Rules while in transit in LA
 

Hi

I have a hours long lay over in LA. I am arriving from Guatemala on UA and leaving for RAR on NZ. I have been told by NZ, that if I wish to see LA while on this 13 hour long layover, I have to take the bags with me when leaving the airport. Is this true? How can they check, that I take my bags with me when I leave? What will happen, if I just leave the airport anyway?

Welcome to Ft. Please continue to follow this thread in the LAX Forum.
Thanks..
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator

Welcome Jensine. You've been told that because you will likely have to clear customs in LA (in the UAL area) and then transit to NZ in the Bradley terminal. Unfortunate, but true. However, you can probably head straight to NZ and check in. Tho they may not let you check in and check your bags that far in advance. Good luck.

It is up to UA and not NZ. Upon arrival in the US, all pax must claim baggage and clear customs. This is true for all airports and all airlines. After clearing customs, there is an airline baggage recheck area where you drop your bags if they have been through-checked. So if UA has checked your bags through to RAR then you can drop the bags here. If UA did not check your bags through to RAR (and this is strictly a UA issue), then you must take the bags with you and use the NZ check-in counter in T2. Unfortunately it probably isn't open at the time that you arrive on UA -- thus the comments from NZ. And there is no place to store luggage at LAX. So try very hard to have UA check your bags through to RAR when you start your trip. If you cannot do this, then your best bet might be to rent a car at LAX (this is often available for under USD 20 per day).

Thx
 

Very strange rule! I am glad, that this is not the rule in FRA, AMS, CPH or other parts where we often change planes! The idea about renting a car seems as a good idea.

I will write to UA and ask, if they can check the bags in all the way. Is it up to UA or the departure airport (Guatemala)?

Btw. If the bags are checked in, how long time before departure does we have to be at the aiport?

If you have the boarding pass already, plan to be at the gate just prior to the
boarding time. Make sure you allow enough time for the security lines.

If you need to check in.. I'd say be there about 90 minutes prior to the flight
to get a boarding pass for an International flight.