LAX / Los Angeles: Disembark Widebodies at Maintenance Hangar?
Nov 21, 2017, 7:08 am
#17
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold but PlatPro thanks to LPs
Posts: 4,439
I was on AA 2225 last night (a 787 from ORD to LAX) and sweating a tight connection. I saw that the arrival gate was something I had seen before like 'M143', which I assumed meant we would be parking at the International terminal since at least the numbers made sense and I know AA does use that terminal for a few flights. I figured I was in for a sprint to make my (at that point) 30 min connection to the regional gates.
After landing, however I noticed we taxied past the international terminal and were out near the maintenance hangars. I figured 'OK, we're getting a bus gate.' But actually we parked on the apron in front of the maintenance hangar and a portable stair (ramp in this case) was brought up to the airplane and we deplaned into waiting buses. They were all waiting for us, so it doesn't seem like a last-minute IRROP thing.
Has anyone seen this before? Was is just scheduled inspection/maintenance and they didn't want to tow the plane from the gate? If anything, It was a fun bus ride around LAX.
After landing, however I noticed we taxied past the international terminal and were out near the maintenance hangars. I figured 'OK, we're getting a bus gate.' But actually we parked on the apron in front of the maintenance hangar and a portable stair (ramp in this case) was brought up to the airplane and we deplaned into waiting buses. They were all waiting for us, so it doesn't seem like a last-minute IRROP thing.
Has anyone seen this before? Was is just scheduled inspection/maintenance and they didn't want to tow the plane from the gate? If anything, It was a fun bus ride around LAX.
I was really happy to be transported directly to the Immigration hall, rather than having to walk "miles" from an arrival gate down numerous concourses.
May 19, 2018, 11:31 pm
#18
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 758
AA 726 LAX Hangar Arrival Procedures for 332
I was on AA 726 on 5/17 which is the daily 332 service. As it seems to do most days, we parked at remote parking near the hangar instead of at the terminal (departures are from a gate though). While that in of itself isn't bad, apparently LAWA, operators of LAX, will only allow them to use 1 stair/ramp instead of 2. We also had to wait 10 minutes to have them open the door after the ramp was mated while the shuttle busses and the Five Star Service vehicles got out to us. Once they opened 2L, deplaning was quick, and the shuttles left for T4 once filled. Unfortunately, we had to wait at the top of the alley for approx. 7 minutes while we waited for 2 planes to push off of T4. The only good thing was that luggage came down pretty quickly by the time I got there, and I was in the 2nd shuttle.
Has anyone else had similar experiences with either this flight or remote parked arrivals?
Has anyone else had similar experiences with either this flight or remote parked arrivals?
May 20, 2018, 4:21 am
#19
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 2
I’ve been on this flight several times and whenever on the 332/333 it has used the remote gate. Typically, the shuttles are already lined up by the time they dock the ramp, but it could definitely take a bit longer to unload and get to the terminal, especially if you’re near the back of the plane.
Most of the time other passengers aren’t too happy about this and are worried about making their connections. Cabin crew doesn’t always seem aware of this process or doesn’t tell passengers until the last minute so there is always confusion as to why we’re not at a terminal gate.
Most of the time other passengers aren’t too happy about this and are worried about making their connections. Cabin crew doesn’t always seem aware of this process or doesn’t tell passengers until the last minute so there is always confusion as to why we’re not at a terminal gate.
May 20, 2018, 10:54 am
#21
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: PHL
Programs: AA Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 480
They do this with widebodies at LAX when they don’t have an immediate flight out of LAX. Instead of taking up a gate, towing to the hangar, etc, they just taxi straight to the hangar after landing for the overnight.
May 20, 2018, 12:09 pm
#22
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Thousand Oaks, Ca., USA
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat; Bonvoy Titanium Lifetime Elite;Hyatt Globalist; HHonors Diamond; United Silver
Posts: 8,318
Going for great!
Last time we waited in the rain .
Windy so we all got wet in spite of the awning.
Last edited by beachfan; May 20, 2018 at 12:44 pm
May 20, 2018, 2:23 pm
#24
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: LAX
Posts: 3,267
:
May 28, 2018, 11:59 am
#29
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
1. Land and park at a remote "area".
2. Wait for the shuttle bus to arrive, and then be patient while everyone boards the bus with their carryon luggage. This can take a very long time.
3. Transfer by bus to the remote terminal, and then get in line again for the shuttle bus to either Terminal 4 or Terminal 5.
If you have a one-hour layover at LAX for your connecting flight, pray.
Jun 28, 2018, 10:51 am
#30
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 18
Is there a way to check if you'll have a bus gate when booking with American?
I have lots of MIA->LAX travel planned and I'm considering making the switch from United to American as AA is the only airline with a direct flight. After seeing how long it takes to deplane from a bus gate with American, I'm thinking I might just take a connection with United.
I've flown United exclusively to LAX for some time and while they have their issues, there is nothing like this.
I have lots of MIA->LAX travel planned and I'm considering making the switch from United to American as AA is the only airline with a direct flight. After seeing how long it takes to deplane from a bus gate with American, I'm thinking I might just take a connection with United.
I've flown United exclusively to LAX for some time and while they have their issues, there is nothing like this.