Consolidated "Connecting between terminals, tunnels, etc. at LAX" [merged threads]
Dec 12, 2011, 4:01 pm
#1096
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: SNA Rwy 20L
Programs: QF Silver
Posts: 703
Excellent! I didn't realize that Virgin could interline luggage with Qantas. That certainly takes the edge off. Have a great trip to the Lucky Country!
Dec 12, 2011, 4:13 pm
#1097
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Northeast US
Posts: 207
YAY! The price of my flight went down by a whole 200 bucks. YAY. I should be able to pay for my tickets on Wednesday. WOOT!
Dec 12, 2011, 4:14 pm
#1098
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Northeast US
Posts: 207
From what I read, they are interline, and because it is an international flight it seems to be all connected together and I won't have to worry about luggage ^
Dec 13, 2011, 12:02 am
#1099
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Northeast US
Posts: 207
(For a friend) Stopover-but not layover-in LAX
Ironically, a friend of mine is going to Sydney on Sunday and asked me for advice because she's never even flown this before and she's flying from Newark.
Her flights are through United...but here's the question. Her first flight lands in Chicago (which I've heard is nasty) and she connects with another United flight that supposedly switches planes in LAX but is not actually a layover, just a stop over.
The flight on the way over is United 839 and the one on the way back is United 840. So because it is one "continuous" flight, what will her process be in LA when they land? Will she go through immigration/customs there and then proceed on to Chicago for her next flight back to Newark?
If so, what should she expect? She will be landing in Terminal 7 and I only have experience with T4 and the TBIT but she is VERY nervous as she's never even flown before. I would like to help her out and calm her fears as much as possible. Any ideas?
Her flights are through United...but here's the question. Her first flight lands in Chicago (which I've heard is nasty) and she connects with another United flight that supposedly switches planes in LAX but is not actually a layover, just a stop over.
The flight on the way over is United 839 and the one on the way back is United 840. So because it is one "continuous" flight, what will her process be in LA when they land? Will she go through immigration/customs there and then proceed on to Chicago for her next flight back to Newark?
If so, what should she expect? She will be landing in Terminal 7 and I only have experience with T4 and the TBIT but she is VERY nervous as she's never even flown before. I would like to help her out and calm her fears as much as possible. Any ideas?
Last edited by tenacioustins; Dec 20, 2011 at 3:07 pm
Dec 13, 2011, 10:58 am
#1100
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: SoCal to the rest of the world...
Programs: AA EXP with lots of BA. UA 2MM Lifetime Plat - No longer chase hotel loyalty
Posts: 6,699
So today I was doing SFO-LAX-Tucson on UA and the LAX-Tucson leg got canceled. They protected elites on an American Eagle flight two hours later -- there was an advantage to being elite, and although it took a longish walk (from T8 to T5) and two shuttle rides (from T5 to T4 and then T4 to American Eagle), we got there without having to leave airside. Might have even worked to go from T5 to American Eagle had we thought to ask.
Dec 13, 2011, 11:28 am
#1101
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AS MVP, PriorityPass, Global Entry
Posts: 748
Dec 13, 2011, 2:05 pm
#1102
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Plat, DL, AS, UA, IHG Plat
Posts: 2,407
You have to clear immigration and customs at your first port of entry so your friend has to go through immigration at LAX, pick up her bags, clear customs, and recheck the bag with United for her onward journey to Chicago.
Who booked this trip for her? Sounds like a hellish detour through ORD for no reason. There are plenty of flights between EWR and LAX on UA/CO.
Who booked this trip for her? Sounds like a hellish detour through ORD for no reason. There are plenty of flights between EWR and LAX on UA/CO.
Dec 13, 2011, 2:21 pm
#1103
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Northeast US
Posts: 207
I'm guessing she booked it herself and it was the cheapest flight. I'm not sure. I feel bad for her having to go through ORD though and all this stuff. Unfortunately, it's too late to change it now. Next time she goes though I'll bet she asks me as I have strongly advised her to not go through ORD. At least she will be all in one terminal and one carrier.
Dec 14, 2011, 6:57 am
#1104
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Northeast US
Posts: 207
Boooo! I was smart and checked Qantas's page again for one final time before going to bed and alas, their prices had risen again. So I rushed over to Expedia, and their prices hadn't risen yet so I woke up my poor hubby and asked him if we could check his card to see if the money had cleared yet. He was pissed off but I don't care lol. And man am I glad we checked and got those tickets ordered!
But the down side is, I have the Continental flight from Boston to LA. Which means I'll be landing in terminal 7 and stuff like that.
So that raises more questions for me. Will I have to recheck my bags? How do I get from terminal 7 to TBIT? I only have 2 hours in between flights. Not even that. Help?
Here's my itinerary:
Boston (Logan Intl.) to Los Angeles (LAX) 03/07/12 6:20 PM - 9:40 PM Continental 717 Operated By: UNITED AIRLINES, INC.
Los Angeles (LAX) to Melbourne (Tullamarine) 03/07/12 11:30 PM - 10:05 AM +2 day Qantas Airways 94
Melbourne (Tullamarine) to Los Angeles (LAX) 04/18/12 9:35 AM - 6:55 AM Qantas Airways 93
Los Angeles (LAX) to Boston (Logan Intl.) 04/18/12 11:50 AM - 8:15 PM Qantas Airways 3015 Operated By: AMERICAN AIRLINES INC.
But the down side is, I have the Continental flight from Boston to LA. Which means I'll be landing in terminal 7 and stuff like that.
So that raises more questions for me. Will I have to recheck my bags? How do I get from terminal 7 to TBIT? I only have 2 hours in between flights. Not even that. Help?
Here's my itinerary:
Boston (Logan Intl.) to Los Angeles (LAX) 03/07/12 6:20 PM - 9:40 PM Continental 717 Operated By: UNITED AIRLINES, INC.
Los Angeles (LAX) to Melbourne (Tullamarine) 03/07/12 11:30 PM - 10:05 AM +2 day Qantas Airways 94
Melbourne (Tullamarine) to Los Angeles (LAX) 04/18/12 9:35 AM - 6:55 AM Qantas Airways 93
Los Angeles (LAX) to Boston (Logan Intl.) 04/18/12 11:50 AM - 8:15 PM Qantas Airways 3015 Operated By: AMERICAN AIRLINES INC.
Dec 14, 2011, 11:23 am
#1105
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Plat, DL, AS, UA, IHG Plat
Posts: 2,407
You should be fine. I'm almost 100% positive UA and QF interline so they can check your bags at Logan all the way to Melbourne. But you should call UA and confirm with them (Your first flight is operated by UA, not CO).
The quickest way to get from T7 to TBIT is to walk. Exit T7 from the upper (departure) level and turn left. Walk past T6, T5, and T4, and you will reach TBIT in about 8 or 9 minutes.
The quickest way to get from T7 to TBIT is to walk. Exit T7 from the upper (departure) level and turn left. Walk past T6, T5, and T4, and you will reach TBIT in about 8 or 9 minutes.
Dec 14, 2011, 1:39 pm
#1106
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Northeast US
Posts: 207
Thank you! From what I could tell, UA and Qantas aren't interlined, but it's all a big jumble so I will give UA a call.
My itinerary says CO, but I'm guessing they've merged with UA.
Sounds like walking is my best bet. I hope I have enough time. I will probably have just about an hour all told to get where I'm going which in reality, should be just fine. Walking will feel good and LA will be warm so it's all good.
My itinerary says CO, but I'm guessing they've merged with UA.
Sounds like walking is my best bet. I hope I have enough time. I will probably have just about an hour all told to get where I'm going which in reality, should be just fine. Walking will feel good and LA will be warm so it's all good.
Dec 15, 2011, 7:24 am
#1107
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,188
There is a free shuttle bus you could take between T3 and TBIT but they're so close you might as well walk. Once you get to TBIT, you can take stairs or elevator up to the ticketing level. If in doubt, ask (there are lots of airport police, skycaps, etc. and just regular travelers who can help you at any point, plus information desks in some places; plus maps, etc.).
I assume you have one-through ticket and your bags will be transferred. Virgin America should be able to confirm that. If you have your boarding pass you shouldn't need to wait in line for the check-in desk area. The entrance to the line to get to the gates is, as in most terminals I've been to, on the same level as ticketing. They'll ask for your boarding pass and passport (if, for some reason I can't imagine, you need to go to the airline's check-in desk, they'll tell you). Once you've gone through security, you walk to your departure gate (at the next level, as I recall). Again, don't sweat it. There are lots of signs, and people you can ask. TBIT gets tons of passengrs from all over the world, including many who speak little or no English. There are lots of LAX terminal maps online. You'll be fine.
I assume you have one-through ticket and your bags will be transferred. Virgin America should be able to confirm that. If you have your boarding pass you shouldn't need to wait in line for the check-in desk area. The entrance to the line to get to the gates is, as in most terminals I've been to, on the same level as ticketing. They'll ask for your boarding pass and passport (if, for some reason I can't imagine, you need to go to the airline's check-in desk, they'll tell you). Once you've gone through security, you walk to your departure gate (at the next level, as I recall). Again, don't sweat it. There are lots of signs, and people you can ask. TBIT gets tons of passengrs from all over the world, including many who speak little or no English. There are lots of LAX terminal maps online. You'll be fine.
Last edited by SoCal; Dec 15, 2011 at 7:35 am
Dec 15, 2011, 7:40 am
#1108
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,188
Thank you! From what I could tell, UA and Qantas aren't interlined, but it's all a big jumble so I will give UA a call.
My itinerary says CO, but I'm guessing they've merged with UA.
Sounds like walking is my best bet. I hope I have enough time. I will probably have just about an hour all told to get where I'm going which in reality, should be just fine. Walking will feel good and LA will be warm so it's all good.
My itinerary says CO, but I'm guessing they've merged with UA.
Sounds like walking is my best bet. I hope I have enough time. I will probably have just about an hour all told to get where I'm going which in reality, should be just fine. Walking will feel good and LA will be warm so it's all good.
It appears from the LAX terminal map I found online that Qantas departs from TBIT but arrives at Terminal 4 (same as American Airlines). Qantas can confirm that (and it should show on your electronic itinerary). If so, your arrival, upon your return to the States, should be a snap. Once you go through U.S. Immigration, get your bags at a baggage carousel, then go through Customs (usually consists of nothing more than handing over a form you got on the plane and filled out, and which the Immigration agent will have initialed), then hand your bags over at a transfer desk just beyond Customs (ask if you're unsure), you will likely exit the secure area and then go through TSA security and go to the gate for your domestic AA flight home. If you really feel anxious or confused (and I don't think you need to), then ask the airline if they can provide escort assistance (may be a small fee). Happy travels.
Last edited by SoCal; Dec 15, 2011 at 7:52 am
Dec 15, 2011, 7:46 am
#1109
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Northeast US
Posts: 207
Sorry about the confusion. As I said in my last post, I wasn't able to get the flight from Qantas which had the Virgin America flight, and had to get the flight at Expedia which was still a lower price but the flight from Boston to LA is through UA/CO. My itinerary says it's Continental but yeah it's really United since they merged.
I posted my itinerary in the previous post as well. I will be landing in terminal 7, not 3. It would have been 3 if it was Virgin America and I was feeling very confident about that especially as I would have had plenty of time. I am nervous about this flight now because I will be landing in terminal 7 with a different, non-partner airline and I have never walked from a terminal to TBIT and will only have 1 hour 50 minutes between flights. Unfortunately, there's nothing I could have done about that (except paid an arm and a leg more to get the flight I really wanted).
I think I will probably call United Airlines and see what they say about baggage. If I *DO* have to recheck it, I hope that it's quick and easy so I can run to the TBIT for my Qantas flight. I would be real nervous about time however having to do that and go through security at TBIT. Thankfully it will be later at night and from what I have observed of the TBIT later at night, it's quieter then.
I posted my itinerary in the previous post as well. I will be landing in terminal 7, not 3. It would have been 3 if it was Virgin America and I was feeling very confident about that especially as I would have had plenty of time. I am nervous about this flight now because I will be landing in terminal 7 with a different, non-partner airline and I have never walked from a terminal to TBIT and will only have 1 hour 50 minutes between flights. Unfortunately, there's nothing I could have done about that (except paid an arm and a leg more to get the flight I really wanted).
I think I will probably call United Airlines and see what they say about baggage. If I *DO* have to recheck it, I hope that it's quick and easy so I can run to the TBIT for my Qantas flight. I would be real nervous about time however having to do that and go through security at TBIT. Thankfully it will be later at night and from what I have observed of the TBIT later at night, it's quieter then.
Dec 15, 2011, 7:55 am
#1110
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,188
Sorry about the confusion. As I said in my last post, I wasn't able to get the flight from Qantas which had the Virgin America flight, and had to get the flight at Expedia which was still a lower price but the flight from Boston to LA is through UA/CO. My itinerary says it's Continental but yeah it's really United since they merged.
I posted my itinerary in the previous post as well. I will be landing in terminal 7, not 3. It would have been 3 if it was Virgin America and I was feeling very confident about that especially as I would have had plenty of time. I am nervous about this flight now because I will be landing in terminal 7 with a different, non-partner airline and I have never walked from a terminal to TBIT and will only have 1 hour 50 minutes between flights. Unfortunately, there's nothing I could have done about that (except paid an arm and a leg more to get the flight I really wanted).
I think I will probably call United Airlines and see what they say about baggage. If I *DO* have to recheck it, I hope that it's quick and easy so I can run to the TBIT for my Qantas flight. I would be real nervous about time however having to do that and go through security at TBIT. Thankfully it will be later at night and from what I have observed of the TBIT later at night, it's quieter then.
I posted my itinerary in the previous post as well. I will be landing in terminal 7, not 3. It would have been 3 if it was Virgin America and I was feeling very confident about that especially as I would have had plenty of time. I am nervous about this flight now because I will be landing in terminal 7 with a different, non-partner airline and I have never walked from a terminal to TBIT and will only have 1 hour 50 minutes between flights. Unfortunately, there's nothing I could have done about that (except paid an arm and a leg more to get the flight I really wanted).
I think I will probably call United Airlines and see what they say about baggage. If I *DO* have to recheck it, I hope that it's quick and easy so I can run to the TBIT for my Qantas flight. I would be real nervous about time however having to do that and go through security at TBIT. Thankfully it will be later at night and from what I have observed of the TBIT later at night, it's quieter then.
Assuming you land at T7 or 6, I wouldn't run with bags to TBIT. Take the shuttle. I'd be surprised if UA didn't tag your bags for your ultimate Australian destination (i.e, you won't have to recheck your bags). Do ask about the boarding pass, as well. We had one case, involving separately-purchased tickets, going from DC to Sao Paulo via Miami (changed airlines), when our bags were transferred but we still had to get our onward boarding passes in Miami.