Looking to draw from experience
 

Hi all,

Just looking to draw some information from anyone who may have a lot of experience going through LAX. I'll be going on a trip YOW-BOB fairly soon, one of the connections is in LAX. I have two hours, and need to switch to the Bradley terminal once I land. I will be pre-cleared by CBP in Canada. Is two hours more than enough time? My understanding is that my baggage will be checked all the way through to Papeete, and I will not have to clear customs again, however, will need to go through security.

thanks.

2 hours is lots of time to connect at LAX.

With just carry-ons T2 to TBIT is a 5-minute walk. Often quicker than waiting for the shuttle.

LAX is U-shaped, and a gentle 20-minute stroll will take you from one end to the other. The .....-part is if your incoming flight is late: cut across the middle or hop on the Shuttle-bus, and expect your luggage to get to your destination the day after you get there.

Been there, done that - both the gentle stroll and the "20-minutes till your flight leaves - say sayonara to your bags".

Skip the shuttle completely and while the 20-min advice is true going all the way around the U, it is indeed an easy 5 minute walk from T2 to the Tom Bradley Terminal (TBIT). Stroll along the sidewalk and enjoy the California sunshine for a few seconds. You will need to go through security once in Tom Bradley. You'll have loads of time.

Nevertheless, your itinerary might be risky, but not because of the connection in LAX.

Suppose your YUL-LAX flight runs late and you miss the LAX-PPT flight? What happens then? Is your PPT-BOB on a separate ticket? Is your LAX-PPT flight the last available flight that will get you on time for your PPT-BOB flight? What's your backup plan there? What happens if you don't show up at the hotel in BOB on time?

FT is littered with complaints about having been "screwed" by an airline that failed to get someone to a destination (at the end of a ticket) in time to catch another flight/cruise or attend an Important Meeting™, wedding, funeral, or your vacation was reduced by one or more days, etc.

Don't rely on mere airlines to get you where you need to go, when you need to be there. They have all shown themselves to be completely unreliable in that regard.

I guess that the truth of the matter is that a flight from NA to Bora Bora is inherently risky. Our trip there was booked through expedia, all on the same ticket. AC has an interline agreement with Air Tahiti Nui, so we're safe there. Also, as out trip is costing approximately $12,000 I have insured it and due to this we are compensated accordingly for any lost nights, delays, etc. I realize lots can go wrong, but how else are you supposed to get to Bora Bora??? If we're late incoming to Papeete its not a big deal as there are multiple PPT-BOB flights a day.

and it was YOW-YYZ-LAX as opposed to YOW-YUL-LAX