Thanks. But that was a clarification. Correction is done to something that is incorrect, which my statement technically wasn't.

Still, thanks... nonstop was indeed what I meant to say.

Every nonstop is a direct flight, however not every direct flight is a nonstop.

Traditionally, the term "direct" applied to flights on the same plane with the same flight number from origin to destination, regardless of the number of stops en route. Unfortunately, the use of the term has evolved to include flights with the same number no matter how many stops or plane changes take place between the airports of origin and destination.

Just got here last night...breezed through in 10 mins or less ,was at the desk for under a minute
^

Hi guys!

I'll be arriving at the new TBIT for the first time in december, and being kind of an aviation geek, I really wanted to take a look at the new terminal and all .

So my question is, are passengers arriving directed straight to immigration? Or can I hang out a bit at the new terminal installations and take a look around? I know that for some people around here that aren't that in to planes, this may look like a weird question, but I'll be departing next from SFO and wont have a chance to see it again, and figured it wouldn't hurt to ask around here for some info.

For instance, I know by personal experience that at AMS, when you deplane, even on long haul international flights, you exit directly into the terminal departure area, only then to follow signs to immigration.

Thanks for the help!

You are going to be sent directly to immigration and customs, which, depending upon which gate you arrive into, will either involve being put on a bus directly to hallways leading there, or a fairly labyrinthian set of hallways some above ground, some underground, leading there. There is not, to my recollection, any opportunity for wandering around and sightseeing in the terminal upon arrival.

Ok! Thanks for the help, no walking around I guess... Oh well... I guess there wont be much spotting at LAX for me

The above ground corridors are glass walled, so you can stick your nose on the glass and view the departures area below.

If your flight arrives at the gate, you will be walking down stairs to immigration. It's just a long hallway with no views of anything.

If your flight arrives at a remote stand, you will be bused to the bus gate, which is the same level as immigration. Still nothing to look at but at least you get to see the airfield while on the bus.

If you want to do some plane spotting, take the Parking Spot Red Shuttle to In-N-Out Burgers. There is a little park next to it right under the flight path for planes landing on 24R. Best plane spotting location!

Arrived TBIT last night and it was a very very long walk to immigration. If anyone has any mobility issues I suggest requesting a wheelchair. Also, when we finally arrived at Immigration we were directed to kiosks where we were instructed to enter our passports. Everything worked fine, passports were automatically read, our photo was taken and while waiting for our receipts, the entire system went down. Hundreds of passengers were then directed to the old fashioned line which was woefully short of personnel. It was a very long wait. The new facility is bright and well air conditioned. A much more cheerful environment than the former arrivals area.

Arriving at LAX T4 on AA 135 from LHR. UK citizen.
Is immigration & customs nowadays done at T4, or at TBIT?

If at TBIT, how is the airside transfer done (walk, bus) and what is the estimated transfer time from arrival at stand in T4?

The Federal Inspection Facility in Terminal 4 is closed and, as far as I know, there are no plans to reopen it.

Immigration and customs inspections for arriving AA passengers take place at TBIT. You flight should arrive at TBIT; in the unlikely event that it arrives at T4, you will be bused to TBIT for processing.

P.S. Take a look at this thread in the American Airlines forum:

Currently, there are 3 possibilities for AA135 arrivals:

1. Arrive at TBIT. This is the preferred outcome. You just walk out the plane and to immigration hall.

2. Arrive at remote stand. You will be bused to TBIT.

3. Arrive at T4. You will be bused to TBIT.

My bet is that AA135 will arrive at T4. Option #2 or #3 means I will probably have to get on a bus at some stage.

When I travelled a couple of weeks back, we got option #3.
Deplaned, up stairs and short walk to adjacent gate, then down stairs. I was in row41 at the front of economy and easily got on the 2nd bus. Only a short 5 min bus ride to TBIT.
Immigration took about 45 mins. Would have been quicker, but an incoming plane from China landed about the same time. This seemed to tie up some of the immigration booths, as they had to wait for translator assistance.