Originally Posted by
chrisj85
I didn't realize that DL had gone to (or maybe always has had) the dreaded split routing on this SYD-LAX-ATL service. I thought originally that DL 16/17 operated on the 777LR for both legs in both directions, but now that is not the case. It's unfortunate when folks are booked on the same flight number all the way through, but still have to worry about making a connection due to change of aircraft at LAX.
I used to live in LA but never connected intl > domestic at LAX. Is there not a separate airside security re-check after clearing immigration/customs to allow the arriving intl pax access into the T5/6/7/8 airside complex without going through one of the main security lines used by originating domestic pax in those terminals? Seems like there should be a separate recheck for those intl arrivals who are connecting, since once you are clear of security it is possible to use the T5-6 airside tunnel and the airside corridors connecting T6-7-8 to go to any gate in the complex.
The fact that DL16/17 continues to/from ATL has nothing to do with the procedure I listed in post #2 about what will happen when the OP arrives in LAX. The procedure is exactly the same whether you are connecting to the same DL16 to ATL or not. You still must clear immigration and customs, re-check your bag, leave the terminal and go back upstairs to the departures area where you will re-clear security. That's how it's done at T5 at LAX.
Maybe there are plans to change that in the future. But for now I guess it's a better plan than having DL16 arrive at the Intl Terminal and then you have to walk from there to T5 to catch your onward domestic connection.
-RM