LAX customs clearance times at the moment

[bigjobs]

hi there,

in mid march we land at LAX at 0600 in the morning from BNE (QF15).

we then need to make our way to ABQ (Alburqueque, NM). I am looking at an AA flight that leaves LAX at 0843. Im unclear which terminal that AA flight would leave from (pretty sure it won't be terminal B where we land).

I am just wondering if that is enough time to get through customs and all that to make that flight?

even though it's AA it will be a separate booking from the QF booking that we land in LAX on, so we would have to manage our bags through a check in process with AA also I imagine.

any insights appreciated.

cheers
BJ

 

[SeatBackForward]

hi there,

in mid march we land at LAX at 0600 in the morning from BNE (QF15).

we then need to make our way to ABQ (Alburqueque, NM). I am looking at an AA flight that leaves LAX at 0843. Im unclear which terminal that AA flight would leave from (pretty sure it won't be terminal B where we land).

I am just wondering if that is enough time to get through customs and all that to make that flight?

even though it's AA it will be a separate booking from the QF booking that we land in LAX on, so we would have to manage our bags through a check in process with AA also I imagine.

any insights appreciated.

cheers
BJ

I can't comment on LAX times, however, given that they will be seperate tickets, timing seems too tight.

 

[bigjobs]

I can't comment on LAX times, however, given that they will be seperate tickets, timing seems too tight.

thanks.

I just checked the QF website by putting in BNE - LAX - ABQ on the 16th of March (day we land) and that 0843 flight comes up as their connecting flight with QF15 from LAX that morning… hmmm…

 

[RooFlyer]

You should be OK, subject to QF15 landing reasonably on time, but being on separate tickets, don't dawdle. Don't forget that you should be at the gate for boarding AA no later than 30 mins prior to departure.

Terminal 'B' is Tom Bradley International, usually called TBIT. It can get busy early, as that's when many of the TPAC flights arrive. Your AA flight will probably (but not definitely) leave from terminal 4, which is 5 mins walk from the TBIT exit doors.

There are transfer desks at the top of the ramp as you come out of baggage collection at TBIT, but they are not always manned (Hi Ozbeachbabe ). You have to walk right past them, so if the AA counter has some-one there, check in there if you can't do it when you check in for QF 15 in Oz.

That said, if there is an alternative flight an hour or so later, I'd take that one, just in case QF 15 is late getting in (I'm pretty conservative with any international connection). But I wouldn't go beyond a few hours later, as I think the 8:43 flight should be OK.

Check here: Airport Wait Times for actual average immigration queuing times at selected US airports & terminals. This doesn't include time for baggage collection.

 

[Hvr]

Whilst you will be protected by AA because you're arriving on a OneWorld flight the hassle wouldn't be worth it if you miss the flight.

I'd suggest at least another hour and if you get through quickly then no problems, if you're slightly delayed less stress.

 

[SeatBackForward]

thanks.

I just checked the QF website by putting in BNE - LAX - ABQ on the 16th of March (day we land) and that 0843 flight comes up as their connecting flight with QF15 from LAX that morning… hmmm…

But then you are on the same ticket, and AA will get to ABQ one way or another if you are delayed.

 

[serfty]

But then you are on the same ticket, and AA will get to ABQ one way or another if you are delayed.

Even on separate tickets QF->AA, AA will get PAX through to ABQ if delayed:

Booking and Ticketing Home (Select oneworld Reaccommodation - Separate Tickets)

PAX should also be able to check bags through at check-in in Australia:

Qantas Interline - Separate tickets

 

[serfty]

hi there,

in mid march we land at LAX at 0600 in the morning from BNE (QF15).

we then need to make our way to ABQ (Alburqueque, NM). I am looking at an AA flight that leaves LAX at 0843. Im unclear which terminal that AA flight would leave from (pretty sure it won't be terminal B where we land). ...

AA5973 is operated by an E75.

It will depart from a Gate 44x in the eAAgles Nest. This is a remote terminal to the East of T8.

To get there you need to exit TBIT and head into T4 and go through security. Then go to Gate 44, down the escalators to catch the eAAgle bus for gates 44.

 

[bigjobs]

thanks for all the replies. very helpful from all as always. I think I will take that ticket on the 0843 flight, esp if we can check through when we check in at BNE. There is another AA flight to ABQ about 1245 that same day, so really, i don't think its going to be too much of a hassle. Also, the ticket is cheap … I just need to check the T&C's.

thanks

 

[bigjobs]

AA5973 is operated by an E75.

It will depart from a Gate 44x in the eAAgles Nest. This is a remote terminal to the East of T8.

To get there you need to exit TBIT and head into T4 and go through security. Then go to Gate 44, down the escalators to catch the eAAgle bus for gates 44.

hi there,

additional question on this ... I have been thinking about the 0843 LAX - ABQ flight, as discussed and outlined in thread so far ... but ...

there is a 1340 flight from LAX to ABQ on AA (AA5988). If I went with that one we would have a few hrs in LAX T4 prior to flying out. This would mean any delays would be ok on flight from BNE would be managed etc.

my question is, the last time i was in T4 there was a lounge upstairs. it was an AA lounge. to the right was a 'standard' lounge area and to the left was the 'platinum/OWW Emerald' lounge behind a sliding glass door. I am a QFF WP at the moment. if we did go for the later flight, is that lounge still there for us to use. the idea of a shower and a nap for a little while (plus not having to rush for the 0843 flight) seems appealing.

thanks in advance for replies.

cheers
BJ

 

[Boca68]

hi there,

additional question on this ... I have been thinking about the 0843 LAX - ABQ flight, as discussed and outlined in thread so far ... but ...

there is a 1340 flight from LAX to ABQ on AA (AA5988). If I went with that one we would have a few hrs in LAX T4 prior to flying out. This would mean any delays would be ok on flight from BNE would be managed etc.

my question is, the last time i was in T4 there was a lounge upstairs. it was an AA lounge. to the right was a 'standard' lounge area and to the left was the 'platinum/OWW Emerald' lounge behind a sliding glass door. I am a QFF WP at the moment. if we did go for the later flight, is that lounge still there for us to use. the idea of a shower and a nap for a little while (plus not having to rush for the 0843 flight) seems appealing.

thanks in advance for replies.

cheers
BJ

Hi bigjobs,
not to sure about the T4 Platinum/OWW Emerald lounge. I'd think it would be fine for a QF WP to access. But, if not, with the extended layover time of a 1340 departure, you could re-enter TBIT and use the OW business lounge there without any problems. Get your shower and rest up for a couple of hours.

Either way, I'd think you would be fine. But certainly you could use the TBIT OW Lounge if in a pinch.

 

[serfty]

As a WP you have access to both the Qantas First lounge at TBIT and the the F/L at T4 - there is a hot buffet at T4 but breakfast to order at TBIT.

Used both lounges late last month, After QF93 I simply went back through security at TBIT to visit the Qantas First lounge for a shower. (Did not need breakfast after QF93 First.)

For mine, the showers are nicer at T4 Flagship - also, 'napping' opportunities are better at T4 with reclined chairs and headphones.

The TBIT First Lounge still strikes me as a slightly upmarket cafeteria.