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
Aug 20, 2017, 4:21 pm
#151
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I am sure there is an existing thread, but I had done a quick search w/o much luck. Feel free to merge. Thanks in advance!
I have a returned flight arriving from SYD at 6:10am at LAX T7. Will there be enough time to clear customs, pick up baggage, and catch a connecting flight at 8:45am in T6 (separate ticket). Boarding for the onward flight should be around 8am?
Don't have GE, but uses Mobile Passport App.
I have a returned flight arriving from SYD at 6:10am at LAX T7. Will there be enough time to clear customs, pick up baggage, and catch a connecting flight at 8:45am in T6 (separate ticket). Boarding for the onward flight should be around 8am?
Don't have GE, but uses Mobile Passport App.
Yes, there is a a sticky thread right at the top of the forum's thread list, titled 2017 LAX Connecting / Connection / Connections thread. I have merged your question into it.
With checked luggage and without Global Entry, I'd be a bit leery of that connection if it is on separate PNR's (or tickets).
From what I understand - I travel only with carry-on luggage - it normally takes at least an hour for checked luggage to get to the carousels at TBIT. By that time, there is likely to be a fairly long line to exit the customs hall. With checked luggage, you'd have to take the Airlines Connections shuttle, which runs every 10 minutes. With the wait and traffic congestion it can take as long as 30 minutes to get from TBIT to T7 (its a 15-20 minutes walk). United cutoff for checking in luggage at LAX is 45 minutes, so you'd have to be there - at the head of the line - no later than 8:00. That leaves you only 1 hour and 50 minutes to get off the plane, clear immigration, wait for your luggage, pass customs inspections and make it to T7 on the shuttle. Too close for my comfort level.
Aug 20, 2017, 5:22 pm
#152
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@Repooc17, welcome to FlyerTalk.
Yes, there is a a sticky thread right at the top of the forum's thread list, titled 2017 LAX Connecting / Connection / Connections thread. I have merged your question into it.
With checked luggage and without Global Entry, I'd be a bit leery of that connection if it is on separate PNR's (or tickets).
From what I understand - I travel only with carry-on luggage - it normally takes at least an hour for checked luggage to get to the carousels at TBIT. By that time, there is likely to be a fairly long line to exit the customs hall. With checked luggage, you'd have to take the Airlines Connections shuttle, which runs every 10 minutes. With the wait and traffic congestion it can take as long as 30 minutes to get from TBIT to T7 (its a 15-20 minutes walk). United cutoff for checking in luggage at LAX is 45 minutes, so you'd have to be there - at the head of the line - no later than 8:00. That leaves you only 1 hour and 50 minutes to get off the plane, clear immigration, wait for your luggage, pass customs inspections and make it to T7 on the shuttle. Too close for my comfort level.
Yes, there is a a sticky thread right at the top of the forum's thread list, titled 2017 LAX Connecting / Connection / Connections thread. I have merged your question into it.
With checked luggage and without Global Entry, I'd be a bit leery of that connection if it is on separate PNR's (or tickets).
From what I understand - I travel only with carry-on luggage - it normally takes at least an hour for checked luggage to get to the carousels at TBIT. By that time, there is likely to be a fairly long line to exit the customs hall. With checked luggage, you'd have to take the Airlines Connections shuttle, which runs every 10 minutes. With the wait and traffic congestion it can take as long as 30 minutes to get from TBIT to T7 (its a 15-20 minutes walk). United cutoff for checking in luggage at LAX is 45 minutes, so you'd have to be there - at the head of the line - no later than 8:00. That leaves you only 1 hour and 50 minutes to get off the plane, clear immigration, wait for your luggage, pass customs inspections and make it to T7 on the shuttle. Too close for my comfort level.
I thought TBIT as well for the arrival terminal, but Google is saying T7. I have a domestic connection on VX at T6.
I haven't been to LAX in at least 20 years. Sounds like there is not a people mover to traverse across terminals?
Aug 20, 2017, 5:54 pm
#153
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Actually, T7 and T6 share a Federal Inspection Services facility; the exit from that customs hall is at T6. That will save you the time that it takes to transfer from one terminal from another; all you'll need to do is to take an elevator or escalator up one floor from the arrivals to departures level.
I've heard mixed reviews of clearing immigration and customs inspections at T6/T7. I'm not sure where, perhaps the United forum. If I find any, I'll come back and edit this post.
Aug 20, 2017, 6:07 pm
#154
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Aug 20, 2017, 6:08 pm
#155
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My bad for not reading your original message carefully.
Actually, T7 and T6 share a Federal Inspection Services facility; the exit from that customs hall is at T6. That will save you the time that it takes to transfer from one terminal from another; all you'll need to do is to take an elevator or escalator up one floor from the arrivals to departures level.
I've heard mixed reviews of clearing immigration and customs inspections at T6/T7. I'm not sure where, perhaps the United forum. If I find any, I'll come back and edit this post.
Actually, T7 and T6 share a Federal Inspection Services facility; the exit from that customs hall is at T6. That will save you the time that it takes to transfer from one terminal from another; all you'll need to do is to take an elevator or escalator up one floor from the arrivals to departures level.
I've heard mixed reviews of clearing immigration and customs inspections at T6/T7. I'm not sure where, perhaps the United forum. If I find any, I'll come back and edit this post.
Cost is the sole reason to have separate tickets. It would have been thousands more on one PNR.
I will check out the link. Thanks again for the advice!
Aug 20, 2017, 6:24 pm
#156
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Checked with UA, and was told the arrival terminal will be TBIT.
Checking with the UA FTers for approx. timing, which will be the key.
Thanks again!
Checking with the UA FTers for approx. timing, which will be the key.
Thanks again!
Sep 16, 2017, 12:50 pm
#157
Join Date: Sep 2017
Programs: sk
Posts: 2
Would appreciate some help on this...
Will be flying tomorrow Sun 17th from PHX via LAX to ARN.
PHX - LAX arrives at T7/8, and LAX - ARN departs from TBIT.
Transfer 1 h 39 min only. SK 940 departs at 2 pm-ish.
Traveling on same ticket.
Luggage checked in all the way.
Question - how do I best get from T7/8 to TBIT given the short transfer? I think I can find my way through the airside link from T7/8 via T6, T5 and T4, but it is not clear for me if I still need to clear TSA at TBIT.
Is there a true airside link all the way to TBIT? Where do I enter TBIT in that case?
Thanks.
Will be flying tomorrow Sun 17th from PHX via LAX to ARN.
PHX - LAX arrives at T7/8, and LAX - ARN departs from TBIT.
Transfer 1 h 39 min only. SK 940 departs at 2 pm-ish.
Traveling on same ticket.
Luggage checked in all the way.
Question - how do I best get from T7/8 to TBIT given the short transfer? I think I can find my way through the airside link from T7/8 via T6, T5 and T4, but it is not clear for me if I still need to clear TSA at TBIT.
Is there a true airside link all the way to TBIT? Where do I enter TBIT in that case?
Thanks.
Sep 16, 2017, 1:35 pm
#158
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Would appreciate some help on this...
Will be flying tomorrow Sun 17th from PHX via LAX to ARN.
PHX - LAX arrives at T7/8, and LAX - ARN departs from TBIT.
Transfer 1 h 39 min only. SK 940 departs at 2 pm-ish.
Traveling on same ticket.
Luggage checked in all the way.
Question - how do I best get from T7/8 to TBIT given the short transfer? I think I can find my way through the airside link from T7/8 via T6, T5 and T4, but it is not clear for me if I still need to clear TSA at TBIT.
Is there a true airside link all the way to TBIT? Where do I enter TBIT in that case?
Thanks.
Will be flying tomorrow Sun 17th from PHX via LAX to ARN.
PHX - LAX arrives at T7/8, and LAX - ARN departs from TBIT.
Transfer 1 h 39 min only. SK 940 departs at 2 pm-ish.
Traveling on same ticket.
Luggage checked in all the way.
Question - how do I best get from T7/8 to TBIT given the short transfer? I think I can find my way through the airside link from T7/8 via T6, T5 and T4, but it is not clear for me if I still need to clear TSA at TBIT.
Is there a true airside link all the way to TBIT? Where do I enter TBIT in that case?
Thanks.
Sep 23, 2017, 12:18 pm
#159
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: PHX
Programs: None
Posts: 17
LAX baggage drop off for domestic connection to phx - flying emirates to LAX
my parents are using Emirates to reach LAX, using domestic flight to reach PHX. I want to know what options they have so that they can drop off their bags as come out after customs. Emirates had. Ode share with JetBlue but need to have tickets booked through emirates only which we haven't done. JetBlue CR said it's at baggage counter discretion. I don't want to take any chances. Does anyone have any experience for using this facility when flying emirates?
Really appreciate your help.
Really appreciate your help.
Sep 25, 2017, 10:53 am
#160
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 179
Hello everyone. I need some insight from all you LAX FT experts.
I've always had problems getting around LAX when I'm trying to catch connecting flights.
I understand that Delta had relocated to Terminals 2 and 3.
It just so happens that next month I'm flying Delta from YVR to ATL with a 3-hour layover at LAX.
Well, it turns out that my outbound flight from YVR is with Westjet. After all, my reservation states that my Delta flight out of YVR is "Operated by Westjet".
From what I understand, Westjet flights are housed in T2 at LAX. This means that after landing at LAX, I have to transfer over to a Delta connecting flight for my trip to ATL.
Since I'll be switching airlines (my first trip originating in Canada no less) at LAX, I have several concerns.
Will I have to reclaim my checked luggage at LAX before boarding my Delta connecting flight to ATL?
Once I deplane my Westjet flight at LAX, will I have to obtain a separate boarding pass for my Delta connecting flight?
Will I have to travel from T2 to T3 during my layover at LAX? If so, could I make this trip airside? Or will I have to re-clear TSA screening?
I've been having nightmares about my upcoming YVR-LAX-ATL trip. So I could use some expertise.
Thanks everyone.
I've always had problems getting around LAX when I'm trying to catch connecting flights.
I understand that Delta had relocated to Terminals 2 and 3.
It just so happens that next month I'm flying Delta from YVR to ATL with a 3-hour layover at LAX.
Well, it turns out that my outbound flight from YVR is with Westjet. After all, my reservation states that my Delta flight out of YVR is "Operated by Westjet".
From what I understand, Westjet flights are housed in T2 at LAX. This means that after landing at LAX, I have to transfer over to a Delta connecting flight for my trip to ATL.
Since I'll be switching airlines (my first trip originating in Canada no less) at LAX, I have several concerns.
Will I have to reclaim my checked luggage at LAX before boarding my Delta connecting flight to ATL?
Once I deplane my Westjet flight at LAX, will I have to obtain a separate boarding pass for my Delta connecting flight?
Will I have to travel from T2 to T3 during my layover at LAX? If so, could I make this trip airside? Or will I have to re-clear TSA screening?
I've been having nightmares about my upcoming YVR-LAX-ATL trip. So I could use some expertise.
Thanks everyone.
Sep 25, 2017, 11:59 am
#161
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
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There is a lot of useful information about the logistics of flying Delta in and out of LAX in the aftermath of the terminal move in the following thread in the Delta forum:
While I am not familiar with WestJet to Delta connections, I assume that since you are flying on a codeshared flight, your luggage will be checked through to ATL and WestJet will issue you the boarding passes for your DL flight from LAX to ATL.
Sep 26, 2017, 6:10 am
#162
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 179
They have airside shuttle buses connecting T2, T3 and TBIT.
There is a lot of useful information about the logistics of flying Delta in and out of LAX in the aftermath of the terminal move in the following thread in the Delta forum:
There is a lot of useful information about the logistics of flying Delta in and out of LAX in the aftermath of the terminal move in the following thread in the Delta forum:
How often do these airside shuttles run between T2 and T3?
Sep 26, 2017, 4:28 pm
#163
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Plat, DL, AS, UA, IHG Plat
Posts: 2,404
my parents are using Emirates to reach LAX, using domestic flight to reach PHX. I want to know what options they have so that they can drop off their bags as come out after customs. Emirates had. Ode share with JetBlue but need to have tickets booked through emirates only which we haven't done. JetBlue CR said it's at baggage counter discretion. I don't want to take any chances. Does anyone have any experience for using this facility when flying emirates?
Really appreciate your help.
Really appreciate your help.
If the bags are tagged to PHX, your parents can drop off the bags at luggage re-check station after they clear customs.
If the bags are not tagged to PHX, your parents have to take the bags with them to T5 where they need to check in with JetBlue.
You probably should ask this question at the Emirates forum. They will know if Emirates will check bags to final destination on separate tickets.
Hello everyone. I need some insight from all you LAX FT experts.
I've always had problems getting around LAX when I'm trying to catch connecting flights.
I understand that Delta had relocated to Terminals 2 and 3.
It just so happens that next month I'm flying Delta from YVR to ATL with a 3-hour layover at LAX.
Well, it turns out that my outbound flight from YVR is with Westjet. After all, my reservation states that my Delta flight out of YVR is "Operated by Westjet".
From what I understand, Westjet flights are housed in T2 at LAX. This means that after landing at LAX, I have to transfer over to a Delta connecting flight for my trip to ATL.
Since I'll be switching airlines (my first trip originating in Canada no less) at LAX, I have several concerns.
Will I have to reclaim my checked luggage at LAX before boarding my Delta connecting flight to ATL?
Once I deplane my Westjet flight at LAX, will I have to obtain a separate boarding pass for my Delta connecting flight?
Will I have to travel from T2 to T3 during my layover at LAX? If so, could I make this trip airside? Or will I have to re-clear TSA screening?
I've been having nightmares about my upcoming YVR-LAX-ATL trip. So I could use some expertise.
Thanks everyone.
I've always had problems getting around LAX when I'm trying to catch connecting flights.
I understand that Delta had relocated to Terminals 2 and 3.
It just so happens that next month I'm flying Delta from YVR to ATL with a 3-hour layover at LAX.
Well, it turns out that my outbound flight from YVR is with Westjet. After all, my reservation states that my Delta flight out of YVR is "Operated by Westjet".
From what I understand, Westjet flights are housed in T2 at LAX. This means that after landing at LAX, I have to transfer over to a Delta connecting flight for my trip to ATL.
Since I'll be switching airlines (my first trip originating in Canada no less) at LAX, I have several concerns.
Will I have to reclaim my checked luggage at LAX before boarding my Delta connecting flight to ATL?
Once I deplane my Westjet flight at LAX, will I have to obtain a separate boarding pass for my Delta connecting flight?
Will I have to travel from T2 to T3 during my layover at LAX? If so, could I make this trip airside? Or will I have to re-clear TSA screening?
I've been having nightmares about my upcoming YVR-LAX-ATL trip. So I could use some expertise.
Thanks everyone.
Flights from YVR has pre-clearance so the arrival procedure is basically that of a domestic flight. If you don't have checked bags, you just proceed to the gate of your connecting flight. Most LAX-ATL flights depart from T2 so you don't even need to leave the terminal.
If you check a bag, you have to exit the secured area, go to luggage claim, and then go back upstairs and clear security.
This will turn an easy painless 5 minute walk from one gate to another into a 1.5 hour painful ordeal.
Last edited by TWA884; Sep 26, 2017 at 5:55 pm Reason: Merge consecutive posts by the same member; please use the multi-quote function
Sep 27, 2017, 7:20 am
#164
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 179
You should seriously consider not checking any bags. I'm pretty sure Westjet can issue a boarding pass but they won't check your bags to ATL (Westjet and Delta do not interline even if you are on a code share flight).
Flights from YVR has pre-clearance so the arrival procedure is basically that of a domestic flight. If you don't have checked bags, you just proceed to the gate of your connecting flight. Most LAX-ATL flights depart from T2 so you don't even need to leave the terminal.
If you check a bag, you have to exit the secured area, go to luggage claim, and then go back upstairs and clear security.
This will turn an easy painless 5 minute walk from one gate to another into a 1.5 hour painful ordeal.
Flights from YVR has pre-clearance so the arrival procedure is basically that of a domestic flight. If you don't have checked bags, you just proceed to the gate of your connecting flight. Most LAX-ATL flights depart from T2 so you don't even need to leave the terminal.
If you check a bag, you have to exit the secured area, go to luggage claim, and then go back upstairs and clear security.
This will turn an easy painless 5 minute walk from one gate to another into a 1.5 hour painful ordeal.
I have a 3.5-hour layover at LAX. That should (perhaps) give me ample time to reclaim my luggage at the baggage claim downstairs, and then re-clear TSA security back upstairs.
The last time I connected at LAX, it was at the end of an international flight from AUK. My checked luggage was tagged to my final destination (EWR), but I had to reclaim it at the baggage claim. However, after exiting baggage claim, I merely placed my luggage onto a "transfer (conveyer) belt" before being directed to the TSA re-screening area for my domestic flight to EWR. I didn't have to re-check my bags.
Doesn't the same process apply for deplaning passengers arriving from Canada and connecting at LAX?
Sep 27, 2017, 7:21 am
#165
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 179
2018/9 LAX Connecting / Connection / Connections thread
You should seriously consider not checking any bags. I'm pretty sure Westjet can issue a boarding pass but they won't check your bags to ATL (Westjet and Delta do not interline even if you are on a code share flight).
Flights from YVR has pre-clearance so the arrival procedure is basically that of a domestic flight. If you don't have checked bags, you just proceed to the gate of your connecting flight. Most LAX-ATL flights depart from T2 so you don't even need to leave the terminal.
If you check a bag, you have to exit the secured area, go to luggage claim, and then go back upstairs and clear security.
This will turn an easy painless 5 minute walk from one gate to another into a 1.5 hour painful ordeal.
Flights from YVR has pre-clearance so the arrival procedure is basically that of a domestic flight. If you don't have checked bags, you just proceed to the gate of your connecting flight. Most LAX-ATL flights depart from T2 so you don't even need to leave the terminal.
If you check a bag, you have to exit the secured area, go to luggage claim, and then go back upstairs and clear security.
This will turn an easy painless 5 minute walk from one gate to another into a 1.5 hour painful ordeal.
I have a 3.5-hour layover at LAX. That should (perhaps) give me ample time to reclaim my luggage at the baggage claim downstairs, and then re-clear TSA security back upstairs.
The last time I connected at LAX, it was at the end of an international flight from AUK to EWR. My checked luggage was tagged to EWR, but I had to reclaim it at the baggage claim. However, I just placed my luggage onto a "transfer (conveyer) belt" before re-clearing TSA screening for my domestic flight to the East Coast. I didn't have to re-check my bags.
Doesn't the same process apply for deplaning passengers arriving from Canada and connecting at LAX?
