May 11, 2019, 9:30 am
Last edit by: TWA884
2017 LAX Connecting / Connection / Connections thread
The prior threads on this topic, 2012 - "Consolidated Questions About Connecting at LAX" thread, 2013 Consolidated LAX Connecting / Connection / Connections thread, 2014 Consolidated LAX Connecting / Connection / Connections thread, 2015 Consolidated LAX Connecting / Connection / Connections thread and 2016 LAX Connecting / Connection / Connections thread contain relevant information, however, to keep them from getting too long, 2017 updates are below.
Connecting passengers who are arriving at LAX on international flights will also find useful information in the following thread:
"Published" Minimum Connect Time (MCT) international to domestic at LAX is 2 hours. Numerous LAX regulars advise that 3 hours is much safer. Wait times for incoming immigration and customs services are very inconsistent. While the vast majority of international flights arrive at the newly remodeled Tom Bradley Terminal, some airlines use older customs facilities in Terminal 2 or 6. View recent postings in this thread for more information.
T4 to T5 tunnel and a secure airside walkway between T4 and TBIT are now open. It is possible now to connect from T4, T5, T6, T7 and T8 to TBIT without exiting security.
In T-4, the access to the tunnel via an escalator and an elevator at the center of the terminal under the Terminal Transfer sign (it was formerly designated Gate 44). Take the escalator down to the transfer bus gate, then turn left and take the escalator down towards baggage claim. At the bottom of the escalator make a U turn to the right and enter through the double doors. Please consult the terminals maps for the location of the tunnel in terminals 5 and 6.
A secure airside walkway, which is on the top level of a airside connector between T4 and TBIT opened in February 2016; it is accessed by Gate 41 in T4 and near the Qantas Lounge in TBIT. The complete project, including a TSA checkpoint (photo illustrations), a bus port and a checked baggage inspection area, was expected to finished by the end of May 2016 (but it is yet to open as of early June). More details here: LAX Terminal 4 Connector
________________________________________
2018 INFO
Los Angeles International Airport website
LAX Terminal Maps
How to enter LAX/Parking Map
How Do I Connect from Terminal B through Terminal 8? Follow the Yellow Dots
Only terminals 4 through 8 and Tom Bradley International Terminal are connected airside (through tunnels between terminals 4, 5 and 6, above ground hallways between terminals 6, 7 and 8, and a newly-opened above-ground connector between terminal 4 and TBIT). There are occasional airside shuttles elsewhere, but are subject to change (e.g. AA to American eagle, afternoon AA to TBIT Qantas). Airport policy allows you to gain admission airside to a terminal you are not departing from with an ID and a same day boarding pass, but anecdotal reports indicate that sometimes this is not honored by security personnel.
Tom Bradley International Terminal serves most, but not all, foreign airlines.In most instances, international arrivals require processing USDHS-CBP (immigration, recovering baggage and processing customs); if you are going on in your travels, there is a baggage recheck counter as you exit customs. This can be fairly rapid if you have Global Entry or are arriving at a slack period, but it can take 60-90 minutes if you are arriving during a busy arrivals period.
After clearing customs and immigration, you must exit to landside and proceed to your next terminal. It is now possible to connect from TBIT to T4, T5, T6, T7 and T8 through the secured airside area - link to map above - after clearing TSA security on the arrival level of TBIT at the exit from the Federal Inspections Services facility. Alternatively, you may take the free shuttle busses, which only proceed anti / counter clockwise direction (In Order: 1-2-3-TBIT-4-5-6-7-8), or you can walk. At ground level you will be sheltered by the overhead departures-serving roadway, but be exposed to vehicle fumes and cigarette smoke; on the departures level, you will be exposed to the weather. It should take no more than 5 minutes to walk from one adjacent terminal to another, but it can take significantly longer to walk between distant terminals - as long as 15 - 20 minutes.
Last updated 22 April 2019 by TWA884
2017 LAX Connecting / Connection / Connections thread
Jan 5, 2017, 4:14 pm
#16
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: SAN
Posts: 1,171
The tunnel only goes between 4/5/6. For 6/7/8 there is a concourse-level connecting walkway at the "base" of the terminals. So from the tunnel, you take the escalator up into 6, which is in the middle of the terminal. From there you head towards the exit. As you approach the TSA checkpoint, stay to your right and there are signs and and access way for gates 70-86.
Jan 5, 2017, 8:48 pm
#17
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 464
When we came back, we ran into the only snafu in my plan. We tried to clear security at T4 because our DL-printed BPs for our VA flight showed PreCheck and TBIT doesn't have PreCheck. The contract line dragon at T4 insisted we couldn't clear security there because we were in the wrong terminal.
It's too late now, but you could have walked to T5/T6/T7 and used PreCheck there instead of going to TBIT.
Jan 6, 2017, 11:19 am
#18
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 1
Advice on connecting flight time
Hi,
I am a long time reader and now the time has come to use your expertise.
On Monday 8th May I will be flying from Manchester, UK and arriving at LAX Terminal 2 at 2.45pm. I need to book an onward flight to LAS and the following times meet my budget, both flying with Southwest from T1.
Departing at 5.30pm or 6.35pm.
I will have checked baggage that I will need to pick up after going through immigration and then re-check at T1 (I will have checked in online).
I would rather book the 5.30pm, so I have more time in Vegas.
Has T2 got the Immigration Kiosks yet?
Do you experts think I would make the 5.30pm flight?
If I do miss it, how are SW on putting customers on the next flight if there is space?
Are flights Southwest flights from LAX - LAS usualy delayed? I just had a quick look and many seem to be in the past couple of days.
Sorry about all of the questions, thanks for your help.
I am a long time reader and now the time has come to use your expertise.
On Monday 8th May I will be flying from Manchester, UK and arriving at LAX Terminal 2 at 2.45pm. I need to book an onward flight to LAS and the following times meet my budget, both flying with Southwest from T1.
Departing at 5.30pm or 6.35pm.
I will have checked baggage that I will need to pick up after going through immigration and then re-check at T1 (I will have checked in online).
I would rather book the 5.30pm, so I have more time in Vegas.
Has T2 got the Immigration Kiosks yet?
Do you experts think I would make the 5.30pm flight?
If I do miss it, how are SW on putting customers on the next flight if there is space?
Are flights Southwest flights from LAX - LAS usualy delayed? I just had a quick look and many seem to be in the past couple of days.
Sorry about all of the questions, thanks for your help.
Jan 6, 2017, 3:20 pm
#19
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Plat, DL, AS, UA, IHG Plat
Posts: 2,407
3 hours is recommended for int'l to domestic connection with change of terminal. But I think you should be ok because it is a very short walk from T2 to T1.
SW will probably accommodate you if you showed up late but they are not obligated to... there is a LAX-LAS flight just about every hour so you will get a seat eventually.
SW will probably accommodate you if you showed up late but they are not obligated to... there is a LAX-LAS flight just about every hour so you will get a seat eventually.
Jan 6, 2017, 4:01 pm
#20
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 20,639
Jan 16, 2017, 2:26 am
#21
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: New York, United States
Posts: 222
Quick question.
I am looking up flights at the end of april/early may, and one of the options is to fly from vegas to miami, via layover at LAX. But the layover is only 1 hr mand 10 minutes. They are on the same ticket, same airline (american airlines, flying on an A320 and a B777), and 99% sure we will be doing all carryon, so no checked baggage.
I believe this will be in the same terminal (T4, though i think they are also in T6).
Would 1 hr be enough? The Vegas > LA flight is an early flight (depart 7:15a) if that were to make any difference.
I am going on cruise, and this flight would be the day before. But I wonder if I should try and find a different flight?
I am looking up flights at the end of april/early may, and one of the options is to fly from vegas to miami, via layover at LAX. But the layover is only 1 hr mand 10 minutes. They are on the same ticket, same airline (american airlines, flying on an A320 and a B777), and 99% sure we will be doing all carryon, so no checked baggage.
I believe this will be in the same terminal (T4, though i think they are also in T6).
Would 1 hr be enough? The Vegas > LA flight is an early flight (depart 7:15a) if that were to make any difference.
I am going on cruise, and this flight would be the day before. But I wonder if I should try and find a different flight?
Jan 16, 2017, 10:02 am
#22
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: The shape-shifting urban sprawl that is El Lay. FT member #71.
Programs: UA Gold & MM; DL & AA credit card dirt status; Hilton Diamond; Marriott Fool's Gold
Posts: 4,690
Quick question.
I am looking up flights at the end of april/early may, and one of the options is to fly from vegas to miami, via layover at LAX. But the layover is only 1 hr mand 10 minutes. They are on the same ticket, same airline (american airlines, flying on an A320 and a B777), and 99% sure we will be doing all carryon, so no checked baggage.
I believe this will be in the same terminal (T4, though i think they are also in T6).
Would 1 hr be enough? The Vegas > LA flight is an early flight (depart 7:15a) if that were to make any difference.
I am going on cruise, and this flight would be the day before. But I wonder if I should try and find a different flight?
I am looking up flights at the end of april/early may, and one of the options is to fly from vegas to miami, via layover at LAX. But the layover is only 1 hr mand 10 minutes. They are on the same ticket, same airline (american airlines, flying on an A320 and a B777), and 99% sure we will be doing all carryon, so no checked baggage.
I believe this will be in the same terminal (T4, though i think they are also in T6).
Would 1 hr be enough? The Vegas > LA flight is an early flight (depart 7:15a) if that were to make any difference.
I am going on cruise, and this flight would be the day before. But I wonder if I should try and find a different flight?
Jan 16, 2017, 10:11 am
#23
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Sunny Seattle
Programs: AS MVPG 75K, HH Diamond
Posts: 539
I am looking up flights at the end of april/early may, and one of the options is to fly from vegas to miami, via layover at LAX. But the layover is only 1 hr mand 10 minutes. They are on the same ticket, same airline (american airlines, flying on an A320 and a B777), and 99% sure we will be doing all carryon, so no checked baggage.
I believe this will be in the same terminal (T4, though i think they are also in T6).
Would 1 hr be enough? The Vegas > LA flight is an early flight (depart 7:15a) if that were to make any difference.
I believe this will be in the same terminal (T4, though i think they are also in T6).
Would 1 hr be enough? The Vegas > LA flight is an early flight (depart 7:15a) if that were to make any difference.
Worst case, you're looking at about a 15-20 minute walk from T5→T4→TBIT at a leisurely pace; if you're lucky and both flights are in T4, it'll only take a minute or two.
Even if something did go wrong with that connection, you're on one ticket and AA should be able to get you out the same day on a later flight.
Jan 16, 2017, 8:36 pm
#24
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: New York, United States
Posts: 222
Thanks @Kieron and @Craig6z, I found a couple more flights later in the day, so that another good thing if the flight is late. Also checked the late statistics for the flight and it looked decent ~6%, and the LA-MIA flight is late more often, which would be better for us if that were to happen.
Jan 23, 2017, 10:50 pm
#25
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: PHX, SEA
Programs: Avis President's Club, Global Entry, Hilton/Marriott Gold. No more DL/AA status.
Posts: 4,422
Flying in on JAL landing 11:30 A.M., we're looking at a 2:40 or a 4:20 departure back to PHX. We are Global Entry, do any LAXperts think there's a reason to err on caution with the 4:20 home, aside from the fact it's on AA so I'd get free bags? The earlier ones will cost us more either via Southwest or Delta.
Jan 24, 2017, 11:54 am
#26
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Plat, DL, AS, UA, IHG Plat
Posts: 2,407
Flying in on JAL landing 11:30 A.M., we're looking at a 2:40 or a 4:20 departure back to PHX. We are Global Entry, do any LAXperts think there's a reason to err on caution with the 4:20 home, aside from the fact it's on AA so I'd get free bags? The earlier ones will cost us more either via Southwest or Delta.
I think 3 hours is generally just enough for int'l to domestic transfer with change of terminal on opposite ends of LAX so it is your call.
The 4:20 departure on AA should be the mainline A321 flight so it will depart from either T5 or T6 depending on how soon your trip takes place.
Jan 28, 2017, 10:45 am
#27
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: BRU
Programs: LH FTL; A3*Gold
Posts: 311
Arriving on LH at the TBIT, my connection on UA to PHX from T7 is 3hrs 5min. later.
What is the quickest way to move between the two terminals?
Do I understand correctly that a shuttle bus is the best option?
Thanks.
What is the quickest way to move between the two terminals?
Do I understand correctly that a shuttle bus is the best option?
Thanks.
Jan 28, 2017, 11:17 am
#28
Moderator: Avianca, Travel Photography, Travel Technology & USA
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Far western edge of the La-La Land City limits
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Posts: 3,729
- Enter terminal 4, and take the tunnels to 7
- Walk on the sidewalk outside to 7
- Take the shuttle bus
Unless your timing is perfect and you arrive at the shuttle stop when the right bus is pulling up, walking outside is probably the quickest. If you are not too burdened down with luggage, figure a 12 minute walk. The tunnels are probably an extra five minutes, but can be a bit confusing for newbies.
Jan 29, 2017, 3:35 pm
#29
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: PHX, SEA
Programs: Avis President's Club, Global Entry, Hilton/Marriott Gold. No more DL/AA status.
Posts: 4,422
The Wiki says Intl->Domestic requires 2-3 hours. What about the reverse? My wife wants to take the 7:20-9:00 PHX-LAX route, to connect on a separate PNR on 13:30 JAL departure. We will have to collect luggage (thanks for not interlining, AA) and re-clear security.
I know 4 hours is more than enough on a normal on time flight, but if there is a hiccup or something AA would either have us delay, or put us on the 10:05-11:44 which wouldn't be enough.
Since it's a separate PNR I am trying to convince my wife to fly or drive the night before and I need some ammunition from expert LAX travelers.
I know 4 hours is more than enough on a normal on time flight, but if there is a hiccup or something AA would either have us delay, or put us on the 10:05-11:44 which wouldn't be enough.
Since it's a separate PNR I am trying to convince my wife to fly or drive the night before and I need some ammunition from expert LAX travelers.
Jan 29, 2017, 4:29 pm
#30
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 20,639
The Wiki says Intl->Domestic requires 2-3 hours. What about the reverse? My wife wants to take the 7:20-9:00 PHX-LAX route, to connect on a separate PNR on 13:30 JAL departure. We will have to collect luggage (thanks for not interlining, AA) and re-clear security.
I know 4 hours is more than enough on a normal on time flight, but if there is a hiccup or something AA would either have us delay, or put us on the 10:05-11:44 which wouldn't be enough.
Since it's a separate PNR I am trying to convince my wife to fly or drive the night before and I need some ammunition from expert LAX travelers.
I know 4 hours is more than enough on a normal on time flight, but if there is a hiccup or something AA would either have us delay, or put us on the 10:05-11:44 which wouldn't be enough.
Since it's a separate PNR I am trying to convince my wife to fly or drive the night before and I need some ammunition from expert LAX travelers.
I have never gotten checked luggage from American at LAX in less than half an hour. So, add that to the time it will take to check your luggage for your JAL flight, and we are probably at 2:00 - 2:15 give or take to be on the safe side. That gives you approximately a two hours cushion in case of irregular operations.
If the line for security at TBIT is long, you can clear security at the relatively new checkpoint on the arrivals level of the TBIT connector building, or, if you have PreCheck, it may yet be faster to clear security at T4; oops, JAL is not a participating airline, so forget about the PreCheck lanes.
Last edited by TWA884; Jan 29, 2017 at 11:15 pm