Originally Posted by
zdcatc12
Next month I will be arriving on KE at 1340. Trying to get back to SAT the same day on a different ticket, I originally had an AA flight at 1830, but that got cancelled a few months ago. My only other option to get back to SAT the same day is on UA leaving at 1600 connecting in SFO.
I have Global Entry, but will have a checked bag. With no UA check-in at TBIT, I will need to schlep my bag to terminal 7. Is this doable? I am thinking that I have a shot, as long as I get out of customs fairly quick, though I am not sure how long it will tale my checked bag to come out. Thanks.
UA cut off time for checking in with bags is 45 minutes before departure time. That gives you only 1:35 to get to the check-in counters at T7.
Walking from TBIT is going to take you 15-20 minutes. An airport shuttle bus is not likely to save any time and may take longer including the wait for the bus.
Clearing immigration control with GE is going to take seconds.
The two unknowns are how long is it going to take to get off the airplane and the wait for luggage.
It's going to be either an A380 or a B748i, both large aircraft that can take a long time to deplane if not seating in a premium class.
I rarely travel with checked bags, however, I have never received one at LAX in less than 30 minutes. I can't recall the last time that I arrived at TBIT with checked bags, but I've heard stories of passengers waiting for an hour before bags start getting to the carousel.
Doing the math, if the flight is on time and you have your bags 30 minutes after arriving at the gate, you should comfortably make it to T7 before check-in closes for your flight to SAT. If it takes an hour to get your luggage at TBIT, it's going to get very tight.
Good luck!