LAX Arrival - Express Path/Priority Immigration?

[SeatBackForward]

There is already a thread on this but the moderators have closed it: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....questions/qf-j-class-lax-arrival-32800-2.html

Whats the latest status on express passes through LAX immigration, is it still dependent on onward connections?
Are QF now issuing them on board prior to landing at LAX? if so, as a WP travelling in PE, do you think I could ask for one?

 

[Quickstatus]

There is no express lane at LAX, though if your airline arrived late the ground staff may expedite your passage through immigration. Having WP1 status may help in this situation as a friend of mine who was WP1 and CL was escorted from aircraft door through immigration when his QF11 was delayed and his AA connection time was 1 hour. he made it.

Dont count on it though. Especially if a KE A380 arrives or non english speaking airline with non english speaking pax arrives before you. These passengers do not know how to fill out their arrival cards in English. Then its mayhem. The longest it took me to get streetside at TBIT was 1 hr and 40 minutes, and I was J and I can walk fast.

QF11 always seem to arrive after the KE A380

However Sydney Airport arrivals is worse.

 

[rioter]

No express path to talk of. Even when flying J. If you have a tight connection do not rely on the staff being helpful. Have been in that place from anywhere from 40 mins to 3 hours. It is never pleasant.

 

[Sdtravel]

Everyone transferring to JFK on QF107 gets a orange card to express transfer
But this is like 4 or so QF flights that merge onto QF107 and only for those transferring.

 

[Flying mermaid]

I had a question on this as well. Arriving on QF11 and then on a separate ticket travelling to MSP - I plan to allow 4 hours between (bit painful but I like to be cautious). However can someone confirm that I will need to pick up luggage, walk to T4 and then check in again and also 4 hours will be enough to do this?

 

[Hvr]

I had a question on this as well. Arriving on QF11 and then on a separate ticket travelling to MSP - I plan to allow 4 hours between (bit painful but I like to be cautious). However can someone confirm that I will need to pick up luggage, walk to T4 and then check in again and also 4 hours will be enough to do this?

Yes you'll need to collect your luggage after you've cleared immigration, get to T4, and then check in again assuming you haven't done so on line. Of course HLO cuts down on the transit time.

All going well four hours should be sufficient.

 

[serfty]

T4 implies AA, so 4 hours should be good, as AA will protect you even on separate tickets as long as the airline is oneworld.

Note that I would have missed a 4 hour connection of QF93 on Thursday, but had allowed 6 hours. That was to NRT, and i was getting a little nervous.

There should be enough later options for MSP if you misconnect.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Yes you'll need to collect your luggage after you've cleared immigration, get to T4, and then check in again assuming you haven't done so on line. Of course HLO cuts down on the transit time.

All going well four hours should be sufficient.

Going for 2 weeks and I like my clothes Thank- you

 

[Flying mermaid]

T4 implies AA, so 4 hours should be good, as AA will protect you even on separate tickets as long as the airline is oneworld.

Note that I would have missed a 4 hour connection of QF93 on Thursday, but had allowed 6 hours. That was to NRT, and i was getting a little nervous.

There should be enough later options for MSP if you misconnect.

Oh that is good to know - yes will be booking with AA - currently using your tip about 3 months window for loading discount F fares, so should be able to book later this week. It really is a big saving!

 

[Hvr]

Going for 2 weeks and I like my clothes Thank- you

I'm going for 22 days and doing HLO with enough clothes.

The joy of being a man.

 

[mushez]

No express path to talk of. Even when flying J. If you have a tight connection do not rely on the staff being helpful. Have been in that place from anywhere from 40 mins to 3 hours. It is never pleasant.

I went through LAX for the first time ever off EK215 a week back with APEC card in hand, and was kerb side in 17 minutes and had priority tagged checked bags to collect also.

Chauffeur driver was very impressed also.

But I could see how one without an APEC card could be delayed.

 

[maninblack]

Note that I would have missed a 4 hour connection of QF93 on Thursday, but had allowed 6 hours. That was to NRT, and i was getting a little nervous.

There should be enough later options for MSP if you misconnect.

So you were flying MEL-NRT via LAX? How late in was 93? How long were you in the arrivals hall?

As annoying as TBIT arrival is I don't think I have ever been more than 90 mins tops in there meaning 4 hours is no problem if your incoming flight is roughly on time. If your arrival flight is very late you have a problem anywhere not just at LAX.

FWIW I have had near 90 min to kerbside twice at MEL in the past year, total debacle, worse than TBIT which was about 40 mins last time I was there. I would say MEL averages about an hour gate to kerb for morning arrivals these days, so overall about on par with TBIT

 

[legroom]

I had a question on this as well. Arriving on QF11 and then on a separate ticket travelling to MSP - I plan to allow 4 hours between (bit painful but I like to be cautious). However can someone confirm that I will need to pick up luggage, walk to T4 and then check in again and also 4 hours will be enough to do this?

You (& your luggage) can be checked in / through to the final destination in Oz even on two separate OW PNRs.

So, there is no need to have another check in at T4.

Pick up luggage, clear Customs, drop onto AA belt, walk to T4, go through security and to lounge if eligible.

I often have separate QF and AA PNRs.

 

[maninblack]

You (& your luggage) can be checked in / through to the final destination in Oz even on two separate OW PNRs.

So, there is no need to have another check in at T4.

Pick up luggage, clear Customs, drop onto AA belt, walk to T4, go through security and to lounge if eligible.

I often have separate QF and AA PNRs.

Quite right and also with some other airlines with interline, i.e. QF onto AS even with separate PNR's at checkin in Australia your bookings can be linked and your baggage can be checked through meaning pick up and drop at the transfer desk in TBIT arrivals. I believe they won't for some other airlines, but yes all OW.

 

[albatross710]

I went through LAX for the first time ever off EK215 a week back with APEC card in hand, and was kerb side in 17 minutes and had priority tagged checked bags to collect also.

Chauffeur driver was very impressed also.

But I could see how one without an APEC card could be delayed.

sssshh...keep it quiet. In October last year it was nice going through the aircrew lane and clearing alongside the aircraft captain. The ground staff were not really sure where the APEC lane was.

Also, for the record, they were happy to let my wife come through the APEC lane as well, which made it very convenient.

Alby