AA <---> AS Transfer at LAX / SFO
Feb 15, 2009 | 9:49 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: New York
Programs: AA PLT (Lifetime GLD), Hilton Silver, Marriott Silver, AA Dining VIP
Posts: 596
AA <---> AS Transfer at LAX / SFO
For an upcoming trip I am gong to have to transfer between American and Alaska. I can either make the transfers in Los Angles and/or San Francisco.
I know that at LAX there is a bus that runs between Terminal 3 and Terminal 4. I also know that the bus is in the secure area so that I will not have to re-clear security. What I do not know is how often the bus runs and how long it takes.
I know less about SFO, other than the two airlines are at opposite ends of the airport. What are my options, how long will they take, and can they be done within security or will I have to reclear?
Many thanks for everyones help and suggestions
I know that at LAX there is a bus that runs between Terminal 3 and Terminal 4. I also know that the bus is in the secure area so that I will not have to re-clear security. What I do not know is how often the bus runs and how long it takes.
I know less about SFO, other than the two airlines are at opposite ends of the airport. What are my options, how long will they take, and can they be done within security or will I have to reclear?
Many thanks for everyones help and suggestions
Feb 15, 2009 | 10:11 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: All over
Programs: AA-LTP, HH-DIA, Marriott-LT+AMB, Hyatt-Globalist, Hertz-PC, UA-GS, BA-Gold
Posts: 6,863
The bus at lax from T4 runs quite often, I would say every 5-10 mins. From there you will go to the satellite terminal then over to AS. Not too sure about SFO info.
Feb 15, 2009 | 10:55 pm
#3
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: HNL
Programs: AA EXP, too many others
Posts: 45
I don't know about SFO but I do that transfer at LAX often. You will always be in a secured area unless you decide to walk over to the AS terminal. The bus is a shuttle and runs every 5 to 15 minutes and is by gate 44.
You will have to transfer to a different bus at the Satellite terminal but the whole process only takes about 20-25 minutes max.
You will have to transfer to a different bus at the Satellite terminal but the whole process only takes about 20-25 minutes max.
Feb 16, 2009 | 1:37 am
#4
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: SFO/OAK/CCR
Programs: AA LT PLT
Posts: 995
In SFO you have to leave security and make a 10/15-min. walk on foot or go up a few levels and catch the Airtrain from AA Terminal 3 to AS Terminal 1.
Map here:
http://www.flysfo.com/web/page/atsfo/airtrain/map/
With the airport as a clock, AA is at '10:30' and AS is at '3:00'. Like all airports, security lines vary greatly depending on the time of travel.
Map here:
http://www.flysfo.com/web/page/atsfo/airtrain/map/
With the airport as a clock, AA is at '10:30' and AS is at '3:00'. Like all airports, security lines vary greatly depending on the time of travel.
May 12, 2009 | 7:56 pm
#5
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: NY
Programs: AA Plat Pro 1MM, IC RA, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,797
Does anyone know if an AA boarding pass is required to take the shuttle at LAX from AS T3 to AA T4? I have an upcoming trip on AS connecting to AA but on separate PNRs so I won't be able to obtain an AA BP in advance. Since I'm connecting to an int'l flight out of LAX, OLCI is not an option. I'm hoping to check-in at the AC in LAX. Thanks.
May 12, 2009 | 9:48 pm
#6
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: WAS
Programs: AA: EXP(3MM), Hilton: Diamond, SPG: Gold
Posts: 172
Does anyone know if an AA boarding pass is required to take the shuttle at LAX from AS T3 to AA T4? I have an upcoming trip on AS connecting to AA but on separate PNRs so I won't be able to obtain an AA BP in advance. Since I'm connecting to an int'l flight out of LAX, OLCI is not an option. I'm hoping to check-in at the AC in LAX. Thanks.
May 13, 2009 | 8:11 am
#7
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,044
A printed itinerary (instead of a boarding pass) should work. It has for me numerous times. Since the start of the year I've been doing that roundtrip about twice a month.
May 13, 2009 | 8:18 am
#8
Moderator, OneWorld
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: SEA
Programs: RAA RIP; AA ExEXP
Posts: 12,502
In SFO you have to leave security and make a 10/15-min. walk on foot or go up a few levels and catch the Airtrain from AA Terminal 3 to AS Terminal 1. Barely made it.
Map here:
http://www.flysfo.com/web/page/atsfo/airtrain/map/
With the airport as a clock, AA is at '10:30' and AS is at '3:00'. Like all airports, security lines vary greatly depending on the time of travel.
Map here:
http://www.flysfo.com/web/page/atsfo/airtrain/map/
With the airport as a clock, AA is at '10:30' and AS is at '3:00'. Like all airports, security lines vary greatly depending on the time of travel.
By comparison my (semi frequent) transfers between T3 and T4 at LAX are much smoother and quicker, even though you have to change buses at the Eagle terminal. I really dislike LAX as a rule, but this works pretty well. It's especially advantageous making AA > AS transfers, as the security lines at T3 are usually terrible.
May 13, 2009 | 10:28 am
#9
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Victoria, B.C.
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Plat, AA Gold LT, WS Plat, AC 50k
Posts: 1,999
Does anyone know if they are working on any plans to improve the ability to walk between terminals?
It seems to be that airports are getting worse in that you need to exit security to take some silly train, then re-clear security again
It sure would be nice if you could stay airside and walk from AS - AA or vice versa.
It seems to be that airports are getting worse in that you need to exit security to take some silly train, then re-clear security again
It sure would be nice if you could stay airside and walk from AS - AA or vice versa.
May 13, 2009 | 10:39 am
#10
Moderator: Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 13,591
As long as the connection is not too tight, I prefer SFO to LAX. I enjoy the relaxing walk between the terminals.
May 13, 2009 | 1:11 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: MSY, BJX, QRO; previously NYC, BOS, AUH
Programs: AA EXP, 6MM
Posts: 18,324
Dec 18, 2009 | 12:00 pm
#12
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Boston
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, National Executive
Posts: 40
I'm going to walk that tightrope the 2nd week in January. I have 50 minutes from the time my AA flight lands in SFO until the AS flight leaves for PDX.
Given the choice of walking from terminal 3 to 1, or taking the AirTrain, has anybody found if one is faster than the other?
Given the choice of walking from terminal 3 to 1, or taking the AirTrain, has anybody found if one is faster than the other?
Dec 18, 2009 | 12:05 pm
#13
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K/MM, AA GLD
Posts: 1,724
I'm going to walk that tightrope the 2nd week in January. I have 50 minutes from the time my AA flight lands in SFO until the AS flight leaves for PDX.
Given the choice of walking from terminal 3 to 1, or taking the AirTrain, has anybody found if one is faster than the other?
Given the choice of walking from terminal 3 to 1, or taking the AirTrain, has anybody found if one is faster than the other?
Dec 22, 2009 | 4:19 pm
#14
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: ORD
Programs: AA EXP 3.13 MM, IC Plat Ambassador, Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Gold
Posts: 182
LAX over SFO any day!! Chalk it up to previous experience where I incorrectly assumed that the SFO transfer between terminals would take place airside.
As previous posters have mentioned, there is a bus that travels between T4 (AA) and T3 (AS) and it saves you the extra energy and stress of trying to make your connection. Unless you're in training for an Ironman.
As previous posters have mentioned, there is a bus that travels between T4 (AA) and T3 (AS) and it saves you the extra energy and stress of trying to make your connection. Unless you're in training for an Ironman.
Dec 22, 2009 | 6:28 pm
#15
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: SFO/OAK/CCR
Programs: AA LT PLT
Posts: 995
also, check it out ahead of time but maybe it is faster to walk straight through the parking garage than around the front of the terminals. it really isn't that far in any case.