6 hours in LAX terminal 5?

[lkennedy]

My work has just booked be on a trip to Mexico on Delta with a 6 hour layover in terminal 5. Both flights go from the same terminal.

Firstly, is there such thing as transiting though in the US? Would I be going through customs or not?

Secondly assuming I have to go through customs and check in again, can I drop my baggage and head off to a local mall to do some shopping? Is there anywhere of a decent size within s 10 minute cab ride? I often buy clothes from old navy, Macy's etc, when i'm in the US so is there a mall big enough to have those stores near the airport ?

I figure I will take an hour to clear customs, 3 hours shopping and be back with 2 hours to spare. Sound reasonable?

Thanks.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

My work has just booked be on a trip to Mexico on Delta with a 6 hour layover in terminal 5. Both flights go from the same terminal.

Firstly, is there such thing as transiting though in the US? Would I be going through customs or not?

Secondly assuming I have to go through customs and check in again, can I drop my baggage and head off to a local mall to do some shopping? Is there anywhere of a decent size within s 10 minute cab ride? I often buy clothes from old navy, Macy's etc, when i'm in the US so is there a mall big enough to have those stores near the airport ?

I figure I will take an hour to clear customs, 3 hours shopping and be back with 2 hours to spare. Sound reasonable?

Thanks.

Assuming you are arriving frm Australia, you will need to clear immigration and customs on arrival in the USA.

As you are flying Delta->Delta, your bags should be tagged all the way through to your final destination at check-in in Australia. You will still need to collect them on arrival in the USA, and have them with you to complete customs, but there should be a Delta drop-off point immediately after you exit the customs hall... your bags will then be on their way to mexico.

I believe there are malls not too far away - someone else will have that info for you. Dunno if you can leave your hang-luggage anywhere. I wouldn't be surprised if the answer is 'no' given the heightened security.

 

[Limewood]

There is a big mall just up the road near Marina Del Rey, from memory 15min cab ride.

 

[raleyoz]

Get a shuttle to the radisson lax, then you could leave your bags with concierge, $10 tip always makes them happy, then catch the blue/ green (forgot the color) bus to westfield culver city, about 10 mins,has old navy, macs and more importantly nordstrom Rack, now there is some savings to be had here. Especially if you want a suit , shoes, clothes. Lots of food ,worth the trip

 

[serfty]

What class are you travelling; if in Business then being on an international itinerary (or you have VA Gold/Platinum status) will give you access to the Delta SkyClub at T5.

You would be able to have a shower and freshen up.

 

[GoldCanyon340]

The Del Amo Fashion Center south of the airport in Torrance is a great place for shopping but is further away. We have done it in a 40-minute round trip but it could take an hour in heavier traffic and depends how busy the 405 is.

 

[Quickstatus]

Re filling out the immigration card- if you are transiting in the USA and going to a third country in your case Mexico or for others Canada etc, just put in "in transit" in the spot where you are asked for a US address.

 

[Ausbt]

I had a 5 hour layover at LAX a while back, and easily cruised down to Manhattan Beach to soak up the sunset. You could fit in the shopping at Culver and see Venice Beach as well.

 

[leadman]

Get a shuttle to the radisson lax, then you could leave your bags with concierge, $10 tip always makes them happy, then catch the blue/ green (forgot the color) bus to westfield culver city, about 10 mins,has old navy, macs and more importantly nordstrom Rack, now there is some savings to be had here. Especially if you want a suit , shoes, clothes. Lots of food ,worth the trip

The colour is very important! you have to get the Culver City Green No. 6. The big blue buses go to Santa Monica and the other Blues go to all different places. Ive never (ever) driven a car so I'm a big public transport user worldwide, and the Green No 6 will get you to Culver as ive done it many times. Big Blue No. 3 will take you to Santa Monica, bypassing Culver as it turns east into Manchester.

 

[RooFlyer]

May I suggest browse here: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....n-guide/illustrated-what-do-x-hour-58788.html

 

[RooFlyer]

Re filling out the immigration card- if you are transiting in the USA and going to a third country in your case Mexico or for others Canada etc, just put in "in transit" in the spot where you are asked for a US address.

... or perhaps better, "In transit [flight number] [country] " And to give the OP a specific reply: No, it is not possible to 'transit' the USA, at any time, in the sense that you remain airside, don't clear customs & immigration. All arrivals clear customs and immigration at their first stop in the USA.

 

[leadman]

Time seems to go very quickly when you have a stop-over and thinking about it, just get a taxi to Culver City, or Santa Monica or Manhattan beach etc., For buses you have to go to the LAX bus terminal which is about 2 kms from LAX, then you have to wait for your bus, all consuming time. Suggestion is go to Santa Monica by taxi because its very easy to get a return one from there.

But if you are into hardware, there always Home Depot (which Bunnings is modelled off) down Century Bvld about 4 kms, but its hard to get a taxi back so you need to catch the orange 116 back to LAX bus terminal.

 

[lkennedy]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions !

 

[raleyoz]

Time seems to go very quickly when you have a stop-over and thinking about it, just get a taxi to Culver City, or Santa Monica or Manhattan beach etc., For buses you have to go to the LAX bus terminal which is about 2 kms from LAX, then you have to wait for your bus, all consuming time. Suggestion is go to Santa Monica by taxi because its very easy to get a return one from there.

But if you are into hardware, there always Home Depot (which Bunnings is modelled off) down Century Bvld about 4 kms, but its hard to get a taxi back so you need to catch the orange 116 back to LAX bus terminal.

well that is not exactly correct. If the OP drops hand luggage at the Marriott, the bus stop is on the street straight to Westfield. free shuttle from LAX to Marriott. could not be easier. and i have never had to wait very long at all. but a TAXI will not waste any time true.

 

[leadman]

I stay at the LAX Marriott or Renaissance all the time (many to many beers at the Sports Bar!!!!!). The No. 6 bus still has to go via the LAX bus terminal if you pick it up at the Marriott. It can also be a pain getting the shuttle, sometimes you are lucky and get one in 5 minutes, but I have waited over 30 minutes. Taxi, taxi, taxi... with such a short time.

My favourite LA bus ride is the 115 down Manchester to Firestone in Downey. Very different bus ride and many types of people riding it. My US friends are always shocked I take it.