Jan 1, 2020, 6:10 pm
Last edit by: TWA884
2018 - 2022 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.
________________________________________
2019 INFO
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.
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 an 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 and Delta's shuttles between their gates in T2, T3, and TBIT). 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.
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.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 and 2017 LAX Connecting / Connection / Connections thread contain relevant information, however, to keep them from getting too long they have been archived and the 2018 - 2019 updates are in this thread.
2018 -2022 LAX Connecting / Connection / Connections thread
Oct 1, 2018, 4:28 am
#166
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,029
"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.
Your ~5:00 hrs should be OK
If not travelling on a USA passport expect you will need a USA visa/ETSA
Oct 4, 2018, 2:57 pm
#167
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: BOS
Programs: Global Entry
Posts: 2
TBIT to Terminal 4: Which security checkpoint is fastest with TSA Pre?
I am confused about different accounts I've read about minimizing transfer time international to domestic. In some accounts, I've read that it's always fastest to use the security checkpoint in the terminal connector between TBIT and Terminal 4. In other accounts, I've read that the terminal connector does not have a separate line for TSA Pre, or that the main security checkpoint for Terminal 4 is generally very quick and does offer TSA Pre.
I will be landing on an international AA flight at a little after 6:00 a.m. on a Wednesday, assuming it's on time. I have Global Entry but anticipate that I will be held up waiting to take a checked bag through customs. My goal then (especially if my incoming flight is late) will be to minimize time passing through security to make an 8:30 domestic connecting flight in Terminal 4. Should I head for the terminal connector or walk up the road to Terminal 4 and enter through its security checkpoint?
Thanks once again!
I will be landing on an international AA flight at a little after 6:00 a.m. on a Wednesday, assuming it's on time. I have Global Entry but anticipate that I will be held up waiting to take a checked bag through customs. My goal then (especially if my incoming flight is late) will be to minimize time passing through security to make an 8:30 domestic connecting flight in Terminal 4. Should I head for the terminal connector or walk up the road to Terminal 4 and enter through its security checkpoint?
Thanks once again!
Oct 10, 2018, 8:33 am
#168
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 20,639
Moderator's Action
Recent posts discussing the logistics of visiting Priority Pass restaurants and lounges at LAX were moved to the following thread:
TWA884
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TWA884
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Oct 10, 2018, 4:12 pm
#169
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 11
This for a flight on Jan 3, 19. The connection is international to domestic.
ANA NH6 is scheduled for a 9:45 AM landing at TBIT.
This for a group of 3 with checked bags with no GE or TSA Pre, but we plan on using mobile passport with our US passports.
We need to self-connect to a Southwest flight at T1. (LAX-SJC)
There are 2 options currently, which are a 13:10 departure and a 14:30 departure. I currently have booked the 13:10 departure since that gives me 3:25 to make the connection, compared to the 3 hour time that seems to be the most quoted time required.
Should I swap to the 14:30 departure to give myself more breathing room or is 13:10 perfectly acceptable?
ANA NH6 is scheduled for a 9:45 AM landing at TBIT.
This for a group of 3 with checked bags with no GE or TSA Pre, but we plan on using mobile passport with our US passports.
We need to self-connect to a Southwest flight at T1. (LAX-SJC)
There are 2 options currently, which are a 13:10 departure and a 14:30 departure. I currently have booked the 13:10 departure since that gives me 3:25 to make the connection, compared to the 3 hour time that seems to be the most quoted time required.
Should I swap to the 14:30 departure to give myself more breathing room or is 13:10 perfectly acceptable?
Last edited by ramenchef; Oct 10, 2018 at 4:17 pm
Oct 10, 2018, 5:01 pm
#170
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Plat, DL, AS, UA, IHG Plat
Posts: 2,407
3.5 hours should be enough for int'l to domestic self-connect with Southwest.
Oct 15, 2018, 2:47 am
#171
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Seoul
Programs: None anymore
Posts: 983
Hi guys, it seems like everybody is mostly talking about international > domestic connections. In my case I'm domestic > international on separate itineraries, I land T7 at 7AM and depart Tom Bradley at 10:30AM. I know I can walk the entire distance but I won't have my connecting ticket, does TBIT have transit desks or a way for me to print my ticket without having to exit and get my ticket at the TBIT ticket counter? I'm flying EVA for what it's worth.
Oct 15, 2018, 8:52 am
#172
Join Date: Feb 2000
Posts: 6,546
no check-in desks Bradley airside, but there are some electronic check-in kiosks (some on the T4 to Bradley connector) that work for *some* of the airlines operating at Bradley. i do not recall if EVA participates.
if you can't check-in online with electronic boarding pass or via these kiosks, you would need to check-in landside at Bradley
if you can't check-in online with electronic boarding pass or via these kiosks, you would need to check-in landside at Bradley
Oct 15, 2018, 11:51 am
#173
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Plat, DL, AS, UA, IHG Plat
Posts: 2,407
Hi guys, it seems like everybody is mostly talking about international > domestic connections. In my case I'm domestic > international on separate itineraries, I land T7 at 7AM and depart Tom Bradley at 10:30AM. I know I can walk the entire distance but I won't have my connecting ticket, does TBIT have transit desks or a way for me to print my ticket without having to exit and get my ticket at the TBIT ticket counter? I'm flying EVA for what it's worth.
Assuming your luggage is checked thru or if you only have carry on, BR will staff the departure gate at TBIT up to 2 hours before departure so you should be fine.
3.5 hours is plenty for this connection. US doesn't have exit immigration control so there is usually no added time required for domestic to international connection. You just have to beat the airline imposed luggage cutoff time (if you have checked luggage).
Oct 15, 2018, 5:15 pm
#174
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Seoul
Programs: None anymore
Posts: 983
If you have checked luggage, you should see if UA will check-thru... I'm not familiar with UA/Star Alliance policy on separate ticket itineraries. If UA can check thru luggage, you may also want to ask if they can issue boarding pass for the BR flight... Solves both of your problems. If UA won't check luggage thru, you'll have to exit the secured zone and pick up your luggage and take it to BR's TBIT landside counter to check in.
Assuming your luggage is checked thru or if you only have carry on, BR will staff the departure gate at TBIT up to 2 hours before departure so you should be fine.
3.5 hours is plenty for this connection. US doesn't have exit immigration control so there is usually no added time required for domestic to international connection. You just have to beat the airline imposed luggage cutoff time (if you have checked luggage).
Assuming your luggage is checked thru or if you only have carry on, BR will staff the departure gate at TBIT up to 2 hours before departure so you should be fine.
3.5 hours is plenty for this connection. US doesn't have exit immigration control so there is usually no added time required for domestic to international connection. You just have to beat the airline imposed luggage cutoff time (if you have checked luggage).
Oct 15, 2018, 6:54 pm
#175
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Plat, DL, AS, UA, IHG Plat
Posts: 2,407
I'm fairly certain that if you have a confirmed itinerary on BR J and Star Gold, the Star Lounge can issue a boarding pass and admit you. I think earlier in this thread, someone mentioned that Star Lounge at TBIT issued a boarding pass for another Star airline (NH perhaps? I forgot),
Oct 15, 2018, 6:58 pm
#176
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Seoul
Programs: None anymore
Posts: 983
I'm fairly certain that if you have a confirmed itinerary on BR J and Star Gold, the Star Lounge can issue a boarding pass and admit you. I think earlier in this thread, someone mentioned that Star Lounge at TBIT issued a boarding pass for another Star airline (NH perhaps? I forgot),
Oct 23, 2018, 11:49 pm
#177
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 2
Arriving with LY 05 from Israel on a Tuesday morning(6 AM). Not an American Citizen(student visa).
Alaska flight to Boston at 8:55 AM. Believe this one leaves from ter. 6
Did not buy yet- but that's the only flight which could help me not miss classes that day... but I feel like I am risking it. Am I?
Thanks a lot!
Alaska flight to Boston at 8:55 AM. Believe this one leaves from ter. 6
Did not buy yet- but that's the only flight which could help me not miss classes that day... but I feel like I am risking it. Am I?
Thanks a lot!
Oct 24, 2018, 9:34 am
#178
Join Date: Feb 2000
Posts: 6,546
You are flying TLV-LAX-BOS?
3 hours is plenty intl-to-domestic at LAX for foreign nationals.
3 hours is plenty intl-to-domestic at LAX for foreign nationals.
Oct 24, 2018, 10:09 am
#179
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 20,639
Arriving with LY 05 from Israel on a Tuesday morning(6 AM). Not an American Citizen(student visa).
Alaska flight to Boston at 8:55 AM. Believe this one leaves from ter. 6
Did not buy yet- but that's the only flight which could help me not miss classes that day... but I feel like I am risking it. Am I?
Thanks a lot!
Alaska flight to Boston at 8:55 AM. Believe this one leaves from ter. 6
Did not buy yet- but that's the only flight which could help me not miss classes that day... but I feel like I am risking it. Am I?
Thanks a lot!
!דורון FlyerTalkברוך הבא ל
Checked or carry on luggage? One or separate tickets for LY and AS? What's the ontime record of LY05?
6:00 am is prime arrival time at TBIT from Asia and Australia. Lines can be long. Luggage can take up to an hour to appear on the luggage carousels.
9:00 am is prime departure time for domestic flights. There may be a wait to check bags. TSA security lines can be as long as an hour if you don't have PreCheck.
If you are flying on one ticket and miss the LAX-BOS flight, you will be protected on a later flight. If you are on separate tickets, you may have to buy a new ticket.
It all depends on your risk tolerance.
Oct 24, 2018, 4:15 pm
#180
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 2
Thanks a lot. תודה רבה!!! (:
ontime record of LY05 is 96%(!) suprising for ELAL
It is two separate tickets... and that's what made me quite worried.
On the one hand, like the other person said: it is is plenty of time... so I am not so sure what to do.
Other flights will mean I am late to classes... but maybe I should not risk it.
Checked or carry on luggage? One or separate tickets for LY and AS? What's the ontime record of LY05?
6:00 am is prime arrival time at TBIT from Asia and Australia. Lines can be long. Luggage can take up to an hour to appear on the luggage carousels.
9:00 am is prime departure time for domestic flights. There may be a wait to check bags. TSA security lines can be as long as an hour if you don't have PreCheck.
If you are flying on one ticket and miss the LAX-BOS flight, you will be protected on a later flight. If you are on separate tickets, you may have to buy a new ticket.
It all depends on your risk tolerance.
ontime record of LY05 is 96%(!) suprising for ELAL
It is two separate tickets... and that's what made me quite worried.
On the one hand, like the other person said: it is is plenty of time... so I am not so sure what to do.
Other flights will mean I am late to classes... but maybe I should not risk it.
!דורון FlyerTalkברוך הבא ל
Checked or carry on luggage? One or separate tickets for LY and AS? What's the ontime record of LY05?
6:00 am is prime arrival time at TBIT from Asia and Australia. Lines can be long. Luggage can take up to an hour to appear on the luggage carousels.
9:00 am is prime departure time for domestic flights. There may be a wait to check bags. TSA security lines can be as long as an hour if you don't have PreCheck.
If you are flying on one ticket and miss the LAX-BOS flight, you will be protected on a later flight. If you are on separate tickets, you may have to buy a new ticket.
It all depends on your risk tolerance.