SEA-LAX to fly VA2: how much time?

[BriarFlyer]

I'm booked on VA2, 10.35pm scheduled departure. I'll be flying into LAX from SEA (preferably that day) and pondering which flight to book. There are options pretty much every half hour -- spoiled for choice with AS, AA, DL, VX. How much leeway would you allow with separate tickets?

 

[Himeno]

VA is in T3 (have to check in at T3, then walk across to TBIT to depart). There is no airside connections to/between the north side terminals (T1-3) from the other terminals, so you would need to get over to T3 for check in/baggage drop.
Since they would be on different tickets, it is unlikely anyone would check across to VA. DL and VX are VA partners, so they might check through.

Spirit (NK) and VX are in T3. The others are all in the south side terminals with airside connections. (TBIT-T4 connector building (QF F lounge to gate 41), T4-T5-T6 underground tunnel ~ half way down terminal concourses, T6-T7-T8 overground passage near the TSA checkpoints).

In all likelihood, you will need to leave the arrival terminal, collect bags, walk over to T3, check in with VA, walk next door to TBIT, clear TSA. I would allow at least 3 hours for that (TBIT TSA is insane in the evenings). If however, you are able to get bags checked through, you could arrive on say, DL in T5 or 6, then walk through the tunnel to T4 and take the airside connector over to TBIT.

 

[BriarFlyer]

Thanks for posting such a helpful and comprehensive reply, Himeno. The convenience factors -- through-checking luggage and arrival terminal -- make quite a difference. Last US trip we flew into LAX on VX, collected luggage and re-checked in T3 which saved considerable time and trouble. If Delta checked my luggage through, that would be a big help as well...

Thank you!

 

[serfty]

When are you travelling ... if after May it is quite possible you'll. be using T2 or T3

 

[BriarFlyer]

When are you travelling ... if after May it is quite possible you'll. be using T2 or T3

June 20. T2? I missed this. Tx, Serfty.

 

[serfty]

VA are moving in with DL when they relocate to T2&T3 from T5.

More here: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....a-velocity/virgin-moving-lax-t2-t3-77215.html

Also check the cost of DL business/first or Comfort Plus from SEA... some good value SC earn can be had.

 

[BriarFlyer]

VA are moving in with DL when they relocate to T2&T3 from T5.

More here: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....a-velocity/virgin-moving-lax-t2-t3-77215.html

Also check the cost of DL business/first or Comfort Plus from SEA... some good value SC earn can be had.

Thanks ever so much. I will check that out.

 

[Denali]

VX in J gets my vote. I really enjoyed flying them on the SEA route.

And as someone said above, check the J rates as I got them for only a little bit more than a Y rate.

 

[serfty]

Currently on that day with DL, you can do it in Comfort Plus for USD124 and pick up 45 SC (Three direct flights at that rate), or in First for USD169 and earn 60 SC (two direct flights).

VX has the one flight at $179 & $199.

 

[DaveB]

We flew last year on DL2531 arriving LAX 17:07 providing plenty of time for a shower and meal before departing 22:20 on VA2. Unlikely any weather delays at SEA.
Over six hours transit time at JFK ended up not being enough time for eldest daughter heading home for Xmas.

 

[BriarFlyer]

We flew last year on DL2531 arriving LAX 17:07 providing plenty of time for a shower and meal before departing 22:20 on VA2. Unlikely any weather delays at SEA.

Thanks, Dave. I'm looking at Serfty's suggestion of flying DL "first" although if I can't access the TBIT lounge the shower/meal prospects are looking sad.

 

[serfty]

Thanks, Dave. I'm looking at Serfty's suggestion of flying DL "first" although if I can't access the TBIT lounge the shower/meal prospects are looking sad.

Do you have Gold/Platinum Velocity status or are you travelling in Business on VA2?

Either would get you access to a DL skyclub in T2/T3 - whether with operational showers or not by then I can't say.

 

[Warks]

I flew that route last October but had a day in LA so didn't have to worry about the connection. Delta Comfort Plus was well worth it - for me it was only an extra $20 but got 45 SCs which is handy. Also the DL lounge in SEA had just opened and it was several levels above the best lounges I've ever been in over there. I posted about it at the time.

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....nges/new-delta-lounge-opens-seatac-78952.html

 

[BriarFlyer]

Do you have Gold/Platinum Velocity status or are you travelling in Business on VA2?

Either would get you access to a DL skyclub in T2/T3 - whether with operational showers or not by then I can't say.

No status but I am business on VA2. I'll hope they haven't started ripping things down by then. Thanks Serfty.

And Warks, thanks for the heads up on Delta's new SEA lounge. I don't know that I'll be eligible though as my booking will be domestic and ticketed separately to the VA flight. No Plat Charge card either.

 

[serfty]

...
And Warks, thanks for the heads up on Delta's new SEA lounge. I don't know that I'll be eligible though as my booking will be domestic and ticketed separately to the VA flight. No Plat Charge card either.

If you can show both tickets/BP's at the SEA SkyClub they may do it on the "international itinerary" basis.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Since they would be on different tickets, it is unlikely anyone would check across to VA. DL and VX are VA partners, so they might check through.

In all likelihood, you will need to leave the arrival terminal, collect bags, walk over to T3, check in with VA, walk next door to TBIT, clear TSA. I would allow at least 3 hours for that (TBIT TSA is insane in the evenings).

If however, you are able to get bags checked through, you could arrive on say, DL in T5 or 6, then walk through the tunnel to T4 and take the airside connector over to TBIT.

In Oct 2014 my parents flew AS SEA/LAX and had their bags through checked on to the VA LAX/SYD flight. Both flights were booked via the AS & VA websites respectively.

All they had to do was get their boarding pass from VA checkin at T3 before heading to the *A J class lounge* at TBIT where VA departs from.

If you fly AS SEA/LAX (and remained airside from T6 to T3) not sure if you'd be able to get your VA boarding pass without going landslide to checkin.

If you fly with VX or DL I think they have an IATCI agreement with VA so you should get your VA boarding pass in SEA. There have been both successful & unsuccessful reports of VX & DL not through checking to vA on separate pnrs.

The AS ruling for through check is that they must have an interline baggage agreement and the connecting flight be depart within 12 hours of the AS flight arriving. AS will honour the connecting airlines' luggage allowance.

* VA pax are no longer able to use the *A lounge at TBIT at LAX.

 

[serfty]

...
* VA pax are no longer able to use the *A lounge at TBIT at LAX.

Moreover, if you look upthread, you will see that VA2 is planned to be departing T2/T3 by then.

 

[BriarFlyer]

In Oct 2014 my parents flew AS SEA/LAX and had their bags through checked on to the VA LAX/SYD flight. Both flights were booked via the AS & VA websites respectively.

All they had to do was get their boarding pass from VA checkin at T3 before heading to the *A J class lounge* at TBIT where VA departs from.

If you fly AS SEA/LAX (and remained airside from T6 to T3) not sure if you'd be able to get your VA boarding pass without going landslide to checkin.

If you fly with VX or DL I think they have an IATCI agreement with VA so you should get your VA boarding pass in SEA. There have been both successful & unsuccessful reports of VX & DL not through checking to vA on separate pnrs.

The AS ruling for through check is that they must have an interline baggage agreement and the connecting flight be depart within 12 hours of the AS flight arriving. AS will honour the connecting airlines' luggage allowance.

* VA pax are no longer able to use the *A lounge at TBIT at LAX.

Thanks, ozbeachbabe. I've decided to go with DL for the ease of transfer from arrival to departure at LAX. So glad I asked the original question as I'd managed to miss the news of terminal changes.