LHR-AUCK via LAX - transit questions.

[fonseca]

Hi! I hope I'm posting this right as it's my first time here.
I'll be flying BA from LHR to LAX arriving at 18:20 TB and departing same day with Qantas from T4 at 23:30 to Auckland.
My questions are:
1.Can I leave the airport in between flights? If so, would this be enough time?
2.Do I have to pick up my checked bags?
3.I understand there is an admirals club lounge at T4, would I be able to get a day pass to access it when flying economy with BA and QF and maybe have a shower?
Sorry for so many questions, and thank you for all the information you can give.

 

[yeldarb8]

Hi! I just posted this questions on the wrong forum.. oppps.. hope it's alright now

I'll be flying BA from LHR to LAX arriving at 18:20 TB and departing same day with Qantas from T4 at 23:30 to Auckland.
My questions are:
1.Can I leave the airport in between flights? If so, would this be enough time?
2.Do I have to pick up my checked bags?
3.I understand there is an admirals club lounge at T4, would I be able to get a day pass to access it when flying economy with BA and QF and maybe have a shower?
Sorry for so many questions, and thank you for all the information you can give. Cheers!

1. Yes, after you clear Immigration and Customs you can leave the airport if you want to... but... as for the second part of your question... enough time to do what? I wouldn't plan on going sightseeing if it involves LA traffic at that time of day.

2. Yes, you will collect your bags then clear Customs and then drop your checked bags on the Interline transfer. Just be sure all the tags are intact and correct, you may request fresh tags.

3. Yes there is an AC in T4. It's OK and has showers. I think day passes are $50. Check at AA.com.

 

[dot]

Hi Fonseca, welcome to AFF.

I have not flown LHR-LAX-AKL but I have flown LHR-LAX-MEL (in and out of TBit), but both transfers are similar. Yes, you can leave the airport if you want. You could take a couple of hours with comfort.

2. Yes you must collect your luggage and recheck them for the LAX-AKL leg - or travel on hand luggage only .

3. I am no AA expert, but I dont think you can have pay in access to the Admirals club. I know they do provide access through some relationship with Amex, failing that I think you need to be flying in J/F or be a OW Sapphire or higher in order to get in. I'm sure others here will be able to advise better than me!

 

[fonseca]

Thanks very much for the quick reply. I visited the AA site and on the terms & conditions says that the day pass is only: "Eligible for purchase by any American Airlines customer". I'm guessing then that Flying with BA and the QF won't allow me in the AC lounge. Am I right?

 

[serfty]

Welcome to AFF

If your travel is on the one booking then you will be able to "check" your baggage all they though to AKL, however you will still need to collect and recheck as described by yeldarb8.

However, if on separate bookings, BA might not agree to check your bags all the way though. If so, then you will need to collect them at TBIT and re-check them at T4.

Day passes can indeed be puchased for USD50. A/C now provide basic drinks (including alcohol) on a complimentary basis for all admittees. Snacks are very limited, although they do improve somewhat before the Brisbane and Auckland evening Qantas flights.

 

[grussellt]

As long as you have a valid airline ticket which provides access through security then you can purchase a one-day pass to Admirals Club. The ticket does not need to be AA.

 

[fonseca]

Another question on my travel trough LAX:
I plan to take the 4 Litres of wine + 2 litres of port allowed into New Zealand. Do I need to worry about the limits in the US? I ask this because if I need to re-check my bags in LA then It can be a problem, no?