LA layover time

[Billybob]

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum, so nice to meet you all

I recently booked a Virgin Australia ticket from San Francisco to Brisbane, with a 1hr 45min changeover time in LA.

We also need to get from Terminal 5 to Terminal 3 in that time.

I have called Expedia, and the lady told me that our baggage will be checked straight through to Brisbane from San Francisco, and that I shouldn't worry.

However, I'm getting conflicting opinions on this, and I'm not so sure.
What do you think?

 

[Boris spatsky]

Leaving the US is different to arriving as you don't have to clear customs. Provided that your inbound flight is on time, and security doesn't take an hour (which it shouldn't), you should be ok.

 

[Billybob]

Leaving the US is different to arriving as you don't have to clear customs. Provided that your inbound flight is on time, and security doesn't take an hour (which it shouldn't), you should be ok.

Thanks. Phew!

 

[Andrewt]

I did this last week, head to gate 52b after 1830 and there is an airside transfer from terminal 5 to Tom Bradley for VA depatures, so no need to join the security queues. Although VA checkin is in terminal 3 the flight goes from TBIT

 

[ozbeachbabe]

I did this last week, head to gate 52b after 1830 and there is an airside transfer from terminal 5 to Tom Bradley for VA depatures, so no need to join the security queues. Although VA checkin is in terminal 3 the flight goes from TBIT

Did you fly DL SFO to LAX & if so did you get both boarding passes in SFO?

If you don't get your VA boarding pass in SFO should ypu go to T3 to VA checkin or TBIT & get it there?

Surely someone st TBIT can just print a boarding pass as you're not trying to check bags in.

 

[Warks]

Funny I know this topic comes up regularly but normally for people coming into the USA via LAX and transiting onwards. I always allow at least 4-5 hours here and although it's a pretty dull airport I'm not game to leave. On my next trip over I'm allowing 4 hours and that's with hand luggage only.


However I am also booking a flight back to LAX from MCO to connect with VA2 which departs at 2115 (915PM) in October. There are flights which arrive at around 7PM but I'm guessing that would still be a bit tight IF the plane is delayed. If I book with Virgin America they have a non-stop flight from MCO which is scheduled to arrive at 2005 (805PM) but I think that's a bit tight. That said, being the 'same' airline, would it be possible to be booked through? As I can't buy this ticket from the Australian site I would think not.

Currently tossing up arriving at about 5PM vs 7PM. Makes for a long day with the flight to SYD to come afterwards!

 

[ozbeachbabe]

If I book with Virgin America they have a non-stop flight from MCO which is scheduled to arrive at 2005 (805PM) but I think that's a bit tight.

That said, being the 'same' airline, would it be possible to be booked through? As I can't buy this ticket from the Australian site I would think not.

Currently tossing up arriving at about 5PM vs 7PM. Makes for a long day with the flight to SYD to come afterwards!

Airlines in the US are more inclined to thru-check bags to other carriers on separate pnrs eg VX to VA than vice versa.

What airline gets you in at 1700? I'd be inclined to take that flight. Yes it makes the day a bit longer however should you miss your VA2 LAX/SYD flight due to an inbound delay your day will get even longer.

 

[legroom]

Funny I know this topic comes up regularly but normally for people coming into the USA via LAX and transiting onwards. I always allow at least 4-5 hours here and although it's a pretty dull airport I'm not game to leave. On my next trip over I'm allowing 4 hours and that's with hand luggage only.


However I am also booking a flight back to LAX from MCO to connect with VA2 which departs at 2115 (915PM) in October. There are flights which arrive at around 7PM but I'm guessing that would still be a bit tight IF the plane is delayed. If I book with Virgin America they have a non-stop flight from MCO which is scheduled to arrive at 2005 (805PM) but I think that's a bit tight. That said, being the 'same' airline, would it be possible to be booked through? As I can't buy this ticket from the Australian site I would think not.

Currently tossing up arriving at about 5PM vs 7PM. Makes for a long day with the flight to SYD to come afterwards!

I'd pick the 5pm one.

Less stressful thinking about what ifs etc ....

It's not like you could have the next bus back to Oz if you're late.

Others may prefer to keep it tight and more productive time-wise.

My 2c

 

[Warks]

Thanks for the replies. I looked at the remaining flights to get me there at a decent hour but none were non-stop so it was going to stretch into a very very long day with the flight home on top. So I thought I'd leave the night before from MCO and take the direct VX flight (only $204) and spend a night at the airport and use my last day to go somewhere before the flight that evening. The VX flight leaves at 530PM and gets in around 8PM so I'll stay at the Radisson at the airport to save worrying about shuttle buses.

Now what to do with my day before the flight? Venice Beach I was thinking... never been there. Worth it? It's on every travel show I've ever seen.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Thanks for the replies. I looked at the remaining flights to get me there at a decent hour but none were non-stop so it was going to stretch into a very very long day with the flight home on top. So I thought I'd leave the night before from MCO and take the direct VX flight (only $204) and spend a night at the airport and use my last day to go somewhere before the flight that evening. The VX flight leaves at 530PM and gets in around 8PM so I'll stay at the Radisson at the airport to save worrying about shuttle buses.

Now what to do with my day before the flight? Venice Beach I was thinking... never been there. Worth it? It's on every travel show I've ever seen.

Sounds like a good move!

I've stayed at the Sheraton Four Points at LAX on their 24/24 rate which gives you a 24 hour stay from the time you checkin provided you give them at least 48 hours notice & IIRC the rate is at least USD119.00 per night. That way you'd automatically receive 'day use' or have the room up until when you leave for the airport.

I believe a few other LAX Airport Hotels eg Sheraton at LAX also do this. Some of the hotels also have a shuttle to/from Manhattan Beach or similar for USD5.00 to US10.00 pp one way plus tip of course.

Not sure what time VA checkin opens at LAX but I think you checkin at T3(?) but depart from TBIT. You could always check in early then head back to your hotel then return later to TBIT.

 

[Andrewt]

Did you fly DL SFO to LAX & if so did you get both boarding passes in SFO?

If you don't get your VA boarding pass in SFO should ypu go to T3 to VA checkin or TBIT & get it there?

Surely someone st TBIT can just print a boarding pass as you're not trying to check bags in.

I was on DL from Atlanta