Sep 7, 2015, 10:35 am
Last edit by: Prospero
Please edit or add information to this wiki as necessary.
NOTE: AA uses Terminals 4 and 5, the remote “Eagle’s Nest” and some gates at TBIT . International Arrivals in particular may use T4, TBIT (100s numbered gates), the remote arrival piers (200s) or the maintenance hangars (300s); in the latter cases, passengers will be bussed to T4 (domestic and some international) or TBIT (some international), as both have USCBP processing facilities.
Link to Los Angeles World Airports' LAX Airport website
NOTE: LAX is always undergoing changes; be aware the information herein may change. See here for LAWA notices affecting passengers.
Link LAWA / LAX FAQ page.
Link to aa.com
Link to 14 Feb 2017 post with AA-AA Minimum Times Times
NOTE: The Admirals Club® lounge and Flagship Lounge in Terminal 4 at Los Angeles International (LAX) have been renovated and include Flagship Dining for those in eligible three class First cabin.
Special notice
AA operate from multiple terminals at LAX. Check in at Terminal 5, east end (Gates 50-59, including Remote American Eagle terminal, gates 52A-J) or Terminal 4 (Gates 40-49, 110-159). (As of 31 Jan 2017)
NOTE: the 100s gates are at the Tom Bradley International Air Terminal (aka Terminal B), accessible to / from Terminal 4 by the airside connector if you are already airside and security cleared. The 200 gates are the remote piers served by bus, and the 300 “gates” are the maintenance hangars served by bus.
Check-in times as of March 2016 Link
In most locations, you must be checked in:
At least 45 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights within the United States
At least 60 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights to or from airports outside of the United States. Some non-US require more.
If you are checking in with baggage to check at T-4, not T-5, and flying American Eagle from the remote "Eagle's Nest" 52A-J gates (31 Jan 2017 and after), you must check in 90 minutes prior to departure.
LAYOUT: LAX is like a letter "U" on its side, open end facing right. The Tom Bradley International Terminal is the bar of the "U" facing left, on the west side. Terminals 1, 2 and 3 on the north and 4 - 8 on the south. Entering the semicircular, counter-clockwise roadway serving the terminals, you will pass terminals 1, 2, 3, TBIT, 4, 5, 6, etc. There is quite a bit of construction going on and the airport roadways can get quite congested.
MCT: Though international to International or Domestic Minimum Connect Times (MCT) are listed as 2:00, arriving at the remote western 200 pads and gates (served by busses from the terminals), connecting between T4, T6, Remote Eagle terminal and TBIT, not to mention lengthy USCBP queues and the need to proceed landslide to connecting terminals and processing security may make 2:00 unrealistic at times. MCT Domestic to Domestic or International is often 0:40, but this may be unrealistic if connecting American Eagle remote terminal 52A-J and a domestic flight at TBIT, for example.
Operating terminals and gates
Terminal 4: AA primarily uses Terminal 4, Gates 40-49 but now also uses Terminal 5 (50-59, 52A-I remote Eagle gates and TBIT (110-159). Flagship Checkin, Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge are all in T-4.
Tom Bradley International Terminal ("100") gates 110-159 for domestic and international flights, with no particular flight assignment - check your gates information.
oneworld Business and Qantas First lounges in TBIT for qualified passengers. See LOUNGE DASHBOARD for further information - link.
Occasionally, the "200 gates" remote pads (bus from T-4) may be used. Terminal 4 and TBIT are connected airside by a new connector. Qualified travelers may use the TBIT oneworld Business or Qantas First lounges. See separate thread.
Terminal 5
AS OF Tue 31 Jan 2017: Legacy US flights operate from Terminal 5, gates 50 - 59. It is best to check in for American Eagle flights at T-5. Airside connection exists, as well as shuttles. Bus port at T-5 is at gate 52. American Eagle checked baggage is delivered to Terminal 5 baggage carousels; Eagle remote gates are now numbered 52A-J.
Terminal 6: Alaska Airlines flights operate from Terminal 6.
Legacy US flights operated from Terminal 6 until 31 Jan 2017; AA no longer operates out of Terminal 6.
American Eagle Remote Terminal "Eagle's Nest": Regional flights operate at a remote terminal served frequently by airside shuttle busses from bus gates 44 and 60. The remote American Eagle terminal gate numeration has changed: "May 16 2016 the remote gates at LAX formerly 44 A-J were renumbered to 60 A-J." There is a "junior" Admirals Club here. Preferred Eagle check in and baggage carousels are in T-5?
While you may check in at T-4 for American Eagle, those with baggage to check must do so no less than 90 minutes prior to departure. The preferred baggage check deadline is in place at T-5 for American Eagle.
Walking Interterminal - Landside
Note: You can walk airside between Terminal 4 and TBIT as of 25 Feb 2016. See LAX Terminal 4 - Tom Bradley Intl Terminal Secure Connector), and on to T-5 via a corridor (ground floor, by bus gate 44).
Terminals on the south side and TBIT are connected airside. A PDF guide is downloadable here.
One can also walk landside between terminals on upper or lower walkway sidewalks just outside the roadway. Lower walkways are protected from the weather, upper walkways are not. Distances can be short (T-4 <-> TBIT) or long (20 minutes or less in all cases, and there are crosswalks and walkways serving north and south terminals. See north - south blue corridors in Ground Transport map, above; walkways parallel them.
For access to the Tom Bradley International Terminal ("TBIT") one may also proceed landslide and walk a short distance, or take the counter clockwise landside courtesy airport shuttle bus.
Link to fullsize map
Airside - Shuttle Bus or Walking
Airside shuttle busses:
NO BUS T-4 <-> T-5 (faster to walk pedestrian tunnel)
T-4 <-> Remote Eagle terminal (most efficient and frequent)
T-5 <-> Remote Eagle terminal (more frequent than from / to T-4)
Terminals 4 and 5: A courtesy shuttle bus operates airside between Terminal 4, ex-gate 44 bus gate, and Terminal 6 gate 60-62 through Mon 30 Jan 2017 - afterwards, Terminal gate 52, every fifteen minutes between 05:00 and 23:00; ongoing boarding pass required. At other times one either take the airside corridor T-5 Tue 31 Jan and after <-> T-4 or exit landslide and walk or take the counter-clockwise landslide courtesy shuttle bus.
American Eagle Remote Terminal: A courtesy shuttle bus serves the American Eagle remote terminal from Terminal 5, gate 52. Note: American Eagle checked baggage is delivered to Terminal 5 baggage carousels. Another shuttle runs from Terminal 4, gate 44 bus gate. A boarding pass to Gate 52A-I is required. This is the sole way of reaching these gates (other than Five Star Service passengers, who are shuttled via the Tarmac in Cadillac SUVs).
Terminal 4 - TBIT: The new pedestrian airside connector opened 25 Feb 2015. Qantas and AA passengers departing the TBIT can check in at Terminal 4, process airside, use Admirals or Flagship lounges T-4 <-> TBIT shuttles apparently ended when the airside connector open 25 Feb 2016[/hl].
Walk Terminals 4 and 5: One can walk airside using the Terminal 4 - 5 - 6 connector.
Walk Terminal 4 - TBIT airside connector: An airside connector leading to TBIT is open effective 25 Feb 2016. See here (FT) for more.
Getting from terminal to terminal, concourse to concourse, landside
Landside courtesy airport shuttle bus
Security at LAX
Link to FlyerGuide information on LAX T-4 Security.
TSA PreCheck: Yes (Terminal 4 upstairs, east; Terminal 5?)
Priority Access line in a Terminal 4 is accessed from the escalator on the left end (looking at the counters) of the terminal (furthest from TBIT, closest to terminal 5), next to the Priority Access check-in area. Often there is an AA worker at the bottom of the escalator making sure only Priority Access passengers go up this escalator. The First, Business and Priority Access lines now have their own screening room far from the economy area. This private room has multiple screening lines and during peak periods additional lines are opened up.
Security for (TBIT) international arrivals proceeding to Terminal 4 is open as of February 2017. When exiting TBIT customs and baggage recheck area, turn right immediately after the exit and proceed down the hallway to the checkpoint. No Pre-Check.
Check-in and ticketing at LAX and check in times Link
Flagship Check-in: YES Marked exclusive T-4 Flagship check-in entrance 4:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Five Star Service: YES
Priority and Preferred Access: YES
Curbside check-in: Yes. Terminal 4 only, including for international destinations.
To help us get your bag on the same flight with you, present your bag to an airline representative for check-in no later than the cutoff time.
For flights within and between the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands:
Ticket counter locations
Terminal 4: upon entry, Qantas to right; First and Priority Access to left; Main Cabin straight ahead.
Self-service check-in kiosks available.
Open Daily: 04:00 - 00:30 (4 am to midnight + 30)
Terminal 5, east side: OPEN Tue 31 Jan 2017
Open Daily: 4:30 AM - 12:30 AM
Terminal 6: CLOSE Tue 31 Jan 2017
Open Daily: 4:30 AM - 12:30 AM
If departing on American Eagle, suggested check-in at T-5 Tue 31 Jan 2017 or after.
Minimum and reasonable connection and check-in times at LAX
See 20 May 2016 ExpertFlyer MCT listings here: Q. What are minimum check-in time requirements at LAX?
AA requires arriving a minimum of 45 minutes prior to domestic departures if departing domestically (including Hawai'i, Puerto Rico and the U. S. Virgin Islands) if one has no baggage to check; 60 minutes if one must check baggage; and two hours prior to international departures.
Additionally, AA requires passengers be checked in at least 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure at LAX and "Arrive at the gate and be ready to board at least 15 minutes prior to domestic departure" and 30 minutes prior to international departure. Gates close to boarding 10 minutes prior to departure.
Q. What is the domestic to domestic or domestic to international Minimum Connection Time (MCT)?
The minimum connect time at LAX, domestic to domestic or international, is 0:40 minutes. International to domestic or international MCT is 2:00, but as mentioned previously, this may be insufficient. Note: MCT is generally not waived for international passengers arriving from USCBP pre-clearance airports.
See AA domestic to international MCT from ExpertFlyer Nov 2016 c/o Serfty here.
Q. If I am making an international to international connection, what is the process?
There is no international transit process in nearly all airports in the USA (DFW and MIA have a baggage exception for international to international). Arriving internationally, unless you have been pre-cleared, you must proceed through U. S. immigration (there are kiosks and a fast channel for Global Entry approved passengers), recover your baggage from the baggage carousel and proceed through U. S. Customs.
Upon exiting Customs at TBIT there is a bag drop facility; drop your checked baggage, exit to the landside arrivals area. Pre-cleared passengers arriving at TBIT will bypass USCBP (but most airlines will enforce international to domestic MCT nonetheless).
ALL arrivals are forced landside (you may pass back through security at the TBIT end of the T-4 - TBIT connector) and Terminal 4 is a short walk to your right, Terminal 6 farther; one can board courtesy airport "A" busses and be dropped off very shortly at T-4 or T-5.
NOTE: Whilst most international Arrivals process immigration and customs at TBIT, some arriving at T-4 may walk a long underground passage and process formalities at TBIT. Others may process at T-4, but if you arrive with bags those will be available at TBIT.
There is no Arrivals Loinge for AA or oneworld customers at LAX.
Q. What is AA policy if I have separate tickets and my incoming flight is delayed?
Protection for oneworld world customers travelling on separate bookings:oneworld Global Support
Your oneworld connection is generally not officially protected, but the airline may help you and put you on the next available flight, and AA does generally protect oneworld connections at this time..
If your flights are on the same PNR:
See:oneworld not requiring protection or interline baggage 1 Jun 2016; AA policy
Q. Can I check my baggage through?
If you're connecting within the oneworld alliance or airlines with an interline agreement and your connection is under eleven hours, all segments on the same PNR, probably. If over that or with separate PNRs (even within oneworld) airlines without an interline agreements with AA or on separate tickets connecting with non-oneworld airlines, no.
See oneworld not requiring protection or interline baggage 1 Jun 2016; AA policy.
Q. Is there baggage storage at LAX?
No. Since 9/11 most USA airports have eliminated baggage storage, but you can use a baggage storage firm that will pick up, store and return your baggage. You do not have to pre-book, and they are open 24/7: http://www.laxluggagestorage.com. There are $5 pickup, $5 return and storage charges.
WiFi at LAX:
"Internet Access at Los Angeles LAX Airport. LAX Airport offers free internet access, with paid upgrades: Free Wi-Fi service for up to 44 minutes is available in most of the public areas of the Airport - provided by Advanced Wireless Group."
=================
Posts from 2015-2017 have been archived to ARCHIVE: 2015-2017 GUIDE: LAX / Los Angeles Int’l. Airport - MCT, Connection, etc.
NOTE: AA uses Terminals 4 and 5, the remote “Eagle’s Nest” and some gates at TBIT . International Arrivals in particular may use T4, TBIT (100s numbered gates), the remote arrival piers (200s) or the maintenance hangars (300s); in the latter cases, passengers will be bussed to T4 (domestic and some international) or TBIT (some international), as both have USCBP processing facilities.
Link to Los Angeles World Airports' LAX Airport website
NOTE: LAX is always undergoing changes; be aware the information herein may change. See here for LAWA notices affecting passengers.
Link LAWA / LAX FAQ page.
Link to aa.com
Link to 14 Feb 2017 post with AA-AA Minimum Times Times
NOTE: The Admirals Club® lounge and Flagship Lounge in Terminal 4 at Los Angeles International (LAX) have been renovated and include Flagship Dining for those in eligible three class First cabin.
Special notice
AA operate from multiple terminals at LAX. Check in at Terminal 5, east end (Gates 50-59, including Remote American Eagle terminal, gates 52A-J) or Terminal 4 (Gates 40-49, 110-159). (As of 31 Jan 2017)
NOTE: the 100s gates are at the Tom Bradley International Air Terminal (aka Terminal B), accessible to / from Terminal 4 by the airside connector if you are already airside and security cleared. The 200 gates are the remote piers served by bus, and the 300 “gates” are the maintenance hangars served by bus.
Check-in times as of March 2016 Link
In most locations, you must be checked in:
At least 45 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights within the United States
At least 60 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights to or from airports outside of the United States. Some non-US require more.
If you are checking in with baggage to check at T-4, not T-5, and flying American Eagle from the remote "Eagle's Nest" 52A-J gates (31 Jan 2017 and after), you must check in 90 minutes prior to departure.
LAYOUT: LAX is like a letter "U" on its side, open end facing right. The Tom Bradley International Terminal is the bar of the "U" facing left, on the west side. Terminals 1, 2 and 3 on the north and 4 - 8 on the south. Entering the semicircular, counter-clockwise roadway serving the terminals, you will pass terminals 1, 2, 3, TBIT, 4, 5, 6, etc. There is quite a bit of construction going on and the airport roadways can get quite congested.
MCT: Though international to International or Domestic Minimum Connect Times (MCT) are listed as 2:00, arriving at the remote western 200 pads and gates (served by busses from the terminals), connecting between T4, T6, Remote Eagle terminal and TBIT, not to mention lengthy USCBP queues and the need to proceed landslide to connecting terminals and processing security may make 2:00 unrealistic at times. MCT Domestic to Domestic or International is often 0:40, but this may be unrealistic if connecting American Eagle remote terminal 52A-J and a domestic flight at TBIT, for example.
Operating terminals and gates
Terminal 4: AA primarily uses Terminal 4, Gates 40-49 but now also uses Terminal 5 (50-59, 52A-I remote Eagle gates and TBIT (110-159). Flagship Checkin, Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge are all in T-4.
oneworld Business and Qantas First lounges in TBIT for qualified passengers. See LOUNGE DASHBOARD for further information - link.
Occasionally, the "200 gates" remote pads (bus from T-4) may be used. Terminal 4 and TBIT are connected airside by a new connector. Qualified travelers may use the TBIT oneworld Business or Qantas First lounges. See separate thread.
Terminal 5
AS OF Tue 31 Jan 2017: Legacy US flights operate from Terminal 5, gates 50 - 59. It is best to check in for American Eagle flights at T-5. Airside connection exists, as well as shuttles. Bus port at T-5 is at gate 52. American Eagle checked baggage is delivered to Terminal 5 baggage carousels; Eagle remote gates are now numbered 52A-J.
Terminal 6: Alaska Airlines flights operate from Terminal 6.
Legacy US flights operated from Terminal 6 until 31 Jan 2017; AA no longer operates out of Terminal 6.
American Eagle Remote Terminal "Eagle's Nest": Regional flights operate at a remote terminal served frequently by airside shuttle busses from bus gates 44 and 60. The remote American Eagle terminal gate numeration has changed: "May 16 2016 the remote gates at LAX formerly 44 A-J were renumbered to 60 A-J." There is a "junior" Admirals Club here. Preferred Eagle check in and baggage carousels are in T-5?
While you may check in at T-4 for American Eagle, those with baggage to check must do so no less than 90 minutes prior to departure. The preferred baggage check deadline is in place at T-5 for American Eagle.
Walking Interterminal - Landside
Note: You can walk airside between Terminal 4 and TBIT as of 25 Feb 2016. See LAX Terminal 4 - Tom Bradley Intl Terminal Secure Connector), and on to T-5 via a corridor (ground floor, by bus gate 44).
Terminals on the south side and TBIT are connected airside. A PDF guide is downloadable here.
One can also walk landside between terminals on upper or lower walkway sidewalks just outside the roadway. Lower walkways are protected from the weather, upper walkways are not. Distances can be short (T-4 <-> TBIT) or long (20 minutes or less in all cases, and there are crosswalks and walkways serving north and south terminals. See north - south blue corridors in Ground Transport map, above; walkways parallel them.
For access to the Tom Bradley International Terminal ("TBIT") one may also proceed landslide and walk a short distance, or take the counter clockwise landside courtesy airport shuttle bus.
Originally Posted by QueenOfCoach
Here is a graphic I made from a Google Earth Streetview screenshot that shows how close T4 is to TBIT. It's a two-minute walk. One minute if you are fast.
Airside - Shuttle Bus or Walking
Airside shuttle busses:
NO BUS T-4 <-> T-5 (faster to walk pedestrian tunnel)
T-4 <-> Remote Eagle terminal (most efficient and frequent)
T-5 <-> Remote Eagle terminal (more frequent than from / to T-4)
Terminals 4 and 5: A courtesy shuttle bus operates airside between Terminal 4, ex-gate 44 bus gate, and Terminal 6 gate 60-62 through Mon 30 Jan 2017 - afterwards, Terminal gate 52, every fifteen minutes between 05:00 and 23:00; ongoing boarding pass required. At other times one either take the airside corridor T-5 Tue 31 Jan and after <-> T-4 or exit landslide and walk or take the counter-clockwise landslide courtesy shuttle bus.
American Eagle Remote Terminal: A courtesy shuttle bus serves the American Eagle remote terminal from Terminal 5, gate 52. Note: American Eagle checked baggage is delivered to Terminal 5 baggage carousels. Another shuttle runs from Terminal 4, gate 44 bus gate. A boarding pass to Gate 52A-I is required. This is the sole way of reaching these gates (other than Five Star Service passengers, who are shuttled via the Tarmac in Cadillac SUVs).
Terminal 4 - TBIT: The new pedestrian airside connector opened 25 Feb 2015. Qantas and AA passengers departing the TBIT can check in at Terminal 4, process airside, use Admirals or Flagship lounges T-4 <-> TBIT shuttles apparently ended when the airside connector open 25 Feb 2016[/hl].
Walk Terminals 4 and 5: One can walk airside using the Terminal 4 - 5 - 6 connector.
Walk Terminal 4 - TBIT airside connector: An airside connector leading to TBIT is open effective 25 Feb 2016. See here (FT) for more.
Getting from terminal to terminal, concourse to concourse, landside
Landside courtesy airport shuttle bus
- "A" line buses: Transports passengers between terminals. "A" route operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and runs every 10 minutes (counter clockwise)
- "C" line buses: Transports passengers to and from Parking Lot C. Travelers can walk to the LAX City Bus Center from Lot C. "C" route operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and runs every 10 to 15 minutes.
- "G" line busses: Transports passengers with a valid TAP card to and from the Metro Green Line Aviation Station. Service is aligned with the rail schedule. To view, please go to www.metro.net . Click here for Green line Boarding Procedures (PDF document). TAP card is not required when taking the G Bus from LAX to the Aviation Metro Station.
- Use this link for a real time map display of shuttle bus locations and movements.
- Rental car company busses: transport passengers between terminals and car rental facilities.
Ground Transportation stops and pickups at LAX
NOTE: Rental, hotel shuttle, Über, etc. stops are in front of each terminal on the arrivals / lower level at the island crossing the first lanes of traffic.Security at LAX
Link to FlyerGuide information on LAX T-4 Security.
TSA PreCheck: Yes (Terminal 4 upstairs, east; Terminal 5?)
Priority Access line in a Terminal 4 is accessed from the escalator on the left end (looking at the counters) of the terminal (furthest from TBIT, closest to terminal 5), next to the Priority Access check-in area. Often there is an AA worker at the bottom of the escalator making sure only Priority Access passengers go up this escalator. The First, Business and Priority Access lines now have their own screening room far from the economy area. This private room has multiple screening lines and during peak periods additional lines are opened up.
Security for (TBIT) international arrivals proceeding to Terminal 4 is open as of February 2017. When exiting TBIT customs and baggage recheck area, turn right immediately after the exit and proceed down the hallway to the checkpoint. No Pre-Check.
Check-in and ticketing at LAX and check in times Link
Flagship Check-in: YES Marked exclusive T-4 Flagship check-in entrance 4:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Five Star Service: YES
Priority and Preferred Access: YES
Curbside check-in: Yes. Terminal 4 only, including for international destinations.
To help us get your bag on the same flight with you, present your bag to an airline representative for check-in no later than the cutoff time.
For flights within and between the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands:
- Check bags at least 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure at LAX
- Check bags at least 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure (90’ if checking for Eagle at T-4 instead of T-5)
Ticket counter locations
Terminal 4: upon entry, Qantas to right; First and Priority Access to left; Main Cabin straight ahead.
Self-service check-in kiosks available.
Open Daily: 04:00 - 00:30 (4 am to midnight + 30)
Terminal 5, east side: OPEN Tue 31 Jan 2017
Open Daily: 4:30 AM - 12:30 AM
Terminal 6: CLOSE Tue 31 Jan 2017
Open Daily: 4:30 AM - 12:30 AM
If departing on American Eagle, suggested check-in at T-5 Tue 31 Jan 2017 or after.
Minimum and reasonable connection and check-in times at LAX
See 20 May 2016 ExpertFlyer MCT listings here: Q. What are minimum check-in time requirements at LAX?
AA requires arriving a minimum of 45 minutes prior to domestic departures if departing domestically (including Hawai'i, Puerto Rico and the U. S. Virgin Islands) if one has no baggage to check; 60 minutes if one must check baggage; and two hours prior to international departures.
Additionally, AA requires passengers be checked in at least 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure at LAX and "Arrive at the gate and be ready to board at least 15 minutes prior to domestic departure" and 30 minutes prior to international departure. Gates close to boarding 10 minutes prior to departure.
Q. What is the domestic to domestic or domestic to international Minimum Connection Time (MCT)?
The minimum connect time at LAX, domestic to domestic or international, is 0:40 minutes. International to domestic or international MCT is 2:00, but as mentioned previously, this may be insufficient. Note: MCT is generally not waived for international passengers arriving from USCBP pre-clearance airports.
See AA domestic to international MCT from ExpertFlyer Nov 2016 c/o Serfty here.
Q. If I am making an international to international connection, what is the process?
There is no international transit process in nearly all airports in the USA (DFW and MIA have a baggage exception for international to international). Arriving internationally, unless you have been pre-cleared, you must proceed through U. S. immigration (there are kiosks and a fast channel for Global Entry approved passengers), recover your baggage from the baggage carousel and proceed through U. S. Customs.
Upon exiting Customs at TBIT there is a bag drop facility; drop your checked baggage, exit to the landside arrivals area. Pre-cleared passengers arriving at TBIT will bypass USCBP (but most airlines will enforce international to domestic MCT nonetheless).
ALL arrivals are forced landside (you may pass back through security at the TBIT end of the T-4 - TBIT connector) and Terminal 4 is a short walk to your right, Terminal 6 farther; one can board courtesy airport "A" busses and be dropped off very shortly at T-4 or T-5.
NOTE: Whilst most international Arrivals process immigration and customs at TBIT, some arriving at T-4 may walk a long underground passage and process formalities at TBIT. Others may process at T-4, but if you arrive with bags those will be available at TBIT.
There is no Arrivals Loinge for AA or oneworld customers at LAX.
Q. What is AA policy if I have separate tickets and my incoming flight is delayed?
Protection for oneworld world customers travelling on separate bookings:oneworld Global Support
Your oneworld connection is generally not officially protected, but the airline may help you and put you on the next available flight, and AA does generally protect oneworld connections at this time..
If your flights are on the same PNR:
Connecting between airlines at unfamiliar airports can be a stressful experience, especially if your flight is delayed. American Airlines recognizes the impact delays and missed connections can have on your plans and on your life. That is why we partnered with the other oneworld member airlines to form teams of connection experts: oneworld Global Support.
At select airports across the oneworld alliance network, teams are proactively monitoring connecting flights and, whenever possible, they will meet and assist you if your connection is in jeopardy. The oneworld Global Support teams will do their best to allow you to use dedicated fast track lanes through immigration or security to help you catch your next flight. Our teams will also do everything possible to transfer your baggage so that it makes it on time to your final destination.
If you miss your connecting flight, the oneworld Global Support team will provide you with updated travel information, a new boarding pass and, where applicable, assistance with overnight accommodations.
oneworld Global Support is currently available at Chicago O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, London Heathrow, Los Angeles, Madrid-Barajas, Miami, New York JFK and Sydney. The service is offered at these airports whenever possible, subject to operational constraints.
At select airports across the oneworld alliance network, teams are proactively monitoring connecting flights and, whenever possible, they will meet and assist you if your connection is in jeopardy. The oneworld Global Support teams will do their best to allow you to use dedicated fast track lanes through immigration or security to help you catch your next flight. Our teams will also do everything possible to transfer your baggage so that it makes it on time to your final destination.
If you miss your connecting flight, the oneworld Global Support team will provide you with updated travel information, a new boarding pass and, where applicable, assistance with overnight accommodations.
oneworld Global Support is currently available at Chicago O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, London Heathrow, Los Angeles, Madrid-Barajas, Miami, New York JFK and Sydney. The service is offered at these airports whenever possible, subject to operational constraints.
Q. Can I check my baggage through?
If you're connecting within the oneworld alliance or airlines with an interline agreement and your connection is under eleven hours, all segments on the same PNR, probably. If over that or with separate PNRs (even within oneworld) airlines without an interline agreements with AA or on separate tickets connecting with non-oneworld airlines, no.
See oneworld not requiring protection or interline baggage 1 Jun 2016; AA policy.
Q. Is there baggage storage at LAX?
No. Since 9/11 most USA airports have eliminated baggage storage, but you can use a baggage storage firm that will pick up, store and return your baggage. You do not have to pre-book, and they are open 24/7: http://www.laxluggagestorage.com. There are $5 pickup, $5 return and storage charges.
WiFi at LAX:
"Internet Access at Los Angeles LAX Airport. LAX Airport offers free internet access, with paid upgrades: Free Wi-Fi service for up to 44 minutes is available in most of the public areas of the Airport - provided by Advanced Wireless Group."
=================
Other resources
- Link to AA FAQ: Will I make my connection?
GUIDE: LAX / Los Angeles International Airport - MCT, Connection, etc.
May 22, 2019, 4:24 pm
#256
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,087
As others have already noted, as long as you are on one ticket, your bags will be transferred and you will simply follow signage from your arrivals gate to TBIT. I should note that as you are flying J on CX, you also do have access to the AA Flagship Lounge in T4 which would be on your way to TBIT. Perhaps pop in there to take a quick break (champagne, anyone), and then continue on to the OW Business Lounge in TBIT to compare offerings. And yes, 2:45 hours is plenty for all this..
May 22, 2019, 4:29 pm
#257
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: AA, WN, UA, Bonvoy, Hertz
Posts: 2,491
So, assuming your baggage goes directly to CX as noted, DO NOT go to the exit of the terminal. The special TBIT bridge as mentioned is at the beginning of T4. There are signs for it, but you are looking for an up escalator near the lower number gates area of terminal 4.
You can also use the AA Flagship lounge if you would like before going to the OW lounge at TBIT showing your CX boarding pass.
Edit: teemuflyer typed a lot faster than me.
You can also use the AA Flagship lounge if you would like before going to the OW lounge at TBIT showing your CX boarding pass.
Edit: teemuflyer typed a lot faster than me.
May 22, 2019, 5:02 pm
#258
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Escondido CA USA
Programs: AS, UA, HY, Hil, Merr
Posts: 3,207
Sorry. Yes, I believe it will be all one ticket. Booked thru Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Retired long enough (20) that it is hard to amass enough for 2 international tickets in business, on any one airline. We do the credit card dance, but still tough (getting harder with $8,000 purchase requirement). Buy some with old fashion cash on "secondary" airlines that offer specials, ie Fiji airlines to Syd. We often split airlines, one outbound and one back. We have never tried separate flights, too dicey. I have not tried to figure out the new program with UA, where as I understand it the point charge changes with time, day, flight, whim?
Retired long enough (20) that it is hard to amass enough for 2 international tickets in business, on any one airline. We do the credit card dance, but still tough (getting harder with $8,000 purchase requirement). Buy some with old fashion cash on "secondary" airlines that offer specials, ie Fiji airlines to Syd. We often split airlines, one outbound and one back. We have never tried separate flights, too dicey. I have not tried to figure out the new program with UA, where as I understand it the point charge changes with time, day, flight, whim?
May 22, 2019, 5:37 pm
#259
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: AA PLT, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,405
OP, be sure that at the Eagle's Nest (where your flight from SAN will arrive), you board the bus to T4, not T5 or another terminal. You'll save some time that way. There will be multiple buses and the staff will announce which terminal each bus is going to.
May 22, 2019, 5:37 pm
#260
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,087
Sorry. Yes, I believe it will be all one ticket. Booked thru Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Retired long enough (20) that it is hard to amass enough for 2 international tickets in business, on any one airline. We do the credit card dance, but still tough (getting harder with $8,000 purchase requirement). Buy some with old fashion cash on "secondary" airlines that offer specials, ie Fiji airlines to Syd. We often split airlines, one outbound and one back. We have never tried separate flights, too dicey. I have not tried to figure out the new program with UA, where as I understand it the point charge changes with time, day, flight, whim?
Retired long enough (20) that it is hard to amass enough for 2 international tickets in business, on any one airline. We do the credit card dance, but still tough (getting harder with $8,000 purchase requirement). Buy some with old fashion cash on "secondary" airlines that offer specials, ie Fiji airlines to Syd. We often split airlines, one outbound and one back. We have never tried separate flights, too dicey. I have not tried to figure out the new program with UA, where as I understand it the point charge changes with time, day, flight, whim?
May 22, 2019, 5:43 pm
#261
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold but PlatPro thanks to LPs
Posts: 4,439
We will be flying SAN to LAX on AA6073 (E75), American Airlines...by compass airlines, as American eagle in first on a Monday morning 8:45am. We will be departing on Cathay Pacific 0881 in business 2 3/4 later to HKG out of Terminal B. How do we get from one to the other?...2 seniors. This will be 2/2020.
No matter which terminal (T5 or Eagles Nest) you need to make your way to Terminal 4. From T4 you can walk across the new "connector" between T4 and TBIT. The new "connector" is airside, so you need not leave the secured area. You will go through TSA only in San Diego, in other words.
The Eagles Nest has a shuttle bus that runs to T5 and T4 and back. If you arrive at the Eagles Nest, just get on that shuttle and get off at T4.
If you arrive at T5, then you have two choices. You can get the shuttle over to T4 or you can walk through an underground tunnel between T5 and T4. There are pros and cons to both choices. With the shuttle you may have to wait a while. However, it's a long walk through the tunnel, and you will have to continue walking once in T4.
If you have troubles walking long distances, and you see there is plenty of time, then the T5-T4 shuttle might be the best option. If you are short on time and the shuttle looks like a long wait, then taking the tunnel might be best. Make that decision at the time. You might ask an employee at the shuttle stop what is their best estimate on wait time.
From the shuttle or the tunnel, you will arrive in T4 at the exact same spot. You take the escalator up to the main concourse, then turn right. You want to head in the general direction of baggage claim, however, when you get to beginning of the concourse and see the TSA checkpoint, that's your cue to turn left into the "connector" between T4 and TBIT. Do not go to baggage claim.
Going through the "connector" is straightforward. You'll go up an escalator, then walk down a few hallways. At the end, turn right and keep on going right to the Oneworld Business Lounge.
I, too, am a senior and I have arthritic knees. I can't sprint through airports as I did in my younger days. If I choose to go to a lounge, I always go to the lounge CLOSEST to my departure gate. In other word, should I be in your situation I would go to the Oneworld Business Lounge in TBIT instead of other lounges in T4 or T5. Once in the lounge, I suggest you ask one of the front desk people how long you should allow to go from their lounge to your gate by boarding time, then double their estimate to allow for slow walking. Personally, I like to be sitting at my gate waiting to board and have a little less time in the lounge. That's better than stretching out lounge time, then having to walk fast, which I cannot do, to get to the gate. I don't like to be rushed.
May 22, 2019, 5:54 pm
#262
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Long Beach, CA
Programs: AA PLTPRO, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,559
I think it's still arriving at the Eagle's Nest - any of the flights that arrive at Gate 52A - 52J are essentially Eagle's Nest gates. The bus from the Eagle's Nest to terminal 5 arrives at what would have been gate 52.
May 22, 2019, 5:55 pm
#263
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: ATL
Programs: Delta PlM, 1M
Posts: 6,363
Queen, I have not visited the tunnels since the airlines played musical chairs a few years ago. But they used to have golf-cart like buggies they ran in them to help those who had an issue with the walk. The wait would be short. Do they no longer run them?
May 22, 2019, 6:45 pm
#264
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SLC/HEL/Anywhere with a Beach
Programs: Marriott Ambassador; AA EXP 3MM; AS MVP, Hilton Gold, CH-47/UH-60/C-23/C-130 VET
Posts: 5,234
I do the Eagles Nest to International several times a year.
I strongly recommend against taking the bus to Terminal 5. The buses from the Eagles Nest where you arrive from San Diego leave every few minutes. Get on the one to Terminal 4. Go up the escalator when you get off the bus. Turn right at the top of the escalator.
A couple of hundred feet down on your left, you will see the Flagship Lounge. In my view, it is nicer than the Oneworld Business Lounge.
After you pass the Flagship Lounge, go another 100 feet and turn left before security. This is the path to the Tom Bradley International Terminal where CX flies from. The Oneworld Business Lounge is there as well. You can follow the signs to lounges and I'd say its a 15-20 minute walk from the top of the escalator at Terminal 4.
I strongly recommend against taking the bus to Terminal 5. The buses from the Eagles Nest where you arrive from San Diego leave every few minutes. Get on the one to Terminal 4. Go up the escalator when you get off the bus. Turn right at the top of the escalator.
A couple of hundred feet down on your left, you will see the Flagship Lounge. In my view, it is nicer than the Oneworld Business Lounge.
After you pass the Flagship Lounge, go another 100 feet and turn left before security. This is the path to the Tom Bradley International Terminal where CX flies from. The Oneworld Business Lounge is there as well. You can follow the signs to lounges and I'd say its a 15-20 minute walk from the top of the escalator at Terminal 4.
May 23, 2019, 1:49 am
#265
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,994
@ranles , last detail - access to the airside connector is near gate 41. Also, once you take the escalator up to the connector - stay at that level as your walk along; do not go up or down - the oneworld lounge is at that same level
May 23, 2019, 9:29 am
#266
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold but PlatPro thanks to LPs
Posts: 4,439
I'm sorry, but I can't answer that. I never connect in LAX, as that is my "home" airport. I know where the tunnels start in T4 because that is just around the corner from the shortcut to Baggage Claim.
May 23, 2019, 3:58 pm
#268
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
They call it T5 now, just as they used to call it T4, but it's still the Eagle's Nest remote terminal. I've not heard of an Eagle flight using actual T4 or T5 ever, it's always been the remote terminal (the old one, which was torn down as part of the TBIT expansion, or the current one). As before, regardless of it being termed T4 or T5, you take buses to T4 or T5.
May 23, 2019, 10:54 pm
#269
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: New York
Programs: AA EXP 1.0mm, not sure where I am with hotels these days
Posts: 2,795
I just came in from the Eagles Nest and the ladies were very upfront asking which terminal we needed to go to, and then directed us to the appropriate line. When the bus arrived they walked outside a few steps and pointed to the specific bus. OP should have no worries.
May 24, 2019, 10:03 am
#270
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold but PlatPro thanks to LPs
Posts: 4,439
They call it T5 now, just as they used to call it T4, but it's still the Eagle's Nest remote terminal. I've not heard of an Eagle flight using actual T4 or T5 ever, it's always been the remote terminal (the old one, which was torn down as part of the TBIT expansion, or the current one). As before, regardless of it being termed T4 or T5, you take buses to T4 or T5.