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.
Sep 1, 2019, 9:03 pm
#331
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
This is very true. The 405 and other freeways can be relatively empty / fluid but then the airport loop ornthe approach to the airport is a nightmare anytime. Much more so now that the people mover construction has started.
Venice beach itself is a tourist trap. Before legalization of pot, you could go to one of the dozens of "marijuana doctors" there for your fix, there is homeless right and lef (welcome to LA) , stench of fried food, it is crowded for no reason, etc. A worse version of fisherman's wharf with a beach. We the locals tend not to go to VB ever. Not even the MDR folks. Lol.
Abbot Kinney leading to Venice is cool with many places to eat, art galleries, boutiques, etc.
Venice beach itself is a tourist trap. Before legalization of pot, you could go to one of the dozens of "marijuana doctors" there for your fix, there is homeless right and lef (welcome to LA) , stench of fried food, it is crowded for no reason, etc. A worse version of fisherman's wharf with a beach. We the locals tend not to go to VB ever. Not even the MDR folks. Lol.
Abbot Kinney leading to Venice is cool with many places to eat, art galleries, boutiques, etc.
Sep 1, 2019, 10:40 pm
#333
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 20,639
Sep 30, 2019, 11:12 am
#335
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: LAX
Posts: 211
Former UA frequent flier out of LAX switching to AA. I've never flown out of T4-T5 before, but have around 100 departures under my belt at LAX in general (mostly T7-T8, a few on DL at T2). Driving in, I was blessed to have the shortcut into T7 for a few years but unfortunately those times are coming to an end. Now I find myself without any sense of how long it will take to get from the LAX entrance to T4 in moderate-to-bad traffic.
I'm trying to get a sense of how much time it takes to get around the loop to T4 under the following scenarios:
- Moderate traffic
- Heavy traffic
- Nightmare traffic (holidays, lane closures, etc.)
If traffic is really bad, do you just ride it out in the cab? Do you take the shortcut to T7 and walk from there? Shortcut to T5? Looking for some veteran wisdom.
I'm trying to get a sense of how much time it takes to get around the loop to T4 under the following scenarios:
- Moderate traffic
- Heavy traffic
- Nightmare traffic (holidays, lane closures, etc.)
If traffic is really bad, do you just ride it out in the cab? Do you take the shortcut to T7 and walk from there? Shortcut to T5? Looking for some veteran wisdom.
Sep 30, 2019, 11:33 am
#336
Join Date: Feb 2000
Posts: 6,546
i always enter airside at T6 when flying UA, AS, HA, AA, B6 due to the T7 cutover and non-existent line at T6 PRE. i enjoy stretching my legs before a flight with the underground walk.
on the return to LAX, i also summon the Uber to the T7 pickup point, as it's far more predictable than a pickup point deeper in the bowels of the LAX U. for the north terminals, I just walk to the Hyatt.
on the return to LAX, i also summon the Uber to the T7 pickup point, as it's far more predictable than a pickup point deeper in the bowels of the LAX U. for the north terminals, I just walk to the Hyatt.
Sep 30, 2019, 11:33 am
#337
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AA LT Gold
Posts: 3,646
Former UA frequent flier out of LAX switching to AA. I've never flown out of T4-T5 before, but have around 100 departures under my belt at LAX in general (mostly T7-T8, a few on DL at T2). Driving in, I was blessed to have the shortcut into T7 for a few years but unfortunately those times are coming to an end. Now I find myself without any sense of how long it will take to get from the LAX entrance to T4 in moderate-to-bad traffic.
I'm trying to get a sense of how much time it takes to get around the loop to T4 under the following scenarios:
- Moderate traffic
- Heavy traffic
- Nightmare traffic (holidays, lane closures, etc.)
If traffic is really bad, do you just ride it out in the cab? Do you take the shortcut to T7 and walk from there? Shortcut to T5? Looking for some veteran wisdom.
I'm trying to get a sense of how much time it takes to get around the loop to T4 under the following scenarios:
- Moderate traffic
- Heavy traffic
- Nightmare traffic (holidays, lane closures, etc.)
If traffic is really bad, do you just ride it out in the cab? Do you take the shortcut to T7 and walk from there? Shortcut to T5? Looking for some veteran wisdom.
Coming from the south driving north on Sepulveda, there are times I have been on the tunnel (underneath the runway) for up to 20 mins and then add the time to merge into the loop.
Coming from the north driving south, Sepulveda is not that bad but it can take a good 10 just to merge into the loop itself.
Century itself (the logical exit from the 405) can be standstill traffic for the 2 miles from 405 to the airport.
Going around the loop itself from T1 to T4 can take from 5 minutes to 20 minutes on a bad day.
As the airport is under construction now (people mover) dropping off people at TBIT is a NIGHTMARE now, worse than ever.
It is really hard to predict how it is going to be the day of departure. Unfortunately for LAX you have to give yourself PLENTY of time and not play cutting it close. You really can put yourself in the scenarios you have proposed (Moderate/Heavy/Nightmare) . Just give yourself plenty of time and use google maps and the "arrive by" option to plan what time you have to leave home.
Also, it can make a big difference if you go to the arrivals or departures road. Sometimes the arrivals loop is empty and the departures loop is a parking lot. Watch the signs as you approach the airport ("Use arrivals") as they are usually right.
Personally, I just choose to be dropped off at T4 (Either arrivals or departures). I never cut across to T7 and then walk to T4. It might save you 7 minutes max to do that. Not worth it, IMO.
Final advice, use google maps or waze to get to the airport. It can really make a difference which approach you use (Century/Sepulveda N/Sepulveda S)
Sep 30, 2019, 11:51 am
#339
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: LAX
Posts: 211
It is not so much the traffic on the loop itself but the traffic on either Sepulveda (south or north) or Century and depends on where you are coming from.
Coming from the south driving north on Sepulveda, there are times I have been on the tunnel (underneath the runway) for up to 20 mins and then add the time to merge into the loop.
Coming from the north driving south, Sepulveda is not that bad but it can take a good 10 just to merge into the loop itself.
Century itself (the logical exit from the 405) can be standstill traffic for the 2 miles from 405 to the airport.
Going around the loop itself from T1 to T4 can take from 5 minutes to 20 minutes on a bad day.
As the airport is under construction now (people mover) dropping off people at TBIT is a NIGHTMARE now, worse than ever.
It is really hard to predict how it is going to be the day of departure. Unfortunately for LAX you have to give yourself PLENTY of time and not play cutting it close. You really can put yourself in the scenarios you have proposed (Moderate/Heavy/Nightmare) . Just give yourself plenty of time and use google maps and the "arrive by" option to plan what time you have to leave home.
Also, it can make a big difference if you go to the arrivals or departures road. Sometimes the arrivals loop is empty and the departures loop is a parking lot. Watch the signs as you approach the airport ("Use arrivals") as they are usually right.
Personally, I just choose to be dropped off at T4 (Either arrivals or departures). I never cut across to T7 and then walk to T4. It might save you 7 minutes max to do that. Not worth it, IMO.
Final advice, use google maps or waze to get to the airport. It can really make a difference which approach you use (Century/Sepulveda N/Sepulveda S)
Coming from the south driving north on Sepulveda, there are times I have been on the tunnel (underneath the runway) for up to 20 mins and then add the time to merge into the loop.
Coming from the north driving south, Sepulveda is not that bad but it can take a good 10 just to merge into the loop itself.
Century itself (the logical exit from the 405) can be standstill traffic for the 2 miles from 405 to the airport.
Going around the loop itself from T1 to T4 can take from 5 minutes to 20 minutes on a bad day.
As the airport is under construction now (people mover) dropping off people at TBIT is a NIGHTMARE now, worse than ever.
It is really hard to predict how it is going to be the day of departure. Unfortunately for LAX you have to give yourself PLENTY of time and not play cutting it close. You really can put yourself in the scenarios you have proposed (Moderate/Heavy/Nightmare) . Just give yourself plenty of time and use google maps and the "arrive by" option to plan what time you have to leave home.
Also, it can make a big difference if you go to the arrivals or departures road. Sometimes the arrivals loop is empty and the departures loop is a parking lot. Watch the signs as you approach the airport ("Use arrivals") as they are usually right.
Personally, I just choose to be dropped off at T4 (Either arrivals or departures). I never cut across to T7 and then walk to T4. It might save you 7 minutes max to do that. Not worth it, IMO.
Final advice, use google maps or waze to get to the airport. It can really make a difference which approach you use (Century/Sepulveda N/Sepulveda S)
Sep 30, 2019, 12:47 pm
#340
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AA LT Gold
Posts: 3,646
Uber instructs drivers to pick up and drop off at departures (upper road), correct.
For some reason, Uber black or lux seem to always be more flexible about it though, not that it should be encouraged.
Seph87, yes, 30 minutes extra to what you normally estimate to get to T7 should be enough.
Lately, it is always peak time at LAX
Not much difference between a 2PM and a 6PM departure.
For some reason, Uber black or lux seem to always be more flexible about it though, not that it should be encouraged.
Seph87, yes, 30 minutes extra to what you normally estimate to get to T7 should be enough.
Lately, it is always peak time at LAX
Not much difference between a 2PM and a 6PM departure.
Sep 30, 2019, 6:40 pm
#341
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Plat, DL, AS, UA, IHG Plat
Posts: 2,407
Uber Black drivers are required to have livery license so they can drop off at the lower level. They are basically the same as taking a black car to the airport. You can always ask the Uber Lux driver if they are licensed livery driver - I think most of them are but Uber doesn't require them to be one. If they say yes, you can also ask them to use the lower level. They are not breaking any rules using the lower level. UberX and Pool drivers are never licensed livery driver so they have to abide by the Uber agreement with LAWA to use upper level only. And my experience is that none of them will risk getting a ticket.
I'm a primary AA flier out of LAX so I know this dance very well. Generally speaking, regardless of my actual departure gate, I ask the Uber driver to drop me off at T5 so they will use the cut off loop. If traffic is flowing ok, I tell them to drop me off T4 once we enter the loop. I would say that 4 out of 5 times, getting dropped off at T5 and walking over to T4 precheck line is at least 10 minutes faster than sitting in heavy traffic by T3 and TBIT.
On a few occasion when I took public transit to LAX and the traffic is bad, I get off the bus at T2 and just walked across to T5. That can saved easily 20 minutes.
For pickup, the same logic applies. Never use the TBIT/T4 pickup point. Always walk to the T5 pickup point because the driver has the option to use the cutoff loop to get to you faster. Or if you feel like walking, use the T7 pickup point.
I'm a primary AA flier out of LAX so I know this dance very well. Generally speaking, regardless of my actual departure gate, I ask the Uber driver to drop me off at T5 so they will use the cut off loop. If traffic is flowing ok, I tell them to drop me off T4 once we enter the loop. I would say that 4 out of 5 times, getting dropped off at T5 and walking over to T4 precheck line is at least 10 minutes faster than sitting in heavy traffic by T3 and TBIT.
On a few occasion when I took public transit to LAX and the traffic is bad, I get off the bus at T2 and just walked across to T5. That can saved easily 20 minutes.
For pickup, the same logic applies. Never use the TBIT/T4 pickup point. Always walk to the T5 pickup point because the driver has the option to use the cutoff loop to get to you faster. Or if you feel like walking, use the T7 pickup point.
Oct 4, 2019, 11:02 am
#342
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AA LT Gold
Posts: 3,646
However, this just in:
LAX to End Curbside Service for Uber, Lyft and Taxis This Month
https://ktla.com/2019/10/03/lax-to-e...yft-and-taxis/
Oct 4, 2019, 3:56 pm
#343
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: SNA
Posts: 928
I had never thought of this. Great tip!!!
However, this just in:
LAX to End Curbside Service for Uber, Lyft and Taxis This Month
https://ktla.com/2019/10/03/lax-to-e...yft-and-taxis/
However, this just in:
LAX to End Curbside Service for Uber, Lyft and Taxis This Month
https://ktla.com/2019/10/03/lax-to-e...yft-and-taxis/
Oct 4, 2019, 8:19 pm
#344
Join Date: Oct 2015
Programs: AA; Hilton
Posts: 14
Yes, starting “around” Oct. 29, 2019, Uber/Lyft/Taxi will still be able to drop-off at the terminals, but when leaving LAX, we will have to catch a shuttle to a parking lot near Terminal 1 to get a Uber/Lyft/Taxi.
Not good.
https://www.latimes.com/california/s...lyft?_amp=true
Not good.
https://www.latimes.com/california/s...lyft?_amp=true
Oct 5, 2019, 6:21 am
#345
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
I feel like LAX could have done something like what SFO has done: have differing rates for curbside pick up vs pick up at a designated area (at SFO it’s in the parking lot). At SFO, it’s cheaper to get picked up in the parking lot. LAX could have added a $5-10 fee for curbside pick up. Maybe this new system will help drivers, though, who will spend less time in LAX traffic and therefore may be able to make more money.