LAX Security
 

All,

I will be flying CX ex-LAX later this month (CX 883). I will have a long connection, arriving on AA. My understanding is that CX check-in at LAX opens 3 hours prior to departure. Will I be able to get airside at TBIT with an AA issued boarding pass?

Thanks,

Ryan.

Hi,

You should be fine.

In April I had my AA issued boarding pass for BA LAX-LHR and got through security ( 5 hrs prior to departure as I came in from HNL) with no problems ( also boarded the plane without having to replace the AA issued boarding pass for a BA one)

Regards

TBS

Assuming you're checking all the way through at your original destination, you should be fine

I do this all the time, and you will definitely have no problem getting through security into TBIT with an AA-issued boarding pass.

Just a couple of notes, these may or may not be issues for you... First, CX is pretty strict about having all passengers with CX-printed BPs. One time I got to the gate with an AA-printed BP and they panicked, pulled me out of line and reprinted CX stock. The flight was not full, so I have no idea if they thought I was missing the flight. Coincidentally, that's the one CX flight where my luggage did not arrive at the destination with me, and I'm not sure if those things are related. You might want to do a gate check in with CX prior to boarding, as early as possible.

Second, you didn't specify your final destination, but AA sometimes refuses to print BPs beyond HKG due to immigration restrictions on the country of destination, if any. For example the Philippines requires proof of an outbound ticket before you can enter the country, and CX/HKG is very strict about this. So if you are flying to a destination like that it that might be an issue for you. If HKG is your final destination you will be fine.

Thanks. I am going to SIN, but have a plenty long layover in HKG, so getting a BP at the transfer desk or the lounge would not be an issue.

Is there a time between 5 pm and 9 pm that TBIT security is least busy?

Thanks!

Nope, those are peak hours for TBIT security. Lots of big transpacs depart at night.

TBIT recently opened a new security area upstairs (escalator up from the check in area). If you are flying J/F there is a fast lane that works fairly well. If you are in E/PEY it will take you a while (fortunately I haven't been through that lane yet, so I can't give you a time estimate, but it looks pretty scary around that time).

I do not know about the new setup, but if this is the usual J/F lane, passengers with priority stamps on their BPs can also use the lane. OP is AA EXP flying CX, and should be able to get a priority stamp (from AA, or from CX F check-in counter).

Every time I've gone through TBIT security, they only sort pax by J/F vs. E/PEY. I've gone through there as a CX Diamond in PEY many times and I always got the steerage class security. That was under the previous (downstairs) screening area.

But I never thought to ask CX for a priority stamp... If they can bump up their elites with a stamp that would be awesome. I will definitely try asking for one next time I'm passing through in the lower classes.

LAX Security
 

On baggage tags, I thought that it was SOP to give the CX check-in/transfer agents the Incoming carrier's tags to ensure that CX systems were updated..have been asked for them each time that I've transferred to CX on separate tickets (usually AA, once AC).

As do TATLs, of course.

Thanks. The last TATL departs TBIT around 9:30 pm (BA to LHR), but the bulk of the TATL rush is over by 6 pm and the TPAC rush starts soon thereafter. I was thinking 5:30 pm might be a good time.

After TSA security check, walk up, turn left, then find an elevator, 5th floor, OneWorld First Class Lounge operated by Qantas.

BTW, F/J isn't any faster than PEY/Y @ TSA security check. YMMV.

That's for SFO Terminal A (CX side) as well. In fact, I saw the normal line faster than J/F/priority line a few times.

There shouldn't be a problem at all. If you're travelling on one PNR, the AA agent should be able to print out all your BPs. If not, you should still be able to self-print it or print it at the CX counter since they're open pretty early. Enjoy the QF F lounge!

Similar issue for an upcoming trip. I will be flying YVR-LAX-HKG with a 6 hr layover from AC connecting to CX883. If I don't have check luggage, can I check-in my CX flight at YVR instead since the LAX counters won't open until hrs after I arrived in LA? Or can I OLCI?