Originally Posted by qasr
I wonder if the SYD-SFO-YVR flight might be able to keep transit pax from going through immigration because it is a same plane international flight? I think NZ does this on the AKL-LHR flights through SFO & LAX...
Its the worst of both worlds on the through flights. Have to "enter" US - ie complete immigration process including visa if not eligible for visa waiver. But get put in a small secure airside holding pen with up to a couple hundred other pax (depending on how many travelling through). Cannot leave to go to duty free etc. Currently, those in business class only (ie not for elites travelling in economy) may choose to go to the lounge which entails going landside and back airside again - ie pass through immigration & security twice. At the time of the day NZ1 & 2 pass through there are usually very big queues and lucky to spend more than 10 minutes in the lounge on the 2 hour transit stop.