful, but it isn't nearly as bad as MIA.

A renovation..

This is the first I've heard in a long time that anyone is renovating at LAX..^

American claims to be renovating.

A renovation..

This is the first I've heard in a long time that anyone is renovating at LAX..^

AA isn't renovating in the sense of improving aesthetics. AA's terminal refurb was done back in 2001. Currently, they are closing two gates at a time to install new fuel lines.

The only thing that can be considered a renovation would be the new concessions scheduled to be setup this year.

LAX T4 getting better food options (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-aadvantage/1212844-lax-t4-getting-better-food-options.html)

AA isn't renovating in the sense of improving aesthetics. AA's terminal refurb was done back in 2001. Currently, they are closing two gates at a time to install new fuel lines.

The only thing that can be considered a renovation would be the new concessions scheduled to be setup this year.

LAX T4 getting better food options (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-aadvantage/1212844-lax-t4-getting-better-food-options.html)

The renos I guess is bringing it from the 60's back up to the 80's..

drab looking, tired.. but I guess LAX airport gets the job done

The renos I guess is bringing it from the 60's back up to the 80's..

drab looking, tired.. but I guess LAX airport gets the job done

I would say that applies to many of the other terminals. But AA spent a considerable amount of money on T4 and the Admirals Club to give the facility a modern feel.

http://www.cyrcon.com/upload/projects/Cyrcon_gallerySm/Transportation/lax1_md.jpg https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rNcH1Qksct0/TXRbACqb0bI/AAAAAAAAC18/sWjANtPbb4o/s400/3574829572_62f61f5dd2_z.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dt-_Pg10N3U/TXRYLBCQTLI/AAAAAAAAC1s/FPByufAuFOA/s400/100_1406.jpg https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eWluf3k8BNA/TXRYQeckD9I/AAAAAAAAC1w/p0QRBnGGVdg/s400/IMG_0613.jpg

I would say that applies to many of the other terminals. But AA spent a considerable amount of money on T4 and the Admirals Club to give the facility a modern feel.


Maybe they should use more glass to bring in more sunlight.

I would say that applies to many of the other terminals. But AA spent a considerable amount of money on T4 and the Admirals Club to give the facility a modern feel.



Looks pretty nice actually..

I didn't know that AA modernized their terminal.. the terminals I've been is an eyesore, and seems cavernous old..

Looks pretty nice actually..
I didn't know that AA modernized their terminal..

And once the airside connector is built, AA's terminal will blend into the new TBIT where AA will have use of four gates.

TBIT T4 Connector (http://www.lawa.org/uploadedFiles/board_agenda/ManagementReports/boac110606zDevelopment%20Program%20Management%20Up date-T-4%20Connector.pdf)

And once the airside connector is built, AA's terminal will blend into the new TBIT where AA will have use of four gates.

TBIT T4 Connector (http://www.lawa.org/uploadedFiles/board_agenda/ManagementReports/boac110606zDevelopment%20Program%20Management%20Up date-T-4%20Connector.pdf)

Certainly seems like an exciting development that's convenient..

Sunday, October 2, 2011, Los Angeles Times Travel section cover story:

Behind the scenes at LAX (http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-lax-20111002,0,5015960.story)

Sunday, October 2, 2011, Los Angeles Times Travel section cover story:

Behind the scenes at LAX (http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-lax-20111002,0,5015960.story)

Interesting. On the first page, they say Julio Ortiz is an AA employee, but that he mans the kiosks in T5. Hmm...

Sunday, October 2, 2011, Los Angeles Times Travel section cover story:

Behind the scenes at LAX (http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-lax-20111002,0,5015960.story)

61 million passengers and 1700 flights per day.. who would have imagined?

Interesting. On the first page, they say Julio Ortiz is an AA employee, but that he mans the kiosks in T5. Hmm...

LOL. Articles like these are bound to get something wrong.

LOL. Articles like these are bound to get something wrong.

Or it could be a hint of AA's plans to buy out DL. :D

Interesting. On the first page, they say Julio Ortiz is an AA employee, but that he mans the kiosks in T5. Hmm...

Or that A380 arrives with 800 passengers :D

I think QF or SQ would be quite surprised to find an extra 350 or so people hiding in luggage hold of their A380.

Otherwise, the article makes good observations. Especially about surly Shuttle C drivers and the unpleasant connection experience.

Or it could be a hint of AA's plans to buy out DL. :D

LOL! I would love to see AA take control of the T5 terminal.

Or that A380 arrives with 800 passengers :D

I think QF or SQ would be quite surprised to find an extra 350 or so people hiding in luggage hold of their A380.

Otherwise, the article makes good observations. Especially about surly Shuttle C drivers and the unpleasant connection experience.

Or a double decker plane with no cargo hold..

What will they think of next?

Otherwise, the article makes good observations. Especially about surly Shuttle C drivers and the unpleasant connection experience.

No arguments from me about the airport being 80s vintage or the horrible connection experience when changing airlines, but as an origin/destination airport it does pretty well.

My flight last night touched down at 8:55, parked at the gate at 9:00, I walked to the parking shuttle pickup, rode shuttle to get my car, drove 15 miles home, and walked in my door at 9:40. At how many other major airports could I have done that? :)

No arguments from me about the airport being 80s vintage or the horrible connection experience when changing airlines, but as an origin/destination airport it does pretty well.

My flight last night touched down at 8:55, parked at the gate at 9:00, I walked to the parking shuttle pickup, rode shuttle to get my car, drove 15 miles home, and walked in my door at 9:40. At how many other major airports could I have done that? :)

Maybe its great in this respect..

But my experience was on the other side of the spectrum going through customs..

Taxied in decent hour at 8:30 pm.. Arrived at customs via bus connection 9:00 pm.. Did not get out of the airport customs and immigration until 12:00 midnite.. Did not get out of the rental company parking lot until 1:15 am.. and ariive at the hotel at 2:15 am..

brutal..!

Maybe its great in this respect..

But my experience was on the other side of the spectrum going through customs..

Taxied in decent hour at 8:30 pm.. Arrived at customs via bus connection 9:00 pm.. Did not get out of the airport customs and immigration until 12:00 midnite.. Did not get out of the rental company parking lot until 1:15 am.. and ariive at the hotel at 2:15 am..

brutal..!

musing must be talking about a domestic trip, or is a US citizen. I have Global Entry so my international and domestic times to getting out of the airport are similar. I can usually be home 40 to 50 minutes from touch down.

musing must be talking about a domestic trip, or is a US citizen. I have Global Entry so my international and domestic times to getting out of the airport are similar. I can usually be home 40 to 50 minutes from touch down.

This was domestic, however for international on American and United where you can avoid TBIT, I've never had more than about 30 min through customs and the lines for non-US citizens seemed to be taking about the same, although this is definitely a case of YMMV asI seldom fly international.

No doubt LAX is great O&D airport for domestic travel. I fully agree with this point. The small terminal layout that dumps you directly at the curb is great if you are leaving the airport anyway. :)