Connection time TBIT-T5 inbound to US at LAX for US national

[doctork]

I was going to revive this thread:
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....stions/advice-re-connect-times-lax-46831.html
but it's not quite the answer I need.

I fly to the US on my American passport, and have generally got through Homeland Security pretty quick (even at TBIT) . But my last trip was last year, and I've always been on the early morning arrivals (eg. QF107), not VA01 which gets in at 1030.

I know that VA01 is moving to TBIT in June 2013 (before I travel), which is inconvenient. I'm planning a 2h30m connection to a DL flight from T5. I'll fly J, and keep spare clothes in carry-on in case my checked bags are late.

Anyone here with a US passport gone through TBIT at 1030-1100 recently?
What was your connection time like?
What are the bets on budget sequestration lasting til August?

 

[ozbeachbabe]

So you're arriving into TBIT ex VA1 connecting to DL from T5 with a 2hr 30min connection?


Is the DL flight booked in the same pnr at the VA flight? If it is your bags will already be tagged through to your final destination however you still need to clear customs with your bags at TBIT however you can just drop the bag off after exiting customs. Then you just have to make your way to T5 with your carry on.

I'm unsure as to whether VA are able to issue the DL boarding pass if both flights are in the one pnr (maybe others here who have done this before can comment) but you would need your DL boarding pass prior to going through the TSA checkpoint at T5 so you can just wait until you get to the gate to get it.

AFAIK VA will not check your bag through to a DL flight if booked on a separate pnr so in this case you would have to collect your bag in LAX and clear customs at TBIT then take your bag around to T5 and checkin from scratch with DL. It may help if you can OLCI for the DL flight prior to leaving Australia so you can just do the bag drop but you would then have to pay the fee for your checked luggage which can be done at a DL airport kiosk.

If the VA flight was late, or ontime but you got delayed in Customs you may have an issue with being put on the next flight as technically there's no protection for separate pnrs if you miss a flight.

 

[serfty]

...

AFAIK VA will not check your bag through to a DL flight if booked on a separate pnr so in this case you would have to collect your bag in LAX and clear customs at TBIT then take your bag around to T5 and checkin from scratch with DL.
...

According to some posts this week, even if the bags have not been through tagged, rather than lug them around to T4/T5, it may it now be possible to actually recheck and deposit them (getting BP's as well) prior to exiting TBIT:

Once you land in LAX after collecting your bags before you exit the terminal look for the bag drop/transfer signs (you should be heading right up a corridor) and you can get your boarding passes, bags tagged and drop your bags there!

No need to lug your bags ...

...
Yes, the TBIT transfer desks had a make-over about 2 yrs ago with a number of counters for the various airlines. Very friendly and helpful staff who can issue BPs and re-tag luggage.