QF non-SYD flights, and 1 AA flight which arrives after the TBIT customs facility is closed use TBIT. The T4 customs facility is staffed for one shift only, so when it is closed a sterile tunnel connecting T4 to TBIT is used to funnel arriving pax to the open facility (also used if T4 facility is overloaded, as it is sized for 1 flight at a time).

I took CX 883 in F last December, checked in after 11 pm and it took at most 10 min to get airside. But I did not have checked baggage, which can take 30+ min at TBIT. The security line was so short that there was no point for CX to escort me through (as they usually do).
Part of the problem at TBIT are that the lines are unpredictable, and vary from 5 min to 50 min quite suddenly. But 90% of the time it is pretty good; only that worst 10% ever gets reported on the web. Still better than MIA and even JFK, as a point of comparison.

How is the constructions for the lounges progressing?
I've heard they will open the new alliance wide lounges in May before.

lounges
 

Does Anyone Know If Mexicana Is Going To Have A New Lounge.they Have Taken Lax Off Their List
Thanks In Advance

There will be lounges for each alliance (one for OneWorld, one for SkyTeam and one for StarAlliance) and another for everyone else.

Last I heard was September, however, they are backing away from it. :( There is no official opening date now. My guess is late 2007 or early 2008. :mad:

Damn unionized construction... :mad:
I was hoping it would open before July.

Recent Visit
 

Just recently used the TBIT Interim business lounge again. Compared to my visit in late December, the white chairs are now looking light greyish/brownish, definitly showing signs of heavy use. Still prefer the lounge to the depressing gate area where everyone looks homeless lying down on the floor with their shoes off. Upon arriving back, I waited about 30 minutes in the immigration line. Definitly a dungeon. The terminal updates can't come soon enough.

First time using this interrim lounge - will avoid TBIT in the future until this is resolved -this place ranks worse than some of the domestic lounges....dirty chairrs...etc...not enough air..

Well, it appears the *A lounge is now open...^ maybe the other 3 will open soon. We'll see.

Any pictures?

Alliance Lounge Access @ TBIT
 

No elite status or anything like that to speak of--but domestically I'm used to buying lounge day passes with whichever carrier I'm on (work expense) day-of.

Is it possible to do this at TBIT at one of the new alliance lounges (or any lounge, for that matter?)

We're flying out on EVA, if that makes any difference.

The only new lounge open so far is the Star Lounge.

The no alligned lounge is not open yet (eva is not in any alliance), probably towards the end of the year.

So I think you are out of luck assuming you are flying in Y, but no harm in asking - let us know

Not leaving until November, so maybe it'll be open by then?

Also, flying in L (Elite) class. Don't know if that'll make a difference or not.

EVA wasn't much helpful last year, so I'm not expecting them to do us any favors.

Didn't know if it was possible to utilize the lounge of an airline (or in this case, alliance) that you're not flying on that day.

A couple fresh from *A's website. Enjoy:

Business Class section:
http://www.staralliance.com/int/pres...ign2_large.jpg

First Class section:
http://www.staralliance.com/int/pres...ign1_large.jpg

EDIT, compliments to Taipei who pointed this out in the CI new LAX lounge open yet? thread. :)