Sep 23, 2013, 11:34 am
Last edit by: Microwave
The current state of affairs for international arrivals at LAX is as under:
It is understood that PVG flights will be arriving directly to TBIT.
Due to on-going construction at Los Angeles International Airport, American’s operation will be affected over the course of the next year or more. For the foreseeable future, American’s international flight arrivals, with the exception of its Shanghai plane, will land and unload passengers at Terminal 4. The international passengers will then use nearby stairs to access the ramp where they will board busses and be transported to the new Federal Inspection Service facility at the new Thomas Bradley International Terminal. American’s Shanghai flight will arrive at TBIT. All of American’s international departures will remain at Terminal 4 for the near future.
American is working closely with Los Angeles Airport Authority officials to lessen the impact airport construction has on customers and airline employees. The construction projects are necessary to enhance our customer travel experience in the future. We appreciate everyone’s understanding.(Source; HT: gleff)
American is working closely with Los Angeles Airport Authority officials to lessen the impact airport construction has on customers and airline employees. The construction projects are necessary to enhance our customer travel experience in the future. We appreciate everyone’s understanding.(Source; HT: gleff)
Changes for LAX international arrivals / bus to TBIT for formalities (consolidated)
Sep 23, 2013, 8:09 am
#46
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Posts: 789
It seems a shame that as AA and BA align their offerings under the Joint Business Agreement, AA is adopted some of BA's more shabby practices, such the bussing they routinely use at LHR.
I do hope they make flights AA72/73 year round again so you can connect to Hawaii from London avoiding LAX. The DFW connections do not meet so you end up spending a night in DFW on the way out and all day at DFW on the way back. When it runs the connections through ORD in both directions are sweet. (snow in the winter is the only problem).
I am very disappointed that all round the world the few good points of international travel that work are being withdrawn. The Brits withdrew IRIS the Electronic Immigration system that worked for US citizens as well replacing it with a slower often broken Euro only thing and have not progressed on their agreement with US to work on Expedited Traveler Program and now the best CBP in US is being closed and one is off to one of the worst. I guess from now on it makes sense if one's destination is Southern California to fly via ORD or DFW and then one has the option of using SNA and ONT as well or maybe to Vegas if you like BA and high rolling...
Sep 23, 2013, 10:34 am
#47
Join Date: Aug 2011
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I've often chosen DFW over LAX for NRT connections (even if DFW is an east-bound flight going to LAX for me) because (a) no remote terminal bus is required and (b) it's a MD80 (full size plane) to DFW but now it's CRJ-200s for me to LAX. ...and it's extra miles earned for me.
Sep 23, 2013, 11:36 am
#48
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Thread title has been updated, and a Wikipost added with what I understand to be the current status quo.
Wikiposts are designed to be maintained by the community, so if anyone can put it better please feel free.
~Moderator
Wikiposts are designed to be maintained by the community, so if anyone can put it better please feel free.
~Moderator
Sep 23, 2013, 5:09 pm
#49
Join Date: Jan 2013
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I came in on BA LAX-LHR yesterday into the new CBP Hall at TBIT and I have to say I was impressed - it was really nice. I do have GE and like others said there were plenty of kiosks with nobody using them
Sep 23, 2013, 8:33 pm
#50
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The answer seems to be - connect and formalities at DFW on the LAX-bound portion - at least until they get this changed. Or, BA nonstop.
Sep 23, 2013, 9:41 pm
#51
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: LAX
Posts: 6,769
Thanks for the heads up. I guess I'll try to avoid international arrivals into LAX for the moment. Taking the bus is a pain and slows everything down.
Sep 23, 2013, 10:04 pm
#52
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...
I've used the bus from TBIT scenario before (maybe CX uses it for LAX-HKG? or was it a JL LAX-NRT even though all other times I've taken that flight it's right from TBIT), and it does kind of suck... but if the payoff is a TBIT-T4 airside connector then I'm OK with it.
I've used the bus from TBIT scenario before (maybe CX uses it for LAX-HKG? or was it a JL LAX-NRT even though all other times I've taken that flight it's right from TBIT), and it does kind of suck... but if the payoff is a TBIT-T4 airside connector then I'm OK with it.
LAX Terminal 4 - Tom Bradley Intl Terminal: secure connection?
Sep 24, 2013, 1:06 am
#53
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: AA & DL / SPG & HGP
Posts: 1,723
The T4/TBIT airside connector is not due to open for another 18 months (March 2015).
LAX Terminal 4 - Tom Bradley Intl Terminal: secure connection?
LAX Terminal 4 - Tom Bradley Intl Terminal: secure connection?
Sep 24, 2013, 1:55 am
#54
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: West of the Rockies
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AA170 LAX TBIT West 9/23 Report
I was on AA170 on 9/23. Here are my observations:
1. Plane parked at Gate 41 at about 9:45 am.
2. Observed three LAX buses waiting for the flight
3. I was in 20B and was boarded to bus #1
4. The bus proceeded to a area on the north side of TB west. (5-7 minutes)
5. Fair amount of walking to passport control (5 minutes)
6. I am Global Entry. There were at least a dozen kiosks.
7. First kiosk would not read my passport. moved to another and no problems.
8. Another 5 minute walk to baggage carousel #10
9. Priority baggage was already on carousel #10.
10. An AA agent was monitoring passengers picking up bags with priority tags, checked my name on a printed list and handed me a Flagship lounge card key.
11. Another 3-4 minute walk to recheck bag.
11. I was out the front door of TB by 10:12am.
It was by far the best LAX CBP experience I've ever had. YMMV.
MO
1. Plane parked at Gate 41 at about 9:45 am.
2. Observed three LAX buses waiting for the flight
3. I was in 20B and was boarded to bus #1
4. The bus proceeded to a area on the north side of TB west. (5-7 minutes)
5. Fair amount of walking to passport control (5 minutes)
6. I am Global Entry. There were at least a dozen kiosks.
7. First kiosk would not read my passport. moved to another and no problems.
8. Another 5 minute walk to baggage carousel #10
9. Priority baggage was already on carousel #10.
10. An AA agent was monitoring passengers picking up bags with priority tags, checked my name on a printed list and handed me a Flagship lounge card key.
11. Another 3-4 minute walk to recheck bag.
11. I was out the front door of TB by 10:12am.
It was by far the best LAX CBP experience I've ever had. YMMV.
MO
Sep 24, 2013, 2:32 am
#55
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Sep 24, 2013, 2:39 am
#56
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I was on AA170 on 9/23. Here are my observations:
1. Plane parked at Gate 41 at about 9:45 am.
2. Observed three LAX buses waiting for the flight
3. I was in 20B and was boarded to bus #1
4. The bus proceeded to a area on the north side of TB west. (5-7 minutes)
5. Fair amount of walking to passport control (5 minutes)
6. I am Global Entry. There were at least a dozen kiosks.
7. First kiosk would not read my passport. moved to another and no problems.
8. Another 5 minute walk to baggage carousel #10
9. Priority baggage was already on carousel #10.
10. An AA agent was monitoring passengers picking up bags with priority tags, checked my name on a printed list and handed me a Flagship lounge card key.
11. Another 3-4 minute walk to recheck bag.
11. I was out the front door of TB by 10:12am.
It was by far the best LAX CBP experience I've ever had. YMMV.
MO
1. Plane parked at Gate 41 at about 9:45 am.
2. Observed three LAX buses waiting for the flight
3. I was in 20B and was boarded to bus #1
4. The bus proceeded to a area on the north side of TB west. (5-7 minutes)
5. Fair amount of walking to passport control (5 minutes)
6. I am Global Entry. There were at least a dozen kiosks.
7. First kiosk would not read my passport. moved to another and no problems.
8. Another 5 minute walk to baggage carousel #10
9. Priority baggage was already on carousel #10.
10. An AA agent was monitoring passengers picking up bags with priority tags, checked my name on a printed list and handed me a Flagship lounge card key.
11. Another 3-4 minute walk to recheck bag.
11. I was out the front door of TB by 10:12am.
It was by far the best LAX CBP experience I've ever had. YMMV.
MO
Thanks.
Sep 24, 2013, 2:39 am
#57
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: AA, UA, DL
Posts: 78
I was also on AA 170 on 9/23 in F. The only complaints were we had to wait for the buses before we could board them. One was there but they made us wait for the second one before we could board. and then the walk from the bus drop off to the CBP area. The doors should be closer. It also would be nice if the GOES machines were on both sides of the hall not just on the south side.
Sep 24, 2013, 2:42 am
#58
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Signatures
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Sep 24, 2013, 3:12 am
#59
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Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 789
Some UK citizens are being invited in to Global Entry; see this thread in the BAEC forum.
Sep 24, 2013, 3:22 am
#60
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Signatures
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As I understand it this is BA only, as an AA EXP apparently one is excluded, I presume the same for UA and DL flyers. Probably a result of the cosy relationship Between BA and UK Givernment. It is the British flag carrier in all but name. Virgin have recessed politically wih leader changes in government. Mr Branson does not after all fly to the EU which is the prime focus of the pro EU Prime Minister.
And, of course, politics have no place in the AAdvantage forum, so we'll leave those comments alone.