LAX Connection Questions

[garybatz]

Hi Brains Trust,

Next February I'll be flying MEX-LAX with AA, due to land at 19:00, then connecting to QF at 23:00 for the A380 LAX-MEL.

I'm wondering what the process is with making the connection. The AA flight lands at TBIT so no change of terminal, but not sure what the situation will be with luggage being checked through - I'm assuming not since the flights will be on separate bookings. So I guess I have to clear customs, collect my bag, go back through security and check-in luggage for the QF flight?

Also wondering if it might be possible to book the AA flight via Qantas and have it added to my QF booking, if that would make things easier? The QF flight was booked in F (using points) but the AA flight will be in either Y or J.

Any suggestions on strategies to make the connection as seamless as possible much appreciated.

Hoping to check out the F lounge as well

Thanks

 

[serfty]

Any suggestions on strategies to make the connection as seamless as possible much appreciated.

Simplest?

Any Immigration processing is likely to be at TBITª.
- Be processed by Immigration
- Collect any checked luggage*
- Be processed by Customs
- Follow the ramp that goes up to the right and redeposit your bags at the top.
- On entering the arrival hall, don't go outside, but tuen right and head down the end to TBIT transit security.
- After that you head up to the T4/TBIT connector.
- Turn right and follow the connector along - do not go down any steps/escalators.
- You turn a corner to the right and find yourself at the entrance to the Qantas First Lounge.
- Enter and Enjoy
- Wait for QF94 to be called.

If in J from MEX you should have AA lounge access, if in Y you should still have AA lounge access at MEX becuase of your oneworld connecting First Flight.

ª If CBP processing is at another terminal, when that is completed, go outside to the arrivals level and walk around to TBIT and use TBIT transit security.
*Any checked luggage should be tagged through at MEX but you need to collect and redeposit yourself.

 

[garybatz]

Simplest?

Any Immigration processing is likely to be at TBITª.
- Be processed by Immigration
- Collect any checked luggage*
- Be processed by Customs
- Follow the ramp that goes up to the right and redeposit your bags at the top.
- On entering the arrival hall, don't go outside, but tuen right and head down the end to TBIT transit security.
- After that you head up to the T4/TBIT connector.
- Turn right and follow the connector along - do not go down any steps/escalators.
- You turn a corner to the right and find yourself at the entrance to the Qantas First Lounge.
- Enter and Enjoy
- Wait for QF94 to be called.

If in J from MEX you should have AA lounge access, if in Y you should still have AA lounge access at MEX becuase of your oneworld connecting First Flight.

ª If CBP processing is at another terminal, go outside to the arrivals level and walk around to TBIT and use TBIT transit security.
*Any checked luggage should be tagged through at MEX but you need to collect and redeposit yourself.

Thanks serfty, always appreciated.

Is the "TBIT transit security" different to the regular security if you enter TBIT from outside? Also should I expect/need to ask for any sort of fast lane/express pass somewhere along the way that might speed things up?

 

[serfty]

Thanks serfty, always appreciated.

Is the "TBIT transit security" different to the regular security if you enter TBIT from outside? Also should I expect/need to ask for any sort of fast lane/express pass somewhere along the way that might speed things up?

Yes, the transit security is different. It is on the lower arrivals level.

For more, see here on FT:

LAX AA T-4 - TBIT secure airside connector (open Feb 2016) - Page 6 - FlyerTalk Forums

You have 5 hours scheduled, so no need for express.

 

[RooFlyer]

- Be processed by Customs
- Follow the ramp that goes up to the right and redeposit your bags at the top.
- On entering the arrival hall, don't go outside, but tuen right and head down the end to TBIT transit security.

Hi serfty

I've never done the transit thing at TBIT, (except when having a day out in Los Angeles), but after customs, if you go up the ramp to re-deposit bags (which I have done), haven't you already exited the arrivals hall?

 

[serfty]

I've never done the transit thing at TBIT, (except when having a day out in Los Angeles), but after customs, if you go up the ramp to re-deposit bags (which I have done), haven't you already exited the arrivals hall?

There's airside arrivals hall and landside arrivals hall.

I guess I should have specified landside arrivals hall - although at TBIT it's more of a large corridor.

 

[RooFlyer]

Ah, understand, thanks.

 

[Oliver Brown]

I've had issues with AA not processing my onward Qantas flight as it was made on a seperate booking so that may need a bit of time.
Did you say the F lounge?
If you have a tight connection does being in F get you through quicker?