Last edit by: chrisl137
2023 - 2024 LAX Connections and Transfers Thread
Connecting passengers who are arriving at LAX on international flights will also find useful information in the following thread:
FAQ:
Does LAX have Automated Passport Control available for tourist visa holders?
Yes.
Does the US have international transfer desks?
No.
How can I obtain a boarding pass at Tom Bradley International Terminal?
- The first way is the most obvious: check in online via your phone.
- The second way is to use the automated kiosk. There are several located airside throughout TBIT and in the T4 - TBIT connector.
- The third way is to show up at the gate or the check-in counters and get a paper boarding pass (this is not suggested for those with time constraints)
Do you have to go through security when going from one terminal to another?
Terminals 4 through 8 and Tom Bradley International Terminal are connected airside. There are Delta Air Lines shuttle buses connecting T2, T3 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal. To go to or from T1, you will need to exit and re-enter security. Please consult this link for more information.
How long will security take at Tom Bradley International Terminal?
Plan on at least 30 minutes. "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, 4 and 6. View recent postings in this thread for more information.
________________________________________
Resources
Los Angeles International Airport website.
How to enter LAX/Parking Map.
LAX Terminal Maps.
Inter-Terminal Connections.
How Do I Connect from Terminal B through Terminal 8? Follow the Yellow Dots.
All terminals at LAX are connected airside (above ground hallways between terminals 1 and T4, and T6, T7 and T8, and tunnels between terminals 4, 5 and 6). There are occasional airside shuttles elsewhere, but are subject to change (e.g. AA to American Eagle). Airport policy allows you to access any LAX terminal, even if your flight departs from another, with a same day boarding pass for a flight departing from LAX.
LAX also now has an interactive map that will give detailed instructions between any two name-able points in the terminals (e.g. gates, restaurants, lounges, etc): Interactive Map
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 T1 to T2, T3, TBIT, 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.
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, 2016 LAX Connecting / Connection / Connections thread, 2017 LAX Connecting / Connection / Connections thread and 2018 - 2022 LAX Connecting / Connection / Connections thread contain relevant information, however, to keep them from getting too long they have been archived and the 2022/23 updates are in this thread.
2023 - 2024 LAX Connections and Transfers Thread
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 371
2023 - 2024 LAX Connections and Transfers Thread
Hi folks, would appreciate your input on our scenario, thanks in advance!
We have a midnite EVA flight out of Terminal B (separate PNR). We are planning to arrive at 6:30pm at LAX T3 on a DL flight. 2 adults plus one toddler, two pieces of baggage (skypriority), everyone has Global Entry/TSA Prechk. EVA flights are J so checkin I assume should not take too long.
Whats the easiest route from T3 (after baggage claim) to TB?
When I used the interactive map and checked for directions from a T3 baggage claim (25) to EVA checkin on L3 at TB, it showed 8 minutes direct walking time (~500m). Is that correct?
Since both flights were on separate PNR's and required us to re-check bags, I was even prepared to grab an Uber from T3 to TB. Looks like it takes more time to get from T3 airside to TB since you would take the bus, so our scenario (going thru baggage claim) appears to be shorter.
We have a midnite EVA flight out of Terminal B (separate PNR). We are planning to arrive at 6:30pm at LAX T3 on a DL flight. 2 adults plus one toddler, two pieces of baggage (skypriority), everyone has Global Entry/TSA Prechk. EVA flights are J so checkin I assume should not take too long.
Whats the easiest route from T3 (after baggage claim) to TB?
When I used the interactive map and checked for directions from a T3 baggage claim (25) to EVA checkin on L3 at TB, it showed 8 minutes direct walking time (~500m). Is that correct?
Since both flights were on separate PNR's and required us to re-check bags, I was even prepared to grab an Uber from T3 to TB. Looks like it takes more time to get from T3 airside to TB since you would take the bus, so our scenario (going thru baggage claim) appears to be shorter.
#2
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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It is unlikely that your walk will even be as much as eight minutes. Uber is not an option, as you have to take a bus to a dispatch point outside of the airport. Rideshare and taxis can't pick up people at terminals.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 371
Thank you for the input, I feel less stressed out now
#4
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 812
Had a recent flight change for a booking that has made me question our itinerary.
AA DSM>PHX>LAX, now arrives 1130am in LAX. Connecting to TN LAX>PPT with a departure at 230pm, on a separate ticket. 54 minutes in PHX to make the connection, and then 3 hrs to make the AA>TN connection in LAX. Should I be concerned with either of those timelines? Was originally trying to leave a buffer for weather/etc, but after the schedule change, that PHX connection is tight and I don't know about 3 hrs at LAX, never connected there before with separate booking. Should I be concerned?
We will be checking bags, and we'll need to get from AA domestic arrival terminal to wherever TN operates from at LAX.
AA DSM>PHX>LAX, now arrives 1130am in LAX. Connecting to TN LAX>PPT with a departure at 230pm, on a separate ticket. 54 minutes in PHX to make the connection, and then 3 hrs to make the AA>TN connection in LAX. Should I be concerned with either of those timelines? Was originally trying to leave a buffer for weather/etc, but after the schedule change, that PHX connection is tight and I don't know about 3 hrs at LAX, never connected there before with separate booking. Should I be concerned?
We will be checking bags, and we'll need to get from AA domestic arrival terminal to wherever TN operates from at LAX.
#5
Join Date: Feb 2000
Posts: 6,545
Had a recent flight change for a booking that has made me question our itinerary.
AA DSM>PHX>LAX, now arrives 1130am in LAX. Connecting to TN LAX>PPT with a departure at 230pm, on a separate ticket. 54 minutes in PHX to make the connection, and then 3 hrs to make the AA>TN connection in LAX. Should I be concerned with either of those timelines? Was originally trying to leave a buffer for weather/etc, but after the schedule change, that PHX connection is tight and I don't know about 3 hrs at LAX, never connected there before with separate booking. Should I be concerned?
We will be checking bags, and we'll need to get from AA domestic arrival terminal to wherever TN operates from at LAX.
AA DSM>PHX>LAX, now arrives 1130am in LAX. Connecting to TN LAX>PPT with a departure at 230pm, on a separate ticket. 54 minutes in PHX to make the connection, and then 3 hrs to make the AA>TN connection in LAX. Should I be concerned with either of those timelines? Was originally trying to leave a buffer for weather/etc, but after the schedule change, that PHX connection is tight and I don't know about 3 hrs at LAX, never connected there before with separate booking. Should I be concerned?
We will be checking bags, and we'll need to get from AA domestic arrival terminal to wherever TN operates from at LAX.
#6
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 20,625
As far as the PHX is concerned, I have no idea.
#7
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 812
TN operates from TBIT. The walk from T4 to TBIT takes 3-5 minutes. Add 3-5 minutes if your flight from Phoenix arrives in T5. In my limited experience - I avoid checking luggage, however, sometimes when helping my daughter move, it was unavoidable - it takes a minimum of 30 minutes for luggage from AA flights to start arriving on the baggage carousels at LAX. Unless your flight is more than an hour late, you should be OK.
As far as the PHX is concerned, I have no idea.
As far as the PHX is concerned, I have no idea.
#8
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Plat, DL, AS, UA, IHG Plat
Posts: 2,406
3+ hour to make a connection at LAX is not a problem as long as you are comfortable with the risk of traveling on separate tickets. The risk is really with your PHX or ORD connection and I'm not sure LA forum is a good place to ask. Perhaps the AA forum can offer better advise.
For my risk tolerance, if my outbound long haul is to a once per day type destination, I would want my connecting flights to be on the same ticket so the airline knows where you are and can decide if they want to wait for you.
For my risk tolerance, if my outbound long haul is to a once per day type destination, I would want my connecting flights to be on the same ticket so the airline knows where you are and can decide if they want to wait for you.
#9
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: SJC / DPS
Programs: AS G75K, UA Silver
Posts: 1,757
Have a connection from T7 to T1 with some significant baggage. Is the only feasible option the bus?
I’m hoping the route through the parking garages is still possible so I can push a cart the whole way, but with construction… not so sure..
I’m hoping the route through the parking garages is still possible so I can push a cart the whole way, but with construction… not so sure..
#10
Join Date: Feb 2000
Posts: 6,545
ground level easy walk from the middle of T7/6 to T2/1 on sidewalk with pedestrian crossings of all rodeway. i wouldn’ worry.
Last edited by Colin; Jan 13, 2023 at 8:06 pm
#11
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Huntsville, AL
Programs: Delta 1MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9
BLUF: AMCITS (seniors), NZ & AUS eVisas received, Global Entry card carriers, Delta Platinum Medallion, Delta Million Miler
My wife (bad knees & back - wheel chair assist requested) & I are taking a cruise soon & flying ATL-LAX-AKL on the front end.
Once upon a time Delta & Air New Zealand had a baggage interline agreement, but no more. The tickets were booked through a travel agent, then through the cruise line & carry a ANZ ticket number so no one, ANZ included, wants to change the DAL leg to a flight 90 minutes earlier for any less than TINS $2500.
Has anyone recently had to claim bags at LAX T3, transfer (prob by bus) & re-check at TBIT, then go through TSA? If yes, about how long did it take? We've been given 2 hrs 20 min between flights at LAX, so it's a do-able deal if "Murphy" is not in play & the FAA doesn't mess things up, the flight is on time or early, etc. Have done this type of "no-fun" connection at JFK before & swore never to do it again. But that's what we get for letting Oceania Cruises do the air booking.
Coming back is all United from SYD-SFO-ATL, so it's not a problem on the back end.
Comments?
TIA.
My wife (bad knees & back - wheel chair assist requested) & I are taking a cruise soon & flying ATL-LAX-AKL on the front end.
Once upon a time Delta & Air New Zealand had a baggage interline agreement, but no more. The tickets were booked through a travel agent, then through the cruise line & carry a ANZ ticket number so no one, ANZ included, wants to change the DAL leg to a flight 90 minutes earlier for any less than TINS $2500.
Has anyone recently had to claim bags at LAX T3, transfer (prob by bus) & re-check at TBIT, then go through TSA? If yes, about how long did it take? We've been given 2 hrs 20 min between flights at LAX, so it's a do-able deal if "Murphy" is not in play & the FAA doesn't mess things up, the flight is on time or early, etc. Have done this type of "no-fun" connection at JFK before & swore never to do it again. But that's what we get for letting Oceania Cruises do the air booking.
Coming back is all United from SYD-SFO-ATL, so it's not a problem on the back end.
Comments?
TIA.
Last edited by DeepSnap; Jan 13, 2023 at 7:42 pm
#12
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 20,625
Has anyone recently had to claim bags at LAX T3, transfer (prob by bus) & re-check at TBIT, then go through TSA? If yes, about how long did it take? We've been given 2 hrs 20 min between flights at LAX, so it's a do-able deal if "Murphy" is not in play & the FAA doesn't mess things up, the flight is on time or early, etc. Have done this type of "no-fun" connection at JFK before & swore never to do it again. But that's what we get for letting Oceania Cruises do the air booking.
#13
Join Date: May 2006
Location: PMD
Programs: UA*G, NW, AA-G. WR-P, HH-G, IHG-S, ALL. TT-GE.
Posts: 2,910
The new DL baggage claim is closer to T3 than "T2". See https://maps.lawa.org/ for details.
#14
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Kamloops, BC
Programs: Air Canada-Aeroplan, NEXUS, E50K, Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite
Posts: 344
I see the new map that connects the terminals and it says 15-20min for further ones. Seems like quite away. We have a good layover time so not worried but just wanting to enjoy more time at the *lounge at TBIT. J/w if people that have gone T7 -> TBIT would agree it will take that long? Thanks!
***airside connection no need to clear customs or security****
***airside connection no need to clear customs or security****
#15
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Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 12,594
I see the new map that connects the terminals and it says 15-20min for further ones. Seems like quite away. We have a good layover time so not worried but just wanting to enjoy more time at the *lounge at TBIT. J/w if people that have gone T7 -> TBIT would agree it will take that long? Thanks!
***airside connection no need to clear customs or security****
***airside connection no need to clear customs or security****