Missed connection LAX
Jan 26, 2018, 5:47 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 232
Missed connection LAX
Any advice appreciated!
Relative is flying today MEX - LAX (AS) then LAX - AKL (NZ) both on separate tickets (dodgy, I know). Connection time was originally 5 hours. AS flight canceled after several delays. Passenger rebooked to AA flight now with 1 hour 40 layover in LAX to clear customs change terminals and re-check in (no chance!).
Fully understand that neither airline are responsible for the missed connection, however NZ5 will depart slightly later than NZ1 and may be a possibility. NZ call centre not being very compassionate to change without fee (no surprises) even though passenger is Elite and there is plenty of room left on NZ5. Fare difference, change fees etc not looking so appealing and travel insurance only kicks in once the delay is over 12 hours.
What is the likelihood of making the connection to later flight in 2 hours 20 and ground staff at LAX changing the passenger to the later flight if they make it in time for NZ5 but miss original NZ1? Furthermore if both flights are missed will NZ still change the ticket to next day (with or without fee) or is it completely forfeited?
Cheers!
Relative is flying today MEX - LAX (AS) then LAX - AKL (NZ) both on separate tickets (dodgy, I know). Connection time was originally 5 hours. AS flight canceled after several delays. Passenger rebooked to AA flight now with 1 hour 40 layover in LAX to clear customs change terminals and re-check in (no chance!).
Fully understand that neither airline are responsible for the missed connection, however NZ5 will depart slightly later than NZ1 and may be a possibility. NZ call centre not being very compassionate to change without fee (no surprises) even though passenger is Elite and there is plenty of room left on NZ5. Fare difference, change fees etc not looking so appealing and travel insurance only kicks in once the delay is over 12 hours.
What is the likelihood of making the connection to later flight in 2 hours 20 and ground staff at LAX changing the passenger to the later flight if they make it in time for NZ5 but miss original NZ1? Furthermore if both flights are missed will NZ still change the ticket to next day (with or without fee) or is it completely forfeited?
Cheers!
Jan 26, 2018, 6:12 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: New Zealand (most of the time)
Programs: Air NZ Elite *G, Honors Gold, IHG Platinum Elite
Posts: 6,115
All you can do is ask nicely as they are certainly under no obligation to do this. I've heard of them both allowing and disallowing this in the past.
I'm paranoid about missed international connections now and will never book same day unless it's on the same ticket. I did make an exception to my rule a few weeks ago, simply because it was impossible to get a single ticket from LAS after CES.
I'm paranoid about missed international connections now and will never book same day unless it's on the same ticket. I did make an exception to my rule a few weeks ago, simply because it was impossible to get a single ticket from LAS after CES.
Jan 26, 2018, 6:16 pm
#3
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: SEA
Programs: NZ Elite (*G)
Posts: 657
Any advice appreciated!
Relative is flying today MEX - LAX (AS) then LAX - AKL (NZ) both on separate tickets (dodgy, I know). Connection time was originally 5 hours. AS flight canceled after several delays. Passenger rebooked to AA flight now with 1 hour 40 layover in LAX to clear customs change terminals and re-check in (no chance!).
Fully understand that neither airline are responsible for the missed connection, however NZ5 will depart slightly later than NZ1 and may be a possibility. NZ call centre not being very compassionate to change without fee (no surprises) even though passenger is Elite and there is plenty of room left on NZ5. Fare difference, change fees etc not looking so appealing and travel insurance only kicks in once the delay is over 12 hours.
What is the likelihood of making the connection to later flight in 2 hours 20 and ground staff at LAX changing the passenger to the later flight if they make it in time for NZ5 but miss original NZ1? Furthermore if both flights are missed will NZ still change the ticket to next day (with or without fee) or is it completely forfeited?
Cheers!
Relative is flying today MEX - LAX (AS) then LAX - AKL (NZ) both on separate tickets (dodgy, I know). Connection time was originally 5 hours. AS flight canceled after several delays. Passenger rebooked to AA flight now with 1 hour 40 layover in LAX to clear customs change terminals and re-check in (no chance!).
Fully understand that neither airline are responsible for the missed connection, however NZ5 will depart slightly later than NZ1 and may be a possibility. NZ call centre not being very compassionate to change without fee (no surprises) even though passenger is Elite and there is plenty of room left on NZ5. Fare difference, change fees etc not looking so appealing and travel insurance only kicks in once the delay is over 12 hours.
What is the likelihood of making the connection to later flight in 2 hours 20 and ground staff at LAX changing the passenger to the later flight if they make it in time for NZ5 but miss original NZ1? Furthermore if both flights are missed will NZ still change the ticket to next day (with or without fee) or is it completely forfeited?
Cheers!
Jan 26, 2018, 6:25 pm
#4
Join Date: Nov 2013
Programs: ANZ GE; Emirates
Posts: 1
For what it's worth my past two trips through LAX I've made it gate to gate in under an hour (Air NZ and United) and so 1hr 40 is stressful, but could still happen esp if pax is GE and able to use the priority queues. All the best!
Jan 26, 2018, 8:45 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 778
From Air NZ terms:
Knowing Air NZ previously, I would imagine that they are fairly strict on this. Not sure if being Elite changes this.
If you don't show up in time for your flight, with a Global Saver fare the one-way fare will be cancelled with no refund. With a Global Flexi fare however, you can change the booking following a no show, subject to a NZD $300 change fee.
Jan 26, 2018, 9:17 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2014
Programs: NZ*Elite *G, QF*G, SPG*Platinum, Accor*Platinum, Hilton*Gold
Posts: 1,006
Certainly it would appear they are under no obligation to, check the travel insurance policies of it helps.
LAX is a horrible experience to transit I wouldn’t advise unless you travel J to begin with.
LAX is a horrible experience to transit I wouldn’t advise unless you travel J to begin with.
Jan 26, 2018, 10:27 pm
#8
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Detroit, MI
Programs: Delta DM-2MM,VAus VIP,, MR/Bonvoy LT Platinum, AA Ex Plat,LH FT, HH,hyatt, Accor Gold
Posts: 138
Any advice appreciated!
Relative is flying today MEX - LAX (AS) then LAX - AKL (NZ) both on separate tickets (dodgy, I know). Connection time was originally 5 hours. AS flight canceled after several delays. Passenger rebooked to AA flight now with 1 hour 40 layover in LAX to clear customs change terminals and re-check in (no chance!).
Fully understand that neither airline are responsible for the missed connection, however NZ5 will depart slightly later than NZ1 and may be a possibility. NZ call centre not being very compassionate to change without fee (no surprises) even though passenger is Elite and there is plenty of room left on NZ5. Fare difference, change fees etc not looking so appealing and travel insurance only kicks in once the delay is over 12 hours.
What is the likelihood of making the connection to later flight in 2 hours 20 and ground staff at LAX changing the passenger to the later flight if they make it in time for NZ5 but miss original NZ1? Furthermore if both flights are missed will NZ still change the ticket to next day (with or without fee) or is it completely forfeited?
Cheers!
Relative is flying today MEX - LAX (AS) then LAX - AKL (NZ) both on separate tickets (dodgy, I know). Connection time was originally 5 hours. AS flight canceled after several delays. Passenger rebooked to AA flight now with 1 hour 40 layover in LAX to clear customs change terminals and re-check in (no chance!).
Fully understand that neither airline are responsible for the missed connection, however NZ5 will depart slightly later than NZ1 and may be a possibility. NZ call centre not being very compassionate to change without fee (no surprises) even though passenger is Elite and there is plenty of room left on NZ5. Fare difference, change fees etc not looking so appealing and travel insurance only kicks in once the delay is over 12 hours.
What is the likelihood of making the connection to later flight in 2 hours 20 and ground staff at LAX changing the passenger to the later flight if they make it in time for NZ5 but miss original NZ1? Furthermore if both flights are missed will NZ still change the ticket to next day (with or without fee) or is it completely forfeited?
Cheers!
for an Elite they certainly should make an effort.
best of luck.
i have taken that risk several times for my family and mother in law; with Delta Detroit to LAX and VA to Sydney on separate tickets. 2 years ago we did miss the connection and VA had rebooked all 4 of us on their last flight; honoring Delta award tickets in business. Impressive but a risk.
Jan 26, 2018, 10:54 pm
#9
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 810
No further comments on NZ's policy here, but that connection should be a breeze, as AA customs rarely takes me more than 10-15 minutes without Global Entry - just as a normie. You don't mention anything about luggage, though, which would definitely make this a sweaty situation. Carry-on only and I'd feel like your chances are better than 90% barring some catastrophic AA shenanigans.
Jan 27, 2018, 2:49 am
#10
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 229
I agree...they’d have to be unlucky not to make the connection. They will probably feel more under pressure than they will be. LAX is not an awful experience under normal circumstances...it’s just a popular sport to beat up on it. Tuesday evening I was curbside to lounge in under 20 minutes (J class, to be fair)
Jan 27, 2018, 9:39 am
#12
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
First, do not use the word "connection." The friend is on separate tickets and so not connecting. Use the term and it shuts down the average agent.
Second, the current departure is still doable, especially if no luggage to check.
Third, if too late for the current ticket, ask in person. Keep the request simple and short and be polite.
Finally, very unlikely that travel insurance would cover a no show on separate tickets. But, there are policies which do, so worth checking if it comes to that.
For future, if you really do insist on booking separate tickets, do hedge the risk with an insurance policy which does cover transfers in addition to connections.
Second, the current departure is still doable, especially if no luggage to check.
Third, if too late for the current ticket, ask in person. Keep the request simple and short and be polite.
Finally, very unlikely that travel insurance would cover a no show on separate tickets. But, there are policies which do, so worth checking if it comes to that.
For future, if you really do insist on booking separate tickets, do hedge the risk with an insurance policy which does cover transfers in addition to connections.
Jan 27, 2018, 5:24 pm
#13
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: West Coast, USA
Programs: Skywards Platinum
Posts: 3,747
Security at the Tom Bradley International Terminal can be busy, there is a separate security area on the ground flood meant for passengers transiting that are arriving from the TBIT. This security screening area is much less crowded and is open to anybody. Hopefully this can help shave of some time.
Jan 27, 2018, 5:42 pm
#14
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: New Zealand (most of the time)
Programs: Air NZ Elite *G, Honors Gold, IHG Platinum Elite
Posts: 6,115
Security at the Tom Bradley International Terminal can be busy, there is a separate security area on the ground flood meant for passengers transiting that are arriving from the TBIT. This security screening area is much less crowded and is open to anybody. Hopefully this can help shave of some time.
When I flew through last week it's good to see new screening equipment now and they seem a lot more efficient.
If you're simply "connecting" from another flight you'll have no priority over anybody else.
Jan 27, 2018, 6:37 pm
#15
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: BLQ / TRG
Programs: NZ*E, UA*1K, QF Plat
Posts: 1,071
Are you sure you're not confused with somewhere else? All transit/connecting pax (ie NZ1/NZ2) exit from CBP on the ground floor and go though the exact same TSA screening on L1 as everybody else. There are normally transit queues when busy for those who have a transit card from their airline.
When I flew through last week it's good to see new screening equipment now and they seem a lot more efficient.
If you're simply "connecting" from another flight you'll have no priority over anybody else.
When I flew through last week it's good to see new screening equipment now and they seem a lot more efficient.
If you're simply "connecting" from another flight you'll have no priority over anybody else.