Enough time to make flight?

[Trimmers18]

Hi everyone,

Flying from Melbourne to LAX in a few months time. We arrive at 6:45am and have a flight to Las Vegas at 9:15am later that day.

Just wondering if 2.5 hours is enough time to go through immigration, gather bags and head for the next terminal? (10 min walk)

I have been to the States before via New York and I remember immigration only taking 15-20 mins. Will we be cutting it short for time?

Thanks

 

[DC3]

Flying from Melbourne to LAX in a few months time. We arrive at 6:45am and have a flight to Las Vegas at 9:15am later that day.

Just wondering if 2.5 hours is enough time to go through immigration, gather bags and head for the next terminal? (10 min walk)

In that case, you should be good.

In the past, I’ve allowed around four hours for a similar transit in the US, but that’s just me. Anyway, if it’s on the same PNR, at least you will be ‘protected’ if missing that flight. And welcome to AFF.

Edit: There is a bag drop at LAX before you exit TBIT, provided that your bags are already checked through to LAS. That saves having to re-check bags at whatever terminal you leave LAX from. You haven’t mentioned which airline that you are flying, but it’s the same procedure if the bags are already checked through.

 

[Mwenenzi]

Welcome to AFF

Flying from Melbourne to LAX in a few months time. We arrive at 6:45am and have a flight to Las Vegas at 9:15am later that day.
Just wondering if 2.5 hours is enough time to go through immigration, gather bags and head for the next terminal? (10 min walk)
I have been to the States before via New York and I remember immigration only taking 15-20 mins. Will we be cutting it short for time?

Look here --> Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - CBP Airport Wait Times (AWT)
MEL-LAX-LAS on the same ticket/PNR?

 

[RooFlyer]

Just wondering if 2.5 hours is enough time to go through immigration, gather bags and head for the next terminal? (10 min walk)

Welcome to AFF.

I wouldn't plan that connection. As Mwenenzi asked, it will also make a difference if you are on one ticket/PNR or not. If you are, you might take the 2.5 hrs connection, as you will be able to take a later flight if you miss the planned one. But if on different tickets, you will be a no-show and lose the onward flight.

The total equation for the 'connection time' is - possibility of inbound flight being late; time to de-plane; immigration and customs; walk to departure terminal; security to enter; arrive at gate in time for boarding.

 

[jb747]

Last time I paxed to LAX was on a ticket with a relatively short connection, but that was what the QF booking engine offered. I wasn't all that happy about it, but figured it would be their problem it if didn't work out. Aircraft ended up a bit late, and we were met at the end of the gate by an agent an pointed at a priority immigration line. Son hadn't been to USA in decades, but it was still a very quick process. Luggage was the slowest part. Made the connection, but I don't think I'd book like that again.

 

[Eastwick20]

I did this in February ( arriving from MEL on UA, separate ticket on AA to LAS )

it took me exactly 2 hours from the aircraft door through to landside ( immigration was absolutely horrendous that day at 7.30- 8.00am )

I had land luggage only so going back through security to airside was pretty quick ( probably around 15 minutes max )

Initially I had 4 hours but due to a AA schedule change that dropped back to 2.55 hours
It all turned out fine and dandy but i would have been VERY nervous had the UA flight been late into LAX!

 

[snabbu]

Make sure you download and use the MPC app so your entry into the US is fast (10-15 mins) as opposed to potentially 1-2 hours without.

USA Entry - CBP Mobile Passport control app [MPC]

Has anyone on AFF been using the CBP MPC app for entry into the USA? More details about this app here: Mobile Passport Control (MPC) The wording is a bit vague as it suggests "The MPC mobile app, is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[billmurray]

To bump this post but a query for my flight rather than OPs.

We land in LHR on SQ308 at 3:40pm on Wed 25th Sept. We need to then get to Milan that night - how much time would you leave to book the next flight over? There is a direct flight LHR - LIN on BA at 6:35pm - would this be sufficient?

We would need to collect bags - do we change terminals? Is this LHR - LIN considered international flight now so we need additonal time to clear customs ?

 

[AIRwin]

We would need to collect bags - do we change terminals?

Terminal 2 to Terminal 5

 

[billmurray]

Terminal 2 to Terminal 5

Okay, so we need to collect bags then get a free train to T5.

Looks like we will need at minimum 3-4hrs to be safe? Especially with a 5month old for any feedings etc. I assume checked baggage would close close to 1hr before flight too?

Edit:

Argh, there is only really 2 direct flights in the evening with BA, 640pm or 840pm. 840pm is safest option but wont land in MXP (40mins from accom) close to midnight.

The 640pm is perfect as we can land in LIN (15min from accom)....but damn it sounds like we would be cutting it fine.