I would appreciate any guidance on clearing customs at LAX - I've not connected through there before and want to know what to expect in terms of the process and the time required. I'm flying Alaska and arriving there around 6pm and my lay over is about 2 hours.

TIA

I'm assuming you're arriving from an AS flight that originated from Mexico and thus arrive at the TBIT. Well considering how many international flights arrive there anyways, the average wait for the U.S. citizen line can vary between 15 - 45 minutes and of course longer for foreigners. The peak hour for arrival into the Bradley terminal is between 11am and 7pm where the bulk of flights from Europe and Asia arrive.

Assuming you are a US citizen, you should have enough time to catch your connecting flight.

You should make your flight, and AS may hold your flight if a bunch of you are just "running a little late" to the last northbound connection of the night from Mexico flights. I've heard that people have "cut it close" on those connections, but no reports of widespread missed flights. It is a short walk from the TBIT to T-3 - walk to the left when you go outside - don't take the shuttle, which will take you all around the airport the wrong way just to get back to T-3.

If you have never been to T-3 (or rather, haven't been in 30 years), fear not, it hasn't changed a bit - except the TWA signs, once covered by American signs, are now covered by Alaska signs. Alaska has a decent Board Room (if you are a member, on paid F, or have a voucher) although that room, too, has decor from TWA days.