Originally Posted by
ZenFlyer
Writing from the Admirals Club lounge in T4 after a fairly confusing transfer from TBIT earlier this afternoon -- wish I had thought to check this thread first. The above detailed description from S80 matches what I saw except that the tiny checkpoint for connecting flights (noted in bold above) was alas not open. I don't know if this was a one-off or if it is only staffed at particular regular hours. For reasons too painful to belabor, we actually wound up going back through TBIT security (which was a zoo) and then walking to T4 via a quiet corridor on level 5, where the TBIT oneworld lounge is located. In retrospect we should have just followed the signs to T4 and gone through security there. (This is my first time transiting LAX so I'm no expert, just reporting our experience today).
That checkpoint doesn't seem to show up on TSA's website, plus they seem to do their own thing when they're open or not regardless of what the website says.
FWIW I've only been through on Sunday afternoons between 3 and 5pm and it's been open for me then. It's always quiet though, so not surprised they close it when there aren't many international arrivals.
It's better to walk airside to T4 and clear security there. It's shorter, and the checkpoint is less of a mess (I suspect it's due to more seasoned travelers flying AA vs infrequent Int'l travelers visiting LA).