MEL-LAX-NYC Advice

[Smithwah67]

Hi all.

First time poster so be a little gentle on me!!

I've used the search function (correctly I hope) to find some information on the process when travelling from MEL-LAX-NYC later this year (in Sep).
I've found a couple of threads in relation to to this however they were back in 2015.

Could anyone who has gone through this process recently offer some advice/updated information i.e. any changes, any issues, tips etc
My wife and I have travelled to Hawaii before (4 years ago) so it would seem we should be able to qualify for an express pass.

Our flight is QF93 arriving 6:35 and we depart for JFK at 8:20 on QF11 (barring delays of course)

Appreciate any replies.

 

[Himeno]

There are a few parts here. The flights, arrival in LAX and the connection itself.

For the flights, keep an eye on the LAX departing QF16 and QF94 the afternoon (Australian time) before your flight. The 747 from QF16 generally turns around in BNE to QF15 back to LAX and that aircraft will usually become QF11 on to JFK.
The QF94 will generally turn around in MEL to QF93.
Delays to these flights on the LAX-AU flight can indicate possible delays to the next days flights.

You will go through US customs and immigration when arriving in LAX.
There are automated kiosks at LAX which can save a lot of time. If you use the kiosks, you won't need to fill in the blue arrivals form.
To use the kiosk, you'll need a passport from a Visa Wavier country (ie, AU), an ESTA or B1/B2 visa, and (if using an ESTA) have visited the US at some point after 2008.
You put your passport in the kiosk, follow the prompts on the screen, it will take finger prints and a photo and then print out a receipt that you take to the CBP agent who will ask some questions and then stamp passports. Then baggage claim and customs.

After exiting customs, turn right. There will be signs pointing to connections. There is a baggage drop and then a TSA checkpoint. Clear TSA and go upstairs. You'll be in the connector between T4 and TBIT. Turn right (IIRC) back into TBIT. A little ahead of where you entered the connector, you should see a window on the side of the corridor you entered on that overlooks the TBIT check in area and the main TSA checkpoint. The TBIT end of the connector is next to the QF F lounge.

If QF93 arrives in LAX late, they'll make announcements and they have express connections passes available after exiting the jetbridge.
If it is so late as to miss the QF11 connection, you'll get rebooked onto one of the AA non stops or on AA via another hub, such as ORD or DFW.

 

[Smithwah67]

Thanks for the reply Himeno, really appreciate it.

The amount of detail you've included... I can picture myself at the airport following your guide!!

We have visited the USA before (Hawaii) since 2008 & have already had our ESTA approved. The only issue I can see is my wife changed her name on her passport after we were married so she might be flagged.

I was concerned about the short transition time to our connecting flight, in case of delays, though that is out of our hands. From what you say it sounds like they will be pretty well drilled in what to do so we'll go with the flow.
Thanks once again for your help.