AKL to LHR or GLA via USA or Dubai?

[Ardentinny]

Looking at going from AKL to UK via USA instead of DXB - SIN - HKG etc this year.
Process has been simple over the years - usually 2 or 3 flights total say 30 hours - via Asia and picking up my bags at final destination GLA.
What would happen if I went via say LAX or SFO ?- No stopover just transit for say 2 to 3 hours.
Would I have to pick up bags at USA airport and clear immigration and customs etc before boarding connecting flight to UK?
I hear horror stories about US airports hence my concern.
Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[DrJ]

Barring any recent rule changes, as far as I know here is unfortunately no such thing as an airside transit in the US- you have to go through the full immigration / customs hassle reclaim and then recheck your bags to LHR. You need a visa ( or at least a valid ESTA) even if you are only staying for an hour.
Unless you are planning a US stopover, would def go via DXB unless it is a LOT cheaper via LAX

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

I would also go via DXB, avoiding the US unless that was your final destination.
If you are interested in earning full QF SC, I would book it all a QF flight number EK metal and go via CHC and then SYD, then onto DXB.
While I do realise that there is the straight AKL - DXB ultra long distance flight, not sure if that carries a QF flight number these days.
If you do still want to go via the US, with the full US immigration and customs rigmarole, you could go with AA earning a bit of QF SC, not sure if that AA metal service does carry a QF flight number.

 

[GoldCanyon340]

I'd avoid transit at LAX or SFO.

A painless way is AKL-DXB-GLA on EK but the AKL-DXB leg doesn't carry a QF code. If GLA is your end destination then EK is a good bet as DXB-GLA avoids LHR, which is a very good thing for two reasons. First, connections there can be messy and time consuming. Second, on departure from the UK you won't have to pay the exorbitant levies LHR attracts.

 

[RooFlyer]

As others have noted, you'll have to do a full entry to the US on arrival - immigration, customs, then go back through security for the onward flight (don't underestimate that last bit).

LAX is definitely not the horror it used to be - with an ESTA the queuing can be 'reasonable'. Its only if you have a connection <4 hrs that it might be problematic (have to allow for a delayed inward flight). You can even plan a long transit - >6 hrs - because as you have to go landslide anyway, and you drop your checked bags off straight way, you can tootle off for a day around LAX. There are a number of interesting things to do within an hour or so of the airport (there's a thread I can look up if remotely interested).

That said, I'd still probably go the way you are used to, except, as some-one else said, the price via USA is attractive and yo are keen for a look at Los Angeles (or better, San Francisco - a great place to spend a day.)

 

[BD1959]

Last time I did it (about 3 years ago) there was no need to retrieve/recheck at DFW; special dispensation.

However this was BA/QF so not sure if it would work the other way. It had only just come in ... I checked with baggage services who double-checked with US Customs.

Regards,

BD

 

[Ardentinny]

Thanks folks. You have confirmed my thoughts - avoid USA and LHR. I appreciate your responses.