Flying in/to the USA

[tuapekastar]

In a couple of days, I will grace US shores for the first time since 9/11 (was last there in 2000). I'll be travelling LHR-LAX non-stop, then domestically in the US on AA, in F (J for transcon LAX-JFK).

I've read varying stories regarding things like security (shoes off, belts off etc.), boarding (particularly 'boarding groups'), and overhead storage, with the requisite need to procure/protect it (I suspect the latter two subjects are closely linked).

What I've read is a little bit all over the place, and not all recent.

I was wondering if anyone with recent experience could give me a potted summary of what to expect/what I should do...I don't expect I'm going to commit any major gaffes or be inconvenienced too much, but it would just be nice to know what to expect.

TIA.

 

[Keith009]

Check in at LAX:
- Get your cab to drop you off at the far right of T4 as that's where the AA Premium check in counters are (where you see the QF signs)

Security:
- Use the Priority AAccess line
- Shoes off
- Jackets off
- Any metallic objects off (as in everywhere else)
- The standard laptops, liquids in transparent baggy (though I noticed that this rarely seems to be enforced at LAX or SFO - I've slipped through the gaps a few times already...) etc out on trays

Lounges:
- No free drinks (i am not sure who qualifies for drink chits) other than in F sections
- Internet access at computer terminals, no free wifi unless AC member, holding One Day Pass, or have access to the F sections

Boarding:
- Board anytime using the Priority AAccess line so don't worry about the boarding Groups (mainly for people in whY with no status - they're grouped according to the row they're seated in)
- Board early to secure some overhead storage space, the amount of carry-on luggage carried by pax in the US is phenomenal and so overhead storage space is at a premium. If there's no space left in the cabin, you'll be made to check in your bags (happened to me back in May at SFO, was the last person to board the flight to LAX as I left work late, was a full flight and about 12 of us had out bags gate checked)

Onboard wifi:
- You can pay for wifi onboard certain aircraft: http://www.aa.com/i18n/urls/gogo.js...itle=gogo?anchorLocation=DirectURL&title=wifi

Hope that helps! I'm sure others have more to add. It's all pretty easy once you get used to it after the first or second flight, and I'm sure as a savvy AFFer you'll get the hang of it rather quickly. And really, much of it isn't too different to what you've experienced as US security initiatives tend to be copied most everywhere else.

 

[drron]

Keith has given you the lowdown.Ask the checkin agent where the security premium line is-not always obvious.
F,J get to board first and I would advise you to do that.Y passengers often put their carryons in the F bins.
In the ACs you get entrance as a QP member.If not given drink chits on entry ask.You can also go back and get more.

 

[tuapekastar]

Thanks muchly for the info QF009 and drron! It will prove very useful.

 

[Grooba]

Security:
- Use the Priority AAccess line
- Shoes off
- Jackets off
- Any metallic objects off (as in everywhere else)
- The standard laptops, liquids in transparent baggy (though I noticed that this rarely seems to be enforced at LAX or SFO - I've slipped through the gaps a few times already...) etc out on trays

One additional difference to note (I was caught out the first time, and seemed to generally hold up the lines) was the fact that if you are travelling with a laptop then you'll have to take it from your bag and place it into a plastic tray, with nothing else in the tray.

Unlike Australia, you can't put anything else into the same tray as your laptop, nothing at all. Normally in Australia I'll throw my mobile/USB stick/etc into the same tray as my laptop, never been an issue. Going through EWR a few months ago I did the same, and all hell broke loose because there was a "foreign" item in the laptop tray, and they had a mad panic to find who'se tray it was. I received a polite warning (they could tell I was a tourist via the accent) that the tray must only include your laptop and nothing else. After this warning I didn't forget again, and probably never will!

I saw the same thing happen at every airport I went through on that last trip.

Hope this helps!

 

[dk4]

...what QF009 said, plus -

liquids in transparent baggy (though I noticed that this rarely seems to be enforced at LAX or SFO - I've slipped through the gaps a few times already...) etc out on trays

This seems to be the case nationally, I stopped bothering to place the bag into a tray (in June), and was never pulled up.

Lounges:
- No free drinks (i am not sure who qualifies for drink chits) other than in F sections

Soft drinks and some snacks are available complimentary at the bar, but you must ask the bar tender for them. Alocohol available complimentary by way of vouchers. (generally given on entry to the lounge; SG=1, WP=2) Tipping is at your discretion, only AC members are expected to tip.

- Internet access at computer terminals

Plus, their system will not allow you to unplug the LAN cable and connect using your own equipment.

Board anytime using the Priority AAccess line so don't worry about the boarding Groups (mainly for people in whY with no status - they're grouped according to the row they're seated in)
- Board early to secure some overhead storage space

First will be called right after those requiring assistance, most of those travelling in First with cabin bags will board at this time, and then take up all the overhead space. If you are slow to board and miss out, try asking the FAs if their is room in their wardrobe, for your bags.

...plus what vec said about any electronic item (with a screen bigger than a standard GPS) into their own tray.

 

[Bundy Bear]

Check in at LAX:
- Get your cab to drop you off at the far right of T4 as that's where the AA Premium check in counters are (where you see the QF signs)

Security:
- Use the Priority AAccess line
- Shoes off
- Jackets off
- Any metallic objects off (as in everywhere else)
- The standard laptops, liquids in transparent baggy (though I noticed that this rarely seems to be enforced at LAX or SFO - I've slipped through the gaps a few times already...) etc out on trays

Lounges:
- Drink chits provided with entry to lounge for Qantas Club members.
- Internet access at computer terminals, no free wifi unless AC member, holding One Day Pass, or have access to the F sections

Boarding:
- Board anytime using the Priority AAccess line so don't worry about the boarding Groups (mainly for people in whY with no status - they're grouped according to the row they're seated in)
- Board early to secure some overhead storage space, the amount of carry-on luggage carried by pax in the US is phenomenal and so overhead storage space is at a premium.
.

Keith has given you a good run down.

A few points from my 7 flights in the US 6 in First.
Priority AAcess line is handy but I found going through regular security took only about 10-15 minutes.
Usually the security staff yell instructions so follow their instructions.
Boarding starts early so 40-30 minutes from departure, Australia you can usually board the plane about 20 minutes from departure, and you can't do this as you running the risk of your bag getting gate checked.
A Qantas Club or Qantas Gold the lounge staff will issue drink chits, and only on the QF flight back to Australia can you get free wifi access. T4 has computers for your use.
You are usually issued drink chits but you should still tip the barman, I work with one chit with $1.00.

 

[serfty]

... Alocohol available complimentary by way of vouchers. (generally given on entry to the lounge; SG=1, WP=2) Tipping is at your discretion, only AC members are expected to tip. ...

As a WP, sometimes I get one drink chit/voucher on entry, sometimes two. No bother, once you have used the one(s) you have been given simply go back to the front desk and request more.

As for wifi, an SG is out of luck. You can purchase T-Mobile "day passes" which will work at most S/C's until they expire. WP should simply request a complimentary "Day Pass" at the desk of any F/L they visit (LAX, JFK, MIA)

 

[Keith009]

.
Soft drinks and some snacks are available complimentary at the bar, but you must ask the bar tender for them. Alocohol available complimentary by way of vouchers. (generally given on entry to the lounge; SG=1, WP=2) Tipping is at your discretion, only AC members are expected to tip.

I was actually referring to the booze, what are these "soft drinks" that you speak of? :shock:

Hmm, I've never been given drink chits proactively at either SFO or LAX, though it doesn't matter at LAX as WPs have access to the F section which has free drinks (albeit self service) anyway.

 

[drron]

Alocohol available complimentary by way of vouchers. (generally given on entry to the lounge; SG=1, WP=2) Tipping is at your discretion, only AC members are expected to tip.

Not sure i agree with this.As a NB(but QP) I have always received 2 vouchers,once or twice having to ask.Did get them without asking at LAX-but only once in the AC there.
As well i always tip.As elsewhere tipping is not just for the locals.Though in ACs they obviously are much more used to foreigners who dont tip so no fuss made.

 

[Grooba]

You are usually issued drink chits but you should still tip the barman, I work with one chit with $1.00.

Wow that's odd. I've never seen anyone tip in the Lounges after redeeming a drink voucher, local or tourist. The first time I went to use one I actually watched a few people just to see what the "norm" was. In all my AA lounge visits I didn't see anyone tip, so neither did I.

 

[serfty]

Wow that's odd. I've never seen anyone tip in the Lounges after redeeming a drink voucher, local or tourist. The first time I went to use one I actually watched a few people just to see what the "norm" was. In all my AA lounge visits I didn't see anyone tip, so neither did I.

Funnily, the chits are almost exactly the same size as a USD1 bill - they slip nicely underneath.

 

[Blackadder]

Just to Confirm what others said shoes, jackets, belts anything that will set off the detector off.
Security on premium lines should be a quick and painless exp(although I did get pulled aside for a additional patdown check dep LAX for SYD)
Drinks without exception was given 2 chits as a SG without asking.
On the return trip try to avoid OW lounge in TBIT if looking for net access, have seen Icebergs that move faster than the connection there.


Sent from my iPhone using AustFreqFly

 

[dk4]

As elsewhere tipping is not just for the locals.Though in ACs they obviously are much more used to foreigners who dont tip so no fuss made.

Don't believe the hype on Flyertalk , those using drink chits (vouchers) are not "expected" to tip. Do you tip onboard?