danielonn

I am planning to visit the new International Terminal when I fly down to LAX next Saturday as my Father and I are flying out of the TBIT on our way to Thailand in November

While we are not able to check out bags all the way through as we are on Delta and a separate Air China ticket I still wanted to do a Dry Run. On my return to SJC I am planning to arrive to LAX early and check my bags at Delta then walk to the TBIT to time it and to see where the Air China Ticket Counters are.

Then am I able to clear security at TBIT to use the connector back to Terminal 5? I want to see the new terminal or do I have to walk back to Terminal 5 to go to the TBIT?

I not only want to see where the lounges are in the TBIT I want to do some serious plane spotting of international flights and to see the new stores/restaurants etc.

Do any of you DL passengers go to the TBIT using the new connector? I can't wait to see the new terminal as there has not been an airside connector until recently.

Thanks in advance.

Merlinrnr

At LAX you can clear security at any terminal with a valid boarding pass, not necessarily the terminal you're flying out of. So yes you can walk from T5 to TBIT, clear security, hang out and plane spot, then take the connector to T4 and then the tunnel to T5. Good luck and have fun! The new TBIT is gorgeous.

LoganFlyer

I've done the walk from T5 to TBIT behind security; it took me probably 20 minutes and if you have the time, it is well worth it just to see all the planes. Have fun!

danielonn

Thanks for the reply. I am going to definitely check out the TBIT!!!

obscure2k

Lots of good restaurants in TBIT. My son flew out of there last weekend and was happy to have A Umami Burger before his flight. Enjoy your trip

bennos

One thing to keep in mind is that security at TBIT, particularly at peak times, can be pretty terrible. I don't know if DL SkyPriority will get you into the TBIT priority line...

The landside checkin counters are like any modern airport you've been to, and the 30 seconds you'll save the next time you pass through IMO aren't worth it. I'd clear security in T5 after dropping the bag with DL, then walk over airside to do the planespotting.

flyerCO

All Star Alliance carriers use one checkin which is located at the end of TBIT by Terminal 3. The self service kiosks are for all *A carriers even. The lounge is located on Level six using the elevators. I was just there since Virgin Australia uses the lounge. One of the nicest lounges around. They'll even hand out tablets for use.

Note even if you have Precheck, there's no Precheck or Precheck lite at TBIT since no carriers there are part of the program.

355F1

I did T6-TBIT (Qantas F Lounge) in 7 minutes earlier this month.

If you walk fast it won't take longer than 5mins.

mspflier

And a sweet outdoor patio overlooking the gate-parked planes. Fire pit and everything. Check it out...

mnbp

I'm with danielonn, I like to check out (in advance) where I'm going (when I have a chance). To me, it would be worth the time to see exactly how check in is laid out at TBIT.

serfty

Note that a new TBIT security checkpoint opened a month or two ago, mainly designed for transit PAX, it can be used by any with a same day BP ex LAX.

After the transpac morning arrivals are cleared, it tends to be very quiet from then on.

It is located on the lower level at the Southern end of the TBIT arrivals concourse.

More here (from the AA forum):

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...l#post27013258

danielonn

Thanks for this tip.

danielonn

I agree. In fact I am departing to Thailand on a Wednesday and this trip down to LA I will be returning on September 7th so I am going to try an emulate the process under the same conditions. Just like a scientific experiment. I may be a bit off on the timings but the rest will be the same. My plan of action is to first drop my suitcase at T5. Then I will go downstairs to the Baggage claim and find how am I going to go to the TBIT Checkin.

I will walk along the arrivals area and take the escalator up to Departures or the elevator by TBIT after T4.

I will gauge the Air China lines to see how it is. Our Delta flight arrives at 9:40 AM for a 2:20 Departure. On the return we arrive at 11:00 AM and leave at 4:15 to SJC so I hope the lines won't be long. Have I left enough time to transfer our bags from Delta to Air China, check in and security? On the return is this enough time for Customs and take our bags to Delta? We leave for Thailand on a Wednesday and return to LAX on Tuesday.

IF there is time leftover on the return to LAX from Thailand I will walk back to the TBIT after clearning security no point now waiting in T5.

One through security I will find the general gate areaTHa of Air China, how to get to Level 6 for the lounge etc.

Thanks for your tips.

danielonn

I saw the lounge online and it looks nicer than the *A lounge am I right?

danielonn

So the Air China counter is located by the South Security Checkpoint? Termial 3 is where Virgin America is so I know exactly what you mean.

I know about no Pre Check for international flights as the same is at SFO. Tis is why I am allowing 4 hours to checkin and clear security. Hence this is why I am doing the dry run.

Thanks to the helpful souls here on the DL forum its now going to be painless.