Question: 1h 30m enough to exit and check back in at LAX
Apr 10, 2019, 5:12 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 28
1h 30m enough to exit and check back in at LAX
Good evening everyone,
I apologize if this isnt the correct forum. I am flying from Melbourne to LAX on QF95 which arrives at 18:15pm. Looking at history of this flight, it always arrives earlier than expected arrival.
My final destination is YYZ and I am looking to book a separate ticket to YYZ from LAX. I looked at Aeroplan and have this business class availability for a UA flight that leaves LAX at 19:45pm to SFO and then to YYZ later on AC.
I was wondering if one and half hour would be enough to exit the passport control and immigration and then check back in ? I wont have any luggage with me at all ?
In case if its doable, is there a way I can safeguard my miles and fees for not able to get on the plane ? Thanks
I apologize if this isnt the correct forum. I am flying from Melbourne to LAX on QF95 which arrives at 18:15pm. Looking at history of this flight, it always arrives earlier than expected arrival.
My final destination is YYZ and I am looking to book a separate ticket to YYZ from LAX. I looked at Aeroplan and have this business class availability for a UA flight that leaves LAX at 19:45pm to SFO and then to YYZ later on AC.
I was wondering if one and half hour would be enough to exit the passport control and immigration and then check back in ? I wont have any luggage with me at all ?
In case if its doable, is there a way I can safeguard my miles and fees for not able to get on the plane ? Thanks
Apr 10, 2019, 5:28 pm
#4
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,302
You should be able to check in online before you even leave Australia and get a boarding pass. That will make it much easier.
Apr 10, 2019, 5:44 pm
#5
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: YXE
Posts: 3,050
Actually in this case, instead of checking in on-line for the onwards flights, the OP should take both his tickets to the QF check-in counter at the origin, and have them check him in for both, linking the itineraries. At least then he'll have a chance at protection or rebooking if the QF flight goes IRROPS. AC, UA, and QF interline, and AFAIK, QF (like AC and UA, but unlike BA) does not have a policy against linking separate tickets.
A separate on-line check-in provides no linkages or even notation on a file so if you miss the cut-off, you're treated as a pure no-show with consequences accordingly.
MCT might be an issue with 1h30 though.
A separate on-line check-in provides no linkages or even notation on a file so if you miss the cut-off, you're treated as a pure no-show with consequences accordingly.
MCT might be an issue with 1h30 though.
Last edited by pitz; Apr 10, 2019 at 5:51 pm
Apr 10, 2019, 6:08 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: *G^2, Bonvoyed, NEXUS
Posts: 3,506
Without Global Entry and TSA Precheck, I wouldn’t do it.
I’ve arrived at TBIT before and immigration looked like a good 45-60 min wait without GE. Assuming the plane arrives at the gate at 18:15, you have to factor in the time it takes for you to actually get off, walk to immigration, exit, then either walk or wait and take the bus to T7, reclear security and get to your gate (which could be an 80s gate in what used to be T8).
UA will likely start boarding around 19:10-19:15.
I’ve arrived at TBIT before and immigration looked like a good 45-60 min wait without GE. Assuming the plane arrives at the gate at 18:15, you have to factor in the time it takes for you to actually get off, walk to immigration, exit, then either walk or wait and take the bus to T7, reclear security and get to your gate (which could be an 80s gate in what used to be T8).
UA will likely start boarding around 19:10-19:15.
Apr 10, 2019, 6:24 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AS 75K, DL Silver, UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Platinum + LT Gold
Posts: 10,466
Why not fly nonstop to YYZ from LAX on AC? That would allow for more buffer. Flights to East coast are quick, less than 5 hours to YYZ, you will be fine even in coach (assuming no F/J award availability).
Also, no GE/TSA Pre? Risky option IMO.
Also, no GE/TSA Pre? Risky option IMO.
Apr 10, 2019, 6:47 pm
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
This will not work. The bag check deadline for UA is T-60, which gives you 30 minutes and that is not enough time.
QF will not check bags across alliances on separate tickets, so that one is out and checking in online does not provide protection.
QF will not check bags across alliances on separate tickets, so that one is out and checking in online does not provide protection.
Apr 10, 2019, 6:52 pm
#9
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: USA
Programs: AC SE100K, F9 100k, NK Gold, UA *S, Hyatt Glob, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 5,187
If you have checked bags it is not enough time. Factor in 30+ minutes after landing to even see the first bag appear on the belt. likely way more since it is a widebody.
Only THEN can you get in line for customs and border patrol check.
(with no checked bags it would be a breeze as long as you are protected by having the connection booked on a single ticket (exact same ticket#).
Only THEN can you get in line for customs and border patrol check.
(with no checked bags it would be a breeze as long as you are protected by having the connection booked on a single ticket (exact same ticket#).
Apr 10, 2019, 7:04 pm
#10
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC 75k, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,154
Good evening everyone,
I apologize if this isnt the correct forum. I am flying from Melbourne to LAX on QF95 which arrives at 18:15pm. Looking at history of this flight, it always arrives earlier than expected arrival.
My final destination is YYZ and I am looking to book a separate ticket to YYZ from LAX. I looked at Aeroplan and have this business class availability for a UA flight that leaves LAX at 19:45pm to SFO and then to YYZ later on AC.
I was wondering if one and half hour would be enough to exit the passport control and immigration and then check back in ? I wont have any luggage with me at all ?
In case if its doable, is there a way I can safeguard my miles and fees for not able to get on the plane ? Thanks
I apologize if this isnt the correct forum. I am flying from Melbourne to LAX on QF95 which arrives at 18:15pm. Looking at history of this flight, it always arrives earlier than expected arrival.
My final destination is YYZ and I am looking to book a separate ticket to YYZ from LAX. I looked at Aeroplan and have this business class availability for a UA flight that leaves LAX at 19:45pm to SFO and then to YYZ later on AC.
I was wondering if one and half hour would be enough to exit the passport control and immigration and then check back in ? I wont have any luggage with me at all ?
In case if its doable, is there a way I can safeguard my miles and fees for not able to get on the plane ? Thanks
Apr 10, 2019, 9:06 pm
#11
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: PVD, BOS
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,664
Actually in this case, instead of checking in on-line for the onwards flights, the OP should take both his tickets to the QF check-in counter at the origin, and have them check him in for both, linking the itineraries. At least then he'll have a chance at protection or rebooking if the QF flight goes IRROPS. AC, UA, and QF interline, and AFAIK, QF (like AC and UA, but unlike BA) does not have a policy against linking separate tickets.
Apr 10, 2019, 9:18 pm
#12
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: YYZ
Programs: FOTSG Tangerine Ex E35k (AC)
Posts: 5,612
It took me about 1.25h to get from gate to gate at LAX clearing intentional to domestic. It’s quite possibly the worst setup I’ve ever seen, absolute chaos / carnage and repeat security. I would suggest booking a ticket much later and then trying to SDC or standby if you make good time.
Yes that costs a little but SYD LAX is a long flight, bad winds and your delayed 30 mins and you’re paying walk up fare unless you find a friendly agent in LAX. And by friendly I mean also willing to break the rules.
Just my two cents.
Yes that costs a little but SYD LAX is a long flight, bad winds and your delayed 30 mins and you’re paying walk up fare unless you find a friendly agent in LAX. And by friendly I mean also willing to break the rules.
Just my two cents.
Apr 10, 2019, 9:41 pm
#13
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 845
Anyway, 1h 30min is too risky as you will be on separate tickets. As the SFO-YYZ AC flight will also be a red eye, why not skip going up to SFO and instead book the direct AC red eye flight out of LAX? Will give you close to 4 hours between your flights at LAX, as the AC flight leaves around 10pm.