Air New Zealand Air Points - Cattle Pen on LHR-AKL Layover

Can any one please tell me what the real deal on the LAX cattle pen is.

I am heading home for Christmas with the family which means economy flights for all. So my Q. is at LAX do economy travellers HAVE to go to the pen or can you choose to clear customs with hand luggage, step outside for a stroll and a breath of fresh air before heading back into the terminal.

I know the FA's are pretty insistent that you go to the pen (down to not dishing out custom declarations to econ passanger) but with 3 kids I know what I'd rather do.

Hi there,
I don't know what the policy is but I can say that the paperwork (I94 and customs forms) are not a problem. There are always many blank ones provided at US Immigration so just go there and pick up some blank ones. I'm sure you'll have time to fill them in during the queue!

I've got to agree with your thoughts - letting the children loose halfway through a flight that long is essential!

Jason

Previously, all passengers had to go into the transit lounge. But US Customs and Immigration have given special compensation to any confirmed F or C customer in transit on NZ1/NZ2 so they can access the lounge. All others are excluded including Gold Elites and Koru Club members in Y.

No PA will be made on the flight, and those premium customers concerned will be told in person.

You do need to go to the pen.

Bear in mind that (in my experience) clearing immigration/customs out and back again (incl security) can easily take 2 hours anyway - pretty much the length of the stopover. So you arent missing much.