I don't forsee myself being able to leave the Pasadena area anytime before midnight on that night of April 1/2.. flight leaves LAX at 01:50 on April 2. To those who frequent this flight, what's the minimum time for J check-in on this flight? I'm planning on just having a laptop bag and a small rollaboard.

Safe travels to all.

45 minutes.

Depends on what the TSA jokers feel like taking to inspect luggage!

Exactly.. what a consistently professional lot they are...

For those of you who fly out of TBIT, you would know the procedure is join the queues for checked bags security screening before checking in at the counter (for most airlines). But last week passing through TBIT, there seems to be a change for all airlines. Now, you will proceed to check in, and then bring your checked bags to the security screening line, before going through the regular security check and onto the boarding gate.

Many travelers, including me, were not aware of this new security rule, and therefore lined up at the checked bags screening line before check-in. Only after waiting for 20 minutes in the line when we were told that we must check in first. So I had to go back to check-in, and haul my bags back to the line, and waited for another 20 minutes. Imagine if people waited in line for an hour, and then being told to go to check in and come back!

Another change is that the TSA folks no longer "escort" you and your bags to check-in. After you give your checked bags to them, you can just walk straight to security instead. This is no doubt a more efficient way, but there was no signage or announcement to mark this difference. So just a heads up for all you traveling thru TBIT.

Ugh I can see so many bags not arriving at their destination using this method.

There used to be a special security screening area for J class pax so that you could go straight to the check in area and skip the long queue at the regular security screening. Assume there is no special arrangements for J class pax now?

I am not sure if that was a 'change'.

Flying SQ late 2006, it was the 'new TSA method' you described, but CX in Jan 2007 it was the old method.

Its a lose lose situation flying in and out of LAX. Its a run-down airport running aground by politics... Maybe I'm spoiled by HKG efficiency . But then again, fly in and out of SFO and you'll never have these problems.

I found it funny when they started the "bag escort" - On weekdays I have to wait at least 15-20 minutes, I can't imagine what happens on weekends. No signs telling confused passengers where to go and what to do. The "rent-a-cops-with-government-employee-status" yell at lost passengers .

and this makes LHR seem like heaven to me!

IMO no matter how bad LHR is, there are always the US airports which are 10 times worst!

I'm just glad that they took away the stupid "bag escort" idea. But they really need to tell people about the system. Airline often provide incorrect information. For example, when online checking in with CX, they say that you can just drop off your checked bags at least 45 minutes before departure at check-in counters row XX-YY at LAX, and no mention of the checked bags line. And I was like this is so bull... You need a minimum of 2 hours if you are checking bags.

But more often that not, the hold up is due to bags being screened, but not enough escorts to bring your baggage with you to check-in. With the new system, at least you don't have to wait in line for a second time. I just passed through London T3 last night for the first time, and I was completely amazed by the efficiency. I mean there Fast Track was really useful, and there are tons of shopping opportunites throughout the terminal. And the thing is, this line does not occur at some other terminals in LAX.

Thanks. Since I'm heading over Tues that will certainly help.

Or 'walking' out the front door...