MEX - LAX - MEL

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straitman

straitman

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I'm after some help from those with more knowledge of LAX than myself.

I'm planning a trip where I am flying from MEX-LAX with American Airlines, then connecting to another international flight to Australia with Qantas. (A Qantas award ticket)

The first leg is most likely in economy and the second in business.
The flights are to be booked on the same PNR.
  1. After landing in LAX, do I need to collect and re-check my bags, or are they checked through?
  2. What is the minimum connection time that people feel is comfortable in LAX?
  3. Am I right in assuming the Qantas long haul baggage limits apply?
I believe I know the answers however I'm happy for the brains trust to confirm them for me.
 
On the same PNR, bags will be checked though, however with the US no international transit system, you'll have to pass through CBP and collect bags then drop them off again.
 
As MEX-LAX is an international arrival it's the same process as flying ex Australia via LAX to somewhere else as mentioned by Himeno above.
 
Himeno said:
On the same PNR, bags will be checked though, however with the US no international transit system, you'll have to pass through CBP and collect bags then drop them off again.
Click to expand...

ozbeachbabe said:
As MEX-LAX is an international arrival it's the same process as flying ex Australia via LAX to somewhere else as mentioned by Himeno above.
Click to expand...
Thanks Himeno and ozbeachbabe.

That answers and confirms my thoughts for question #1.
Your thoughts on #2 & #3 please.
 
For question 2, the advertised minimum connection time at LAX to an international flight is two hours (regardless if arriving domestic or international). However, I would not feel comfortable with that and would be aiming for three hours at least. Congestion at LAX can result in your arriving flight sitting around waiting for a gate (has happened to me many times). Depending on how many AA international flights arrive at the same time as yours, you could also be waiting for a while to get through CBP processing.

For question 3, I can't say. Although it is one PNR, if they are separate tickets AA may not give you J class allowance on the MEX-LAX flight. However, it's something I have not had to try on mixed bookings as my OWE status has usually meant I get enough allowance for each flight.
 
For 2. If I'm in business ( ie quickly off) and from Australia, I wouldn't like anything less less than 3 hours, even though In dozens of arrivals, I have never taken more than an hour to get right through. Most of this precaution is for possible delayed flight in.

From MEX, And if you are in Y, I'd want 4 hours. If you are behind Mexican pax, assume there will be immigration delays ( ePassport or no).

I don't believe in the philosophy of being 'protected' in the event of a missed flight when on one PNR. You don't know when the next *available* flight will be, and it's all a PITA. Have extra lounge time and don't forget to allow30-60 mins for re entry security.

For the baggage allowance ... no matter what you are told, or find out, it will be in the hands of the check in agent at MEX, who will likely simply apply the AA rule, so good luck!
 
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Himeno said:
however with the US no international transit system
Click to expand...

Almost none :). I did EZE-xIAH-YYC a couple of years ago. Was shocked to walk off the plane and, with a couple of turns, into the UA terminal and to the lounge.
 
q1: Answered

q2: 3 Hours minimum as if you miss QF94/QF96 they'll put you on QF16 that night via BNE or another QF flight the next day. Best not to miss.

q3: Yes, if it's a QF flight number as Qantas are the MSC. If an AA flight number then AA.
 
1 is as suggested. Walk about 40m once you exit and all the airlines have a bag drop, although manned not like it was back in the day.

2. If it's this time of year I allow 4 hours, winter weather always kills it for me. I've naver made a connection through LAX as advertised by the airlines.

3. From my experience have to disagree with some others, I have been charged excess baggage with AA who were vary apologetic as understood I had a greater limit with QF who I was connecting to. It was less that $50 so didn't push the point or worry about following up on my return.
 
Isolar said:
For question 2, the advertised minimum connection time at LAX to an international flight is two hours (regardless if arriving domestic or international). However, I would not feel comfortable with that and would be aiming for three hours at least. Congestion at LAX can result in your arriving flight sitting around waiting for a gate (has happened to me many times). Depending on how many AA international flights arrive at the same time as yours, you could also be waiting for a while to get through CBP processing.
Click to expand...
It depends on what time the AA flight gets into LAX. There is a FIS in T4, but it is not open all day. Flights arriving at T4 outside those hours are either bused, or have to walk through a tunnel, to TBIT arrivals, where you would also have other international carrier flights.
 
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I have revisited this. Since the origin and destination are not in the USA or Canada, then the US DOT Exemptions should not apply; rather the allowance being those of the operating (MSC) carrier.

If this is QF then the business class allowance for transpacific flight would apply for the entire journey.

I believe @straitman is QF LTG, so it should show as sapphire at MEX.
 
Thanks everyone.

The flight cannot be booked yet as it’s too early. The date will be between Christmas and New Year 2019.

It’s a Qantas FF award ticket on an AA flight number to LAX then a QF flight number to Melbourne.
 
straitman said:
It’s a Qantas FF award ticket on an AA flight number to LAX then a QF flight number to Melbourne.
Click to expand...
You wont be able to book that until ~31st January 'cause AA.

I'd book the Transpac J where available from Jan 7th and wear the 5K per PAX change fee if/when the MEX award becomes available; or look at "revenue" to LAX.
 
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