Jan 7, 2019, 10:04 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
For the current thread, please see here.
NOTE: AA uses Terminals 4 and 5, the remote “Eagle’s Nest” and some gates at TBIT
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) are under renovations.
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.
[AA T-6 ops moved to T-5; other airline positioning to occur 12, 14 and 16 May 2017[/B]
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).
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 / 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.
Minimum time for checking in and arriving at the gate at LAX
Minimum time to check baggage
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
For flights originating in airports outside the U.S. or flights departing the U.S. for an international destination:
- Check bags at least 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure (90’ if checking for Eagle at T-4 instead of T-5)
Time to baggage delivery: expect 0:30 or more.
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:
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."
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ARCHIVE: 2015-2017 GUIDE: LAX / Los Angeles Int’l. Airport - MCT, Connection, etc.
Jan 12, 2018, 10:07 pm
#811
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Portland
Programs: AS MVP Gold, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, IHG Platinum, Starbucks Gold
Posts: 391
The bus ride itself is about five minutes. The variable factor is how many people are waiting for the bus (and I always think they can squeeze more people than they do onto the buses, but what do I know). I would probably depart the QF lounge 45–50 minutes before departure time. 5–10 minute walk to the bus (depending on how fast you walk), 5–10 minutes waiting, and 5 minute ride over to the Eagles' Nest should put you there just before or at the start of boarding. There's also a lounge over there at the Nest, so you could pop in if you have extra time.
But it seemed like all the stars were aligned for me today, as my incoming flight was a bit early, Global Entry took no time whatsoever, there was no line for transfer security at TBIT, and I boarded a bus with no wait that was already ready to depart.
I can easily see how the transfer could have taken twice as long.
Jan 14, 2018, 12:09 am
#812
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 8
Is 1 hour enough to transfer from A Eagle to AA international in LAX？ (to merge)
If it's enough, I will book the tickets right now.
Jan 14, 2018, 12:11 am
#813
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Aspen, CO
Posts: 792
you should be fine...
Jan 14, 2018, 1:12 am
#815
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: San Jose, California, USA
Programs: AS 100K, UA MM, AA MM, IC Plat Amb, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 3,146
I'm not sure that I would book this connection unless I had a backup plan. In addition to the typical delays that can scuttle such a short connection, the shuttle ride to the terminal can be very unpredictable....
Jan 14, 2018, 1:45 am
#816
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,374
Is the Eagle flight a morning or afternoon departure? (Early AM is less risky)
Can you limit yourself to 1 "personal item" sized carry-on? (Waiting for a gate-checked bag will cut into your connection time)
Are you familiar with the AA terminals at LAX, and are you proficient in checking flight status? (I often see harried connecting travelers running in the wrong direction and/or failing to notice a gate change)
Can you limit yourself to 1 "personal item" sized carry-on? (Waiting for a gate-checked bag will cut into your connection time)
Are you familiar with the AA terminals at LAX, and are you proficient in checking flight status? (I often see harried connecting travelers running in the wrong direction and/or failing to notice a gate change)
Jan 14, 2018, 1:55 am
#817
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: GIG
Programs: AAdvantage ExP 1MM, Smiles/GOL Diamond, TudoAzul/AZUL Diamond, HHonors Gold, Accor Platinum
Posts: 190
American Eagle gates are at Terminal 5 and AA is at Terminal 4. You need to take the shuttle between terminals. I think it's very risky.
Jan 14, 2018, 4:08 am
#818
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: MEL
Programs: QF GA NZ WN. Accor+ Bonvoy IHC
Posts: 250
Are you a gambling man? Do you cope well with stress? If not, I’d avoid it.
Jan 14, 2018, 4:25 am
#819
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Gatwick, UK
Programs: UA *G, BA Silver
Posts: 1,673
I'd say that it also depends where your Eagle flight is coming from. In winter flights from SFO-LAX are horribly weather-affected – no problem on a nice dry day, but low clouds and rain and southerly winds can lead to the LAX flights being cancelled and badly delayed.
Secondly it depends where you are going internationally and what the alternatives are if you are late (for example, London has 5 flights a day on AA / BA, but I don't know about other destinations).
In simple terms, if you can book the ticket then it must be a legal connection and so they will look after you, but the fact that it is a legal connection doesn't mean the same as a guaranteed connection.
Secondly it depends where you are going internationally and what the alternatives are if you are late (for example, London has 5 flights a day on AA / BA, but I don't know about other destinations).
In simple terms, if you can book the ticket then it must be a legal connection and so they will look after you, but the fact that it is a legal connection doesn't mean the same as a guaranteed connection.
Jan 14, 2018, 5:23 am
#820
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: San Francisco
Programs: AA EXP; Marriott BonVoy Titanium Elite, Marriott LT Plat.
Posts: 1,717
I would be skeptical to book this flight even if it's a legal connection as well.
Last st month I did the SFO-LAX 7:30 pm shuffle to TBIT and upon arriving at T5, there were two queues almost to the outer walls on both sides of the terminal. Although the line did move pretty fast, I would have been stressed about making a flight even though I made it to TBIT under an hour. I was heading over to Qantas FL to kill time before my T4 flight departed.
Last st month I did the SFO-LAX 7:30 pm shuffle to TBIT and upon arriving at T5, there were two queues almost to the outer walls on both sides of the terminal. Although the line did move pretty fast, I would have been stressed about making a flight even though I made it to TBIT under an hour. I was heading over to Qantas FL to kill time before my T4 flight departed.
Jan 14, 2018, 5:38 am
#821
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London and Madrid
Programs: BA Gold, UA 2MM, Hyatt Globalist, Columbia Record & Tape Club Triple Diamond VIP
Posts: 580
Absolutely not. Don't do it.
Two reasons: first, most every airport served by American Eagle s subject to frequent weather delays, as is LAX. I often connect in LAX from SFO and the delays are routine.
Second, to go from what is euphemistically called the "Eagle's nest" to the rest of the airport requires you to stand in line and take a bus. Under good circumstances, this can take 30 minutes.
Two reasons: first, most every airport served by American Eagle s subject to frequent weather delays, as is LAX. I often connect in LAX from SFO and the delays are routine.
Second, to go from what is euphemistically called the "Eagle's nest" to the rest of the airport requires you to stand in line and take a bus. Under good circumstances, this can take 30 minutes.
Jan 14, 2018, 6:30 am
#822
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 7,816
I would not be comfortable with a 1 hour connection. I've waited 15 minutes for the stupid bus at the Eagles nest to even show up. And then, its a slow conga line from the nest to T4/T5 area.
I'd also suggest you assess where your international connection is bound for. Are you connecting to the last international flight of the day or is there a backup if you miss your connection?
I'd also suggest you assess where your international connection is bound for. Are you connecting to the last international flight of the day or is there a backup if you miss your connection?
Jan 14, 2018, 7:25 am
#823
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: West Coast, USA
Programs: Skywards Platinum
Posts: 3,747
MCT according to AA is 90 minutes domestic to international. If arriving at Eagle's Next you would take the bus to T4 then walk to TBIT via the air-side walkway. Can it be done in 60 minutes? Yes, if everything aligns well and you don't mind being stressed. 90 minutes I would consider the most realistic minimum time. If you decide to chance it and if you are on separate tickets, make sure you can check-in inline for your international flight (often easier said that done). I don't think you can be on the same ticket as 60 minuets doesn't meet MCT.
For the current thread, please see here.
Last edited by JDiver; Jan 7, 2019 at 10:53 pm Reason: Add moderator note