Sorry, I would go with the 1430 flight.

Arriving at 1130 is around the time a few ex-asia and southpac flights arrive (well OK, UA from SYD is I think 1040 or so). The FIS at Tom Bradley can be a zoo, even if you're a US citizen (and if not, even worse!). I've been stuck at LAX for 90 minutes just waiting to get through passport control. You'd prob have a 70%-80% chance of making the 1pm just fine, but it's far better to play it safe and go for the 1430. I do agree that the aircraft may well arrive earlier than sched, but you can't always count on that as a given.

Certainly I have arrived ex-europe at Tom Bradley (on LH) and been out on the street in about 15 minutes, but I also had no checked bags etc, and was one of the first off the aircraft (thank you business class! ). I had from 1605 arrival until 1800 departure and I was OK on that day (except for getting on thre wrong shuttle bus and ending up at the employee parking lot, but that's another story Again thank you LH business class rieseling!).

As a rule though I try to give myself at least 2 hours at LAX to connect - just in case. If I have to wait in a lounge for 30 mins that is fine - it's better than the stress of rushing for a flight and possibly missing it.

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RichardMEL, UA 1K
A Star Alliance Member.

[This message has been edited by RichardMEL (edited Jan 17, 2004).]