Originally Posted by sdorling
That being said, my recent experience was that it is not as bad as it sounds. Obviously people will have differing experiences but I was all done and dusted within 45 mins from disembarking at LAX whilst on the QF107 SYD-LAX-JFK flight.
As long as you make a fairly prompt exit from the aircraft I would assume it wouldn't be so bad. In fact the worst part was a 10 minute queue to get back airside and into the lounge for a shower!
The good thing that comes out from this is the US's recognition of status - All business/first class passengers have seperate/supposed fast-track queues to get through security when you are re-entering the terminal.
It wouldn't see me going out of my way to specifically avoid the US and from what I understand it's generally the principle of having to clear US customs despite only transitting the country, or indeed the initial stop not being their final port of call that puts passengers off. I'd be interested to hear from those who have been through the process as to whether they share the same opinion or not.
I detest the !@#$ transit at LAX for NZ1/2. Not only do you have all the palaver of clearing immigration (eye scan and fingerprint, and a US visa if you need one) but you have a stark choice as a business pax (economy and premium economy have no choice). Either go directly to the airside holding pen. Do not pass go. Complete immigration formalities to be allowed to enter said holding pen (what happens if they say no you can't enter US????). Not allowed to go anywhere. No amenities other than a toilet. Absolutely jammed pack standing room only. Wait an hour (or as little as 15 minutes depending on how long you stood in line for immigration) then shuffle back on board. OR, if business pax (and only business pax) you can try to visit the very nice NZ lounge. But to do so you go to regular immigration. At the time NZ1/2 arrives there can be huge queues - especially if non american. It is not that unusual to have 1000 people in the queue even before the NZ pax are added to it. Take an age to clear immigration and another queue for customs. Then landside up the escalator and join a queue just to get to the security queue, then security with the shoe and belt palaver, before finally making it to the lounge. You guessed it by now the 2 hour transit is over and time to board. The best I have managed in the lounge on NZ1/2 transits was 10 minutes - barely long enough for a quick shower. Its an absolute disgrace and joke.
Compare that to the likes of Singapore or Hong Kong where even a 40 minute transfer is long enough to go to the lounge, have a shower and a drink and leisurely make way back onboard. Just 1 security check and no need for immigration.
Sorry for the rant. I can't believe how many hours I've had to spend in that !@#$ transit and I do my utmost to go via asia as much as possible.