Arriving LAX on United international and departing domestic

[RooFlyer]

I have a niece travelling to the USA for the first time on UA, in economy, arriving LAX, going onto Chicago on UA. (She's young (18) ... she'll recover ).

I've never used UA into or out of LAX, so have no first hand experience to advise her on what she should expect. If it were TBIT I'd be right!

UA at LAX seem to operate out of 3 terminals: https://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/airport/maps/lax.aspx

Can anyone help? What's the immigration process like (zoo; not bad ... any tips )? Where is the domestic bag drop in relation to having cleared customs? And importantly does she change terminal to get the Chicago flight? Or is it a case of maybe, maybe not. (I don't have access to her booking right now)

If she does change terminal is it a matter of going out the front door, along the footpath and into the next one, through security etc?

 

[TomVexille]

That's a route I fly every so often, so I should be able to help here.

You're right, UA operates out of T6, T7 and T8 at LAX, they are all connected airside and not too far apart.

Immigration is usually not too bad as they have their own FIS facilities. Last couple times I flew in, we were the only flight there at the time. If she has a tight connection she should be able to ask a UA agent for a priority immigration card which will also get her to the front of the security line upstairs.

Domestic bag drop is pretty much immediately after clearing customs, you have to pass by it before exiting the building.

I have arrived into both T6 and T7 at LAX, and the ORD flights tend to depart from those two terminals. The gate number on her BP that is issued in Australia will have no doubt changed, so her best bet is to get upstairs (whether in T6 or 7) clear security and then check the departures boards for her updated gate information. As the terminals are walkable airside, I suggest clearing security be the first priority.

If you have questions about LAX or ORD feel free to pm.

 

[RooFlyer]

That's a route I fly every so often, so I should be able to help here.

You're right, UA operates out of T6, T7 and T8 at LAX, they are all connected airside and not too far apart.

Immigration is usually not too bad as they have their own FIS facilities. Last couple times I flew in, we were the only flight there at the time. If she has a tight connection she should be able to ask a UA agent for a priority immigration card which will also get her to the front of the security line upstairs.

Domestic bag drop is pretty much immediately after clearing customs, you have to pass by it before exiting the building.

I have arrived into both T6 and T7 at LAX, and the ORD flights tend to depart from those two terminals. The gate number on her BP that is issued in Australia will have no doubt changed, so her best bet is to get upstairs (whether in T6 or 7) clear security and then check the departures boards for her updated gate information. As the terminals are walkable airside, I suggest clearing security be the first priority.

If you have questions about LAX or ORD feel free to pm.

Sorry, I missed this reply originally. Thanks!