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Original poster

Urgent LAX transit advice needed!

12 replies

DrDiva · 27/12/2023 13:05

I am having to do an emergency dash home to NZ for my mum ☹️. The only flight I could get short notice is through LA, and there is only a 2-hour window between flights.

Does anyone have any experience with a tight turn around in international transit at LA? First flight is United (terminal 7), second is Air NZ (terminal B).

Do I have any hope of getting me and a suitcase in the second flight, or should I just take hand luggage? Pretty sure I can make it, but not so sure of the bag, given bag drop closes 50 minutes after the first flight lands!

OP posts:
Cookerhood · 27/12/2023 13:07

We came from NZ through LAX with Air NZ & Virgin & our luggage just went straight through as far as I can remember. I'm not sure if that makes it better or worse!

IrresponsiblyCertainAboutSexualDimorphism · 27/12/2023 13:14

Sorry to hear about your DM. You do know you need an ESTA to transit in the US? You probably do, but just in case.

Original poster
DrDiva · 27/12/2023 13:15

Thank you, I have an ESTA, got it ready to go as I knew this was on the cards!

and I’ve been told I have to collect my luggage in between, that currently that’s for all transit passengers through the states?

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greenacrylicpaint · 27/12/2023 13:16

that's very tight considering you have to go through us immigration.
last time (many years ago) I had to pick up my luggage as well and had to check it in again.

GrumpyPanda · 27/12/2023 13:17

Can you ship your suitcase separately?

Einszwei · 27/12/2023 13:19

Are the flights on one booking? If so it is up to the airline you booked with to rebook your second flight if you don't make the connection.

mynameiscalypso · 27/12/2023 13:19

If you can, If probably take hand luggage only. I'm sure the last thing you need is to make the journey more stressful. I'm so sorry about your mum Flowers

theresnolimits · 27/12/2023 13:20

We missed our connection in LAX because our BA flight was late and American immigration was a zoo. Post 9/11 I don’t think transit exists any more. You have to land/pick up bags and recheck in. And the various terminals ( you have to walk) are further than you think.

I’d want at least 4 hours but maybe check with the airport and see what they say.

Silentknight6 · 27/12/2023 13:21

I would definitely take enough essentials in my hand luggage so that should anything go wrong, you have enough to last!

Sisterpita · 27/12/2023 13:25

It’s going to be tight.

Pack a change of clothes in hand luggage.

AirTag in main luggage so you can track it.

Farcis · 27/12/2023 13:25

You’ve had to pick up your bag at point of entry into the US for as long as I can remember and I’ve been going since the mid 90s. I’d bring hand baggage if you can OP.

so sorry about your DM - I know what that rush feels like, and it’s horrible.

Original poster
DrDiva · 27/12/2023 13:30

Thank you all so much. I will go with hand luggage and buy stuff over there. As you say, extra stress is not needed right now!

thanks so much for taking the time to respond and for confirming what I thought.

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