Qantas Early Check In at TBIT (LAX)

[Lynda2475]

Well Im just happy early check in open again. I assume the gap from 4:30 to 5pm was their break.

 

[SYD]

Well Im just happy early check in open again. I assume the gap from 4:30 to 5pm was their break.

Coming back to the OT bit, I can confirm that QF "Early Checkin" is alive and well at TBIT. It's a bit odd however, the status boards on arrival (telling you which check-in desks) shows "Check-in opens" something like 4 hrs before departure - sorry I should have taken a photo.

On Wed (local time), we arrived around 17:30 for a 23:40 departure on QF12. The status board showed check-in from 19:40. At that point, SYD+1 had a conniption but we went over the the First check-in line (we're both QF WPs) and there were signs above the check-in desks confirming early check-in. From memory from there was something saying that it opened around 2ish but by the time we got there the sign above the check in desks was saying "priority check-in" from 17:30 (we arrived at the checkin desk at 17:31) and straight through. Although, there was something about "priority", they seem to be processing whY PAX (but possibly that was also the BNE PAX).

Security was also moving pretty quickly at that time of day, so in the lounge, showered and first margarita around 6pm. We ate around 7pm - by which time, the lounge was getting pretty busy and the dining area was mostly occupied. Much different to passing through in the morning after arriving on QF11. Service was friendly, if not a bit haphazard.

 

[Andy72]

23:40 departure on QF12

Small world, was on the same flight. Missed connections due to all the congestion

 

[SYD]

Small world, was on the same flight. Missed connections due to all the congestion

Yes, that was a complete shemozzle!

OT, but those wonderting - slightly late leaving LAX, expected arrival only slightly late (07:50) but then ATC held us back for a good 30mins+ doing donuts in the sky. Finally landed but gate occupied and waited ages on the tarmac. I was one of the first off the plane but the doors to arrivals had closed and were locked shut! Finally opened and a sea of humanity had of course also arrived by then.... At least by the time we got into the Uber around 09:30, there was no traffic on Southern Cross Drive heading home....

 

[Berlin]

Does anyone know what the current situation is at LAX? I’m booked on QF12 in a few days and will get a 4pm check out at my hotel. Don’t really want to hang around LA for an extra few hours so ideally would just enjoy the Flounge in LAX.

But- if there’s even the slightest danger that I end up sitting around the departure hall for hours because check in isn’t open yet, then I will not risk it.

Does anyone know- can I safely head to the airport for an arrival around 5pm or will the check in be closed?

 

[SYD]

Does anyone know what the current situation is at LAX? I’m booked on QF12 in a few days and will get a 4pm check out at my hotel. Don’t really want to hang around LA for an extra few hours so ideally would just enjoy the Flounge in LAX.

But- if there’s even the slightest danger that I end up sitting around the departure hall for hours because check in isn’t open yet, then I will not risk it.

Does anyone know- can I safely head to the airport for an arrival around 5pm or will the check in be closed?

We arrived about that time for QF12 a couple of months ago after dropping off a rental car. The status board will show something like “Checkin Opens 7:30pm“ or something like that. But don’t panic, head off to the QF check in area there will be signage about early checkin or priority checkin. We just rocked up to the F checkin area and were processed immediately.

 

[blandfordryan]

Does anyone know what the current situation is at LAX? I’m booked on QF12 in a few days and will get a 4pm check out at my hotel. Don’t really want to hang around LA for an extra few hours so ideally would just enjoy the Flounge in LAX.

But- if there’s even the slightest danger that I end up sitting around the departure hall for hours because check in isn’t open yet, then I will not risk it.

Does anyone know- can I safely head to the airport for an arrival around 5pm or will the check in be closed?

If you're flying wednesday I'll be on the same flight!

 

[Berlin]

If you're flying wednesday I'll be on the same flight!

I’ll be on a Friday only. Otherwise I would have said let’s catch up in the lounge for a drink!

 

[blandfordryan]

I’ll be on a Friday only. Otherwise I would have said let’s catch up in the lounge for a drink!

Ah bummer! Maybe next time

 

[Berlin]

Just been through LAX check in and thought I’d report back for the benefits of others: Indeed, while the screens showed rather late check in times, the QF counters where staffed already and the signs said “Business/First Early check in”. Not sure if this service is really only for premium passengers as the Cattle class queue was the fullest and seemed to get served too.

Me entring the “First/Platinum” queue was an almost surreal experience as even the Business passengers were told to wait into I get served first. While I admittedly quite enjoy the benefits of “fancy travel”, this felt slightly embarrassing even for me. Lovely lady at the desk (wearing Qantas uniform but according to her tags clearly a third party employee) even said thanked me for being a “loyal Platinum member” which I haven’t heard that often before.

What a lovely sendoff and I’m now killing 5 hours or so in one of my favourite places on Earth- the Flounge. Love how here in LA, you feel almost like at home already when entering the space

 

[serfty]

Explored TBIT a bit today aprx. 2:30pm.

Qantas "Early Check in" was already operating with the overheads indicating from 2:15pm.

I am not sure how this time may vary with Daylight saving (which finished for the year in th USA last Sunday).

 

[Lynda2475]

It didn't open until 3:15pm when I was there in August.

Due to schedule change and tail winds I had displeasure of sitting with luggage watching and waiting for counter to open from midday.

 

[serfty]

It didn't open until 3:15pm when I was there in August.

Due to schedule change and tail winds I had displeasure of sitting with luggage watching and waiting for counter to open from midday.

As indicated schedules often change with Daylight saving and check in times can vary to match.

It may revert in March.

 

[Lynda2475]

Sure but even though multiple articles and the airport staff themselves said it would open at 2:30pm, I watched the staff pfaff around for 45mins until I was checked in first. LaX is not known for efficiency and check in is a horrible place to wait around.

If I use LAX again I would make sure I arrive at least 30mins after it is supposed to open.

 

[elanshin]

Sure but even though multiple articles and the airport staff themselves said it would open at 2:30pm, I watched the staff pfaff around for 45mins until I was checked in first. LaX is not known for efficiency and check in is a horrible place to wait around.

If I use LAX again I would make sure I arrive at least 30mins after it is supposed to open.

I wonder if it makes more sense on a morning arrival to find a luggage storage near LAX then go to downtown / nearby beach for a bit then come back and check in late in the arvo.

 

[Lynda2475]

I wonder if it makes more sense on a morning arrival to find a luggage storage near LAX then go to downtown / nearby beach for a bit then come back and check in late in the arvo.

Possibly but was no paid storage option in TBIT, rates for a day room at airport hotel nearby were exorbitant (with checkout by 5pm) and well I loathe LA so fighting traffic to head downtown and back seemed pointless.

If flying in on one PNR luggage is checked through (ideal) but there were no J award flights into LAX that I could add to my OWA. If schedule had stayed as booked I would have landed at 3pm and no issue by time collected bags and walked to TBIT, but with limited options out of IND and allowing buffer for weather delays through DFW (it was hurricane season) midday arrival was unavoidable.

I enjoyed the F lounge but honestly prefer to fly home from DFW where connections are more plentiful, and commute into grapevine for some BBQ cheaper and quicker than LAX to LA.

 

[serfty]

Sure but even though multiple articles and the airport staff themselves said it would open at 2:30pm, I watched the staff pfaff around for 45mins until I was checked in first. LaX is not known for efficiency and check in is a horrible place to wait around.

If I use LAX again I would make sure I arrive at least 30mins after it is supposed to open.

Three things to get earlier access to airside at LAX.

1. Don't check luggage and and OLCI. If you must check bags then that is the circumstance you have to deal with. Also, There are times when OLCI is not available as well. I try to avoid that being an issue.

2. Maybe connect from somewhere else sameday on the same booking; luggage would be transferred. Of course the transit would need to be sufficient.

3. Today i saw people checking in with their luggage 2:30pm. Maybe you "lucked out" that day.

 

[serfty]

I enjoyed the F lounge but honestly prefer to fly home from DFW where connections are more plentiful, and commute into grapevine for some BBQ cheaper and quicker than LAX to LA.

Later this week I am flying home. Routing is LAX-DFW-MEL.

 

[Lynda2475]

I did OLCI no issue, but HLO is not an option for me when I was away for 5 weeks needing items that cannot be bought on board (liquids above 100ml, tweezers), both winter and summer clothes and gifts.

Besides apart from visiting friends, main reason for coming home via USA was to shop for styles I can't get in Australia (or are significantly cheaper in the US).

 

[justinbrett]

Last time I was in that situation I rented a car - but I know that's not an option for @Lynda2475 as she doesn't drive.

There was a thread recently that said AS will connect bags on separate PNRs, which I've confirmed on the AS website - so next year I've got a QF J booking LAX-SYD, and I've booked a separate AS flight LAS-LAX, so should avoid having to get my bags in LAX. AS also say if the connection time is less than 12 hours, they match the international allowance (AS only give 23Kg for J which is really annoying).