3 hrs in LOS ANGELES on way to Auckland then 5hrs in SAN FRANCISCO on way back.

[GruffaloChild]

We're due to have 3 hours in Los Angeles on way to Auckland then 5 hours in San Francisco on way back with Air NZ.

1. How good / badare the transit terminals?

1. Are there any shops or other diversions?

1. Do we have to reclaim/recheck our luggage?

Two parents + 4 year old and 15 month old.

Flying next week so any tips please?..

Oh no not the LAX transit lounge - its not very nice at all.

You will also be given a visa waiver form at check in for your children as well as your good self (you as the parent will complete and sign this).

I seem to recall there is a set procedure for pax on Air NZ flights coming into LAX. This is it:-

To meet the security requirements of US Customs and Border Protection, travellers in transit in Los Angeles on NZ1 to Auckland London must remain in the transit facility. Here is an outline of the transit procedure you can expect.

1. When you leave the aircraft in Los Angeles, Air New Zealand ground staff will direct you to the transit area where you will be required to present your passport and completed U.S. Immigration form to officials for inspection
2. There is no requirement to complete the Customs form when in transit
3. Boarding passes must be retained for the continuation of your journey
4. Entry formalities require all travellers aged 14 - 79 to have a photo and prints of index fingers taken by officials (US and Canadian citizens exempt)
5. US Customs and Border Protection processing may result in a delay to enter the transit facility; we understand queuing can be uncomfortable so will be offering refreshments while you wait to be processed by the authorities
6. If you need to use a toilet before entering the transit area, please ask one of our Air New Zealand ground staff for directions
7. Once in the transit facility, complimentary refreshments and snacks are available to you.

Should you require any assistance in the transit facility, please do not hesitate to speak with any of the Air New Zealand ground staff.

Transit to other Air New Zealand flights

If you are transferring to an Air New Zealand flight with a different flight number you will need to go through regular US Customs and Border Protection processes with all of your bags.

1. Entry formalities require travellers aged 14 - 79 to have a photo and prints of index fingers taken by officials (US and Canadian citizens exempt)
2. Bags which are tagged to their final destination may be re-checked at the Interline Transfer Desk before leaving the arrival hall (even if you do not hold a boarding pass for your next flight)
3. If you are holding a boarding pass to your onward destination, after leaving the arrival hall you may proceed directly to your departure gate
4. If you do not hold a boarding pass for your next Air New Zealand flight, proceed to the Air New Zealand Service Centre in the departure concourse to obtain your boarding pass and seat allocation.

If you are transferring to a flight on another airline you will need to go through regular US Customs and Border Protection processes with all of your bags.

1. Entry formalities require travellers aged 14 - 79 to have a photo and prints of index fingers taken by officials (US and Canadian citizens exempt)
2. Bags which are tagged to their final destination may be re-checked at the Interline Transfer Desk before leaving the arrival hall (even if you do not hold a boarding pass for your next flight)
3. If you are holding a boarding pass to your onward destination, after leaving the arrival hall you may proceed directly to your departure gate in the appropriate terminal
4. If you do not hold a boarding pass for your next flight, you should make your way to the appropriate airline to obtain a boarding pass.

Good luck!!!.