Flying to USA, likely impact of current increased security alerts?

[Colin D]

I'm heading over to USA, arriving LAX October 8th on QANTAS QF93. After reading comments on this site about the problems getting through customs and security there I have allowed myself 2hr 50min to catch a connecting flight with American Airlines to get to New York. It's another story why I didn't book all the way with QANTAS, now I wish I had but anyway it is what it is.

The time I allowed to get through the official checks and board the AA flight seemed reasonable at the time I booked, but now with the heightened security alert is there likely to be any delays? And what's the latest I can board the AA flight?

 

[Hvr]

Not sure what the impact will be but don't worry since AA will put you on the next flight if you miss yours.

Do you have any status with QF? If so you will be able to use the priority security lines,

 

[Colin D]

No status with QF, unbelievably it is actually my first flight with them. Can I join a FF or priviliged flyer program with them at this late stage, and what will it do for me?

 

[Hvr]

You can join Qantas Frequent Flyer program and accrue points for your trip. May or may not be of benefit to you in the long term but can't hurt. Also put your number on any AA bookings you may also get points on those trips.

Don't pay for membership, get the Woolworths Everyday Rewards card for free membership.

 

[DC3]

While your question is about security delays and gate arrival time, and this link relates to QF107, the information may be useful for you as a guide, if you have not seen it already:

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....-program/qf-107-transit-procedures-40804.html

As you are flying with AA LAX-JFK, unless something has changed recently, after the bag drop beyond immigration in TBIT (provided that your bags are already checked through to JFK) you will exit TBIT with your hand luggage (i.e., go outside) and walk to the adjacent Terminal 4 where AA departs (a 5 minute walk). If you do not already have boarding passes for the AA flight, then you need to check-in with AA in Terminal 4. Then proceed through security. Be at the AA gate at least 30 minutes prior to departure.

Here's an extract from the above link:

"Originally Posted by Modification of serfty's transit procedure The process for QF107 to New York if all goes to plan (when does that ever happen)?

• Check bags through to JFK
• Fly to LAX
• Queue up
• Disembark Aircraft
• Walk through the dungeon like corridors to TBIT immigration
• Queue up
• Be processed by Immigration
• Queue up
• Collect bags
• Queue up
• Proceed through customs processing
• Head up ramp, look for signs for baggage "re-deposit"
• Queue up
• Re-deposit bags
• Look for transfer security
• Queue up
• Head through back airside
• Await ongoing flight ...
• Queue up
• Board flight
• Aircraft queues up awaiting departure
• Aircraft queues up awaiting landing clearance at JFK "

So, in your case, you do not head back through security after the bag drop. You exit TBIT and go outside, and then walk to Terminal 4.

While 2 hours 50 minutes is not impossible, I would have allowed more time (QF93 arriving late, immigration queues and processing, security checks in Terminal 4 and getting to the gate on time).

 

[Colin D]

While your question is about security delays and gate arrival time, and this link relates to QF107, the information may be useful for you as a guide, if you have not seen it already:

As you are flying with AA LAX-JFK, unless something has changed recently, after the bag drop beyond immigration in TBIT (provided that your bags are already checked through to JFK) you will exit TBIT with your hand luggage (i.e., go outside) and walk to the adjacent Terminal 4 where AA departs (a 5 minute walk). If you do not already have boarding passes for the AA flight, then you need to check-in with AA in Terminal 4. Then proceed through security. Be at the AA gate at least 30 minutes prior to departure.

Here's an extract from the above link:

"Originally Posted by Modification of serfty's transit procedure The process for QF107 to New York if all goes to plan (when does that ever happen)?

• Check bags through to JFK
• Fly to LAX
• Queue up
• Disembark Aircraft
• Walk through the dungeon like corridors to TBIT immigration
• Queue up
• Be processed by Immigration
• Queue up
• Collect bags
• Queue up
• Proceed through customs processing
• Head up ramp, look for signs for baggage "re-deposit"
• Queue up
• Re-deposit bags
• Look for transfer security
• Queue up
• Head through back airside
• Await ongoing flight ...
• Queue up
• Board flight
• Aircraft queues up awaiting departure
• Aircraft queues up awaiting landing clearance at JFK "

So, in your case, you do not head back through security after the bag drop. You exit TBIT and go outside, and then walk to Terminal 4.

While 2 hours 50 minutes is not impossible, I would have allowed more time (QF93 arriving late, immigration queues and processing, security checks in Terminal 4 and getting to the gate on time).

Thanks DC3 for that. Another question, I have the older version passport without the electronic identifier, will that slow down my processing at all?

 

[RooFlyer]

Just a data point.

I flew a number of domestic and international legs in/through the US in the past 2 weeks (including QF into LAX) and didn't notice any increased security or change in procedures.

So, in your case, you do not head back through security after the bag drop. You exit TBIT and go outside, and then walk to Terminal 4.

While 2 hours 50 minutes is not impossible, I would have allowed more time (QF93 arriving late, immigration queues and processing, security checks in Terminal 4 and getting to the gate on time).

While this is sound advice, note that TBIT is a lot more user friendly now. Even in economy, if you land and look to have a 'tight connection' (I think 2 hrs or less), at the top of the deplaning gangway, there will be an agent with an orange tag for you (your name/details written on it). This gets you expedited immigration (ie through US citizens lanes), the fast queue (new) at customs and priority lane at security at your departure terminal (T4).

You still never want to dawdle, but its a bit easier now.

I don't think a non electronic passport will slow down your screening. I think the US machines still read the code on the edge of your photo page ... and then there are the fingerprints

 

[Colin D]

Just a data point.

I flew a number of domestic and international legs in/through the US in the past 2 weeks (including QF into LAX) and didn't notice any increased security or change in procedures.




While this is sound advice, note that TBIT is a lot more user friendly now. Even in economy, if you land and look to have a 'tight connection' (I think 2 hrs or less), at the top of the deplaning gangway, there will be an agent with an orange tag for you (your name/details written on it). This gets you expedited immigration (ie through US citizens lanes), the fast queue (new) at customs and priority lane at security at your departure terminal (T4).

You still never want to dawdle, but its a bit easier now.

I don't think a non electronic passport will slow down your screening. I think the US machines still read the code on the edge of your photo page ... and then there are the fingerprints

Cheers Roo Flyer, does every passenger get one of those orange tags?

Another question on checked in luggage. Is there any advantage to being first or last to check in? I'm wondering which one will see your bags appear on the carousel sooner.

 

[RooFlyer]

Cheers Roo Flyer, does every passenger get one of those orange tags?

Another question on checked in luggage. Is there any advantage to being first or last to check in? I'm wondering which one will see your bags appear on the carousel sooner.

No, not everybody. I'm not sure exactly what the criteria is, but its worked out before the plane lands I believe on time to next connection. But definitely not limited to F, J or status.

I definitely think the later you check in (or tighter the connection), the earlier bags appear at the other end.

 

[Colin D]

No, not everybody. I'm not sure exactly what the criteria is, but its worked out before the plane lands I believe on time to next connection. But definitely not limited to F, J or status.

I definitely think the later you check in (or tighter the connection), the earlier bags appear at the other end.

Thanks again RooFlyer. About the checked in luggage I thought the same as you but the missus had a reverse theory that stuff taken out of the cargo hold first would be on the bottom of the pack and therefore last to be loaded onto the carousel. Both theories sound valid, but only one must be true, which one then??

 

[UP4014]

Don't want to sound too negative, but I've missed connections with longer time periods at LAX. Even if you get through customs and all goes well I've made it to the AA check in to find a hour long queue to get through domestic security.

Going from QF to AA is easy and a missed flight isn't the end of the world, they could re route you via another city to get you there without issue.

Don't stress out about it, it is what it is and you'll be in the same situation as many others just go with the flow.

Matt

 

[raleyoz]

I have to say the last few months I have been amazed at how quick you can get through immigration and customs. LAX has IMO improved greatly. The last 3 entry's ( in the last 3months) I have been kerbside in under 20 mins, which is good for any airport.
However I make sure I give myself the best chance by using these tips
Make sure your seats is as far forward on the plane as your class of travel will allow
Walk briskly to immigration, passing 20-30 pax on the way can save you a lot of time in lines
Pay attn to the lines and look for the smallest before you enter a line

However if your flight is unlucky and cops the incoming Asian flights, things slow down

Remember - Pace from the gate

 

[legroom]

The shortest immigration line is usually the furthest away.

Walking on past the first few lines is usually a safer bet.

Pace & Scan !

 

[Colin D]

Turns out I was very very lucky then going by comments here and ended up having over an hour and a half to spare waiting for the connecting AA flight and that was after the flight from Melbourne was an hour late departing. When I got to LAX immigration there was no other flights queued up and plenty of attendants to direct us. I was totally surprised how quiet LAX was in fact. Could be that mid week is a lot quieter and quicker. Even the AA flight landed 30 min early. Only problem to date was the wank taxi driver in NYC dropped us at the wrong address .


Big thank you to the young lady at Qantas check in who organised our AA boarding passes for LAX which I didn't realise could happen.

 

[raleyoz]

LAX is a much better place to travel through now than I remember several years back when I would avoid it like the plague.
Glad it all worked out and you are enjoying your trip

 

[Sprucegoose]

Pay attn to the lines and look for the smallest before you enter a line

I will pick a female IO over a male, generally more organised and efficient

 

[legroom]

..... Big thank you to the young lady at Qantas check in who organised our AA boarding passes for LAX which I didn't realise could happen.

That's is par for the course as long as QF / AA both remain in OW.

 

[RooFlyer]

Just a data point. Arrived at DFW from Belize on AA, with ESTA issued prior to recent changes / tightening.

Followed the the signs to ESTA queue, passport into machine, pressed yes/no answered to about 10 simple questions on the screen ( eg are you RooFlyer?), photo taken ( I wasnt looking into the camera) and move on, down long escalators to baggage hall. No checked luggage, so join the customs queue,which was long . After a couple of mins I realise that I'm in the USA queue, so walk up and join the much shorter ESTA queue. 2 officers on long USA queue. 3 on the much shorter ESTA queue .

Customs gal takes the slip, asks me where I'm staying the night (airport Hyatt) and I'm through.

Basically im through the lot in 10 mins, including mis queue and escalators.