ed1

If your AS flight is a code share on AmericanEagle, I'd recommend taking the (inside security) shuttle bus to T2, taking the shorter connection at LAX, and enjoying the WCs at MSP for the longer connection. The WC at LAX is rather old and small and can be rather cramped at peak times. MSP has a much newer WC in MSP (C) and soup in the F/G club.

Bestbob

Precise language can indeed be everything...

Thanks to everyone for the various comments... I've indeed learned more than expected about getting through LAX from the AmericanEagle commuter (I erred in the OP calling it "Alaska") to the NWA flight.

My original thought was more about time to connect... whether at LAX I might need more than just over an hour to make the connection... my personal thinking is to plan connections always assuming at least a 30 minute delay on arrival (diespite official policy) so that I try to give myself a minimum of 60 minutes at an airport.. and 90 doesn't bother me if schedule permits, especially where there is a World Club or similar to work from.

Never even thought about the possibility of a second security clearance... good to see the confirmation that that was not necessary.

Looks as if I'll decide on the longer time in LAX knowing that there are many later flights from MSP to DTW in case something creates a delay on that leg.

Thanks for the insight into LAX mysteries. I've been there once in 10 years, with no connections involved.

ed1

I always like to schedule decent connection times, when available, especially if there's a WC or partner club available, usually taking the last connection offered, all other things being equal. The LAX WC is one of my least favorite WCs, but the staff was great on my two visits there last year. I remembered very little about LAX, since the only other time flying there on NW was on a couple of F award tickets in the late '80s. I know we visited the LAX and MSP WCs then, but I really didn't remember much about the airport or WC. My TPA-MEM-LAX-DTW-PVD routing with a PVD-MSP-LAX-DTW-TPA return, last Sep., gave me lots of time to explore LAX, especially the WC, CRC, and PC and the connecting/nonconnecting terminal situations there.

skmwalden

I am flying into LAX Terminal 3 on Alaskan Air and have a connection time of 1 hour 15 minutes to get to my connecting Delta flight in Terminal 5. I tried to get flights changed but Delta says this is a legal connection time and can't help. Does anybody have any experience in making a similar connection like this?

(Before you ask why I booked the flight like this ... I forgot to mention that this is a re-booking by Delta, as my direct flight from Anchorage to Atlanta was canceled and replaced by Anchorage/LAX/Atlanta.)

AndyTLe

You should be fine. You'll have to leave Terminal 3 and either catch the terminal connection shuttle bus (on the lower level outside of baggage claim) or you can walk across the parking lots. You will have to clear security again.

http://www.iflylax.com/lax_map0.html

crabbing

don't walk across the parking structure. as soon as you get out of T3, turn right, and stay on the sidewalk past the int'l terminal and T4. that way, you won't have to dodge any cars.

but don't dawdle. the cutoff for re-checking bags is 45 minutes, and be at the gate 30 minutes prior to departure. i don't know if bags will be checked through (ask!). security at T5 can be a few minutes, or the line can go all the way to T6.

GBadger

Why not? Don't DL and AS now have interline baggage agreements? I know there are no problems checking bags through from AS to NW...

AndyTLe

There is an interline agreement.

KeaauFlyer

An hour and fifteen minutes could be a bit tight for the baggage to make your connecting flight. I have made similar connections myself quite a few times, and I always make the flight myself. My bags, however, have tended to not make interline connections about a third of the time when there is less than 90 minutes allowed. I may just be unlucky and YMMV, as always.

skmwalden

Folks, thanks for all the information.

Bottom line - Looks like I might make the connection ... but our bags might not. I guess I can live with that as long as the bags eventually show up on my door step.

hawaii-bound

Made these reservations for a neighbor (in her 70's and very hard of hearing). The Delta schedule change now has a 39 minute connection FL 1735 SLC/LAX connection to FL 1767 LAX/KOA.

Is this too tight? Do I need to have her contact DL to try and change to an earlier flight without fees? In the case of a schedule change, is DL like AA where you can request a ticket refund?

Thanks for your help.

aSiAnRiCk

I just booked an award reservation for a cousin of mine.

He's flying DL's non-stop FLL-LAX, arriving in LAX at 9:55 AM. His next flight is on KE to ICN and it leaves at 11:00 AM.

Do you think one hour is enough to connect from T4 to TBIT? His luggage should be checked through.

How's TBIT that time of the day? I know it's a zoo late at night.

Thanks in advance ^

DukieDrew

Do you have to do a separate check-in for KE? I know I had to when I flew SJC-LAX-ICN a few years ago (although that could have been because my first leg was on American Eagle...).

If so, that could make this more troublesome.

jpdx

I think LAX has 1:30 minimum connection time for domestic-international. If they sell you this on one ticket, it may be doable, but will be a rush. Do not attempt this on separate tickets!

thezipper

I wouldn't... seeing you need to exit security at T5, get to TBIT by bus or walking, re-check in with KE and make sure the bags are logged, then re-clear security at TBIT... and then I'm guessing it will be a bus gate for the plane... any little hiccup will blow his itin... might want to pose that question in the KE forum to see what they would do for him if he does miss the 11am flight.