Transferring QF to AA in LAX

[kinkacruiser]

Our QF Bne-Lax flight arrives 6.30am and AA flight to MIA departs 9.30am. TA says we will have enough time and that 2 hrs only is required. That said I don't want to miss our AA flight (both flights were booked with QF by the TA), hence my question today.

So we collect luggage, clear customs and then drop our suitcases at the transfer belt for the AA flight to Miami.
I hope someone can tell me where, in relation to the customs clearance area, is this "transfer belt". A map, U tube link or directions would be great. I like to be forewarned as we have now been to LAX before. I am aware that it's a short walk from terminal B (International)to terminal 4 (AA). Will we be pulling suitcases with us on this trek or just carry ons?

Thanks in advance.

 

[docjames]

Head straight out through customs, go up the ramp to the bag drop area (inside TBIT terminal still) - it's well signed and staffed to the bag drop area, then head outside for the short walk to T4 with just your carryon luggage (think a distance about the same as end to end of the BNE domestic terminal, possibly not even that far), and largely undercover due to the elevated roadway above). You then enter T4 and head upstairs to go through security and enter the terminal. You'd be mad to allow less than 2hrs but 3hrs should be heaps unless there's a major delay on the QF flight. Note that AA also "protect" you and will put you on another flight (direct or connecting) if you mis-connect.

It's quite easy, the delays tend to be either inbound flights, immigration (a bit better than it used to be) and waiting for checked bags (can still be a bit slow).


There are a few threads already on LAX connections so have a read through those as well.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

TA says we will have enough time and that 2 hrs only is required.

It's more a case of 2 hours is the absolute bare minimum required when your inbound flight is on time.

The TA is obviously reading from the same manual that states that a one hour dom to int connection in SYD is "fine".

 

[RooFlyer]

LAX, and other US arrival ports are a lot better than previously wrt transit time; although that assumes you have an e-Passport. Even without, 3 hours should be fine.

 

[DC3]

For what it's worth, ExpertFlyer has QF15 as running on time for 82% of flights, and having an average flight delay over the past two months as 25 minutes.

Personally, I allow for plenty of time at USA airports, as there's enough stress already, without adding in "connection adrenalin". But that does not bother everyone.

Please let us know how it went.


Edit: Plan on being at the AA boarding gate no less than 30 minutes prior to departure. I would be there about 45 minutes prior, as AA can sometimes board early, anyway.

 

[raleyoz]

Don't panic, 3 hours is plenty, LAX is great to get through now, I use lax every month and I have been out on kerbside, with bags in 15 , mins, longest it has taken in last year has been 45 mins and that is with secondary immigration and secondary customs.
The walk from baggage carousel to bag drop for AA is 3 mins , as you walk out of customs hall, you will take a right turn ,big sign in the wall "connecting flights bag drop", can not miss it!
Walk with your bags up a short ramp and there is baggage drop off, give them your bags and you will have hours to wait.
AA is the very next terminal, another 2 minute walk check in and go through security. Easy

 

[serfty]

Came through last Saturday week. A few additional points.

If you have an E-Passport you use the machines, when you do your finger prints, don't spread your hand - just keep your fingers together and relaxed.

After immigration, you do customs - currently this is a 50 metre walk down a long corridor where they check your forms and normally (hopefully) wave you through. Follow the signs and head up the long ramp to the right for Transfers. At the top there's a U turn to the left and you will be in the bag drop/recheck area (if you are too late to catch your original flight there are counters where they'll be able to rebook you onto another MIA flight).

After bag drop, head outside and look for escalators/stairs going up to the departures level and take them, after which you head to the right and around to T4. If you have no status or are in economy, take the first doors, otherwise head up another 50 metres or so to the Priority AAccess area.