QF Transfer at LAX

[Ryan K]

Hi.

Next June, I'll be arriving at LAX on QF93 from MEL and then flying to JFK on QF107. With only 95 minutes transit time, I'm a little worried about re-checking luggage and making the next flight.

Does anyone know if Qantas use the same terminal for these flights and if so, how far the distance might be between the two gates?

Cheers,

Ryan.

[Shameel Kumar]

Hi Ryan,

Here's what I could find on the QF website:

Los Angeles Airport Terminal Changes from 1 October 2008

Terminal changes occurred at Los Angeles Airport for selected Qantas flights effective 1 October 2008, as follows:

Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT):

* All Qantas operated non-stop flights to and from Sydney, Melbourne (QF93/94) and New York (JFK) operate from this terminal. Check in at the Qantas counters.
* Qantas codeshare flights to and from Fiji operate from this terminal. Check in at the Air Pacific counters.
* Qantas codeshare flights to and from Tahiti operate from this terminal. Check in at the Air Tahiti Nui counters.
* Mexicana (MX) codeshare services.

Link:http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/atTheAirport/airportGuide/lax

So you'll arrive at the Tom Bradley Int'l Terminal, and QF107's JFK leg will depart from the same terminal. That is definitely a plus for you because that 95minute transit time is a bit tight.
The only experience I've had transitting in LAX was a flight I did from SYD-LAX-SFO. After arriving in LAX, I had to go through the usual process:
Immigration-> Baggage collection -> Customs -> place bags at a special place if connecting onto another flight (this is only if you've already had your bags tagged on through to your final destination) -> check-in for my connecting flight -> Security screening -> Boarding connecting flight.

I'm not sure if your transit will be a more time-efficient process since both flights are QF operated. Others may be able to give a more accurate answer. :)

[danielc]

You might want to look at this link....http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/atTheAirport/airportGuide/lax
..Paraphrasing the bit relevant to your trip.....

Tom Bradley International Terminal
Qantas operated non-stop flights to and from Sydney, Melbourne (QF93/94) and New York (JFK) operate from this terminal.

From this, it would appear that your flights arrive/depart from Tom Bradley International Terminal so no terminal change required...Personally, I have done the MEL - LAX transferring to an AA flight to SFO last July 4th and missed my connection due to late arrival into LAX. It was no easy task getting re-scheduled onto a flight on a US Public Holiday...Needless to say it appears your connection should be quite smooth

[Mike W]

I'm pretty sure you can check your bags all the way through and not have to go through customs until NY evn though you'll be swapping flights.

[Tom Lohdan]

I'm pretty sure you can check your bags all the way through and not have to go through customs until NY evn though you'll be swapping flights.

All bags must be collected and then rechecked at a special area just after customs, even if they are tagged all the way through.

95 mins should be fine, just make sure when you get off the plane you walk fairly fast and pass alot of the people before arriving at Immigration.

Immigration is shocking at LAX, depending on the number flights they are processing. Normally takes about 30 mins just to get through Immigration, some times alot longer. I've seen 3 flights arrive and they only have 4 people on the Immigration desks, took me over 1.5 hours that time.

[Daniel F]

I did that same connection a few weeks ago... connecting from the first A380 QF93 flight.

Its not a problem because Qantas has a list of passengers that are connecting to QF107 in the connections area, so they make sure that you make it to QF107. I guess the only time where they won't hold QF107 is if QF93 is running really late.

[Grahame Hutchison]

The last three time I have been on the 107 you have to go through immigration, claim your luggage and drop it at the security screening right next door. You then go upstairs to go throught the personal security check, then you can then go straight to your gate, they are all relatively close. The QF flights from Australia typically use the first two or three gates (41, 43A or 43B). The return 108 normally uses Gate 48.

http://www.lax-airport.net/files/images/LAX-airport-terminal-4-map.gif (http://www.lax-airport.net/)http://www.16Right.com/MessageBoard/LAX.jpg
Airline Code Phone
American Airlines AA (800) 433-7300
American Eagle AA (800) 433-7300
Cathay Pacific CX 882 Arrivals CX (800) 233-2742
Cathay Pacific CX 884 Arrivals CX (800) 233-2742
QANTAS QF (800) 227-4500

[Daniel F]

The QF flights from Australia typically use the first two or three gates (41, 43A or 43B). The return 108 normally uses Gate 48.

The Sydney, Melbourne (non-stop) and JFK flights no longer use Terminal 4. They now use TBIT and the flights that previously used TBIT have been moved to T4.

[Ash W]

The last three time I have been on the 107 you have to go through immigration, claim your luggage and drop it at the security screening right next door. You then go upstairs to go throught the personal security check, then you can then go straight to your gate, they are all relatively close. The QF flights from Australia typically use the first two or three gates (41, 43A or 43B). The return 108 normally uses Gate 48.

Except they have now moved the JFK and Syd flights next door to Tom Bradley. But as others have pointed out it should be ok and Qantas will do what they can to get you through.

[Grahame Hutchison]

Thank you, LAX need to update their web site.

[Andrew M]

Thank you, LAX need to update their whole setup and buildings

:p Couldn't agree more :p

[Tom Lohdan]

Next June, I'll be arriving at LAX on QF93 from MEL and then flying to JFK on QF107.

Not sure if you know of the change on the VWP with the USA. Basically you need to register online, before travel https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html

While this is not set in stone, your travel date is after it's expected to be enforced, no fee at this stage and valid for 2 years, but if you have booked, register before they set a fee.

Personally I try do a 11 hour lay over in LA, do a quick trip to the haunts and then take the redeye to NYC, saves a night in hotel costs, and you get to see 2 places for the price of one.

I recently spent a week in NYC, photo's in the sig, expect it to be tourist central, worse than LA. The Empire State Building is really not worth it, go to the Top Of The Rock, where it's not crowded and fab views.

[David Ramsay]

Not sure if you know of the change on the VWP with the USA. Basically you need to register online, before travel https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html

It's no big deal, I did it last week. The questions are identical to those on the green I-94W form that you fill in on the plane. You just don't have to fill in the address details since it is valid for multiple trips within a two year period.

It is mandatory as of 12 January 2009.

[Andrew M]

Do you still need to do the annoying form on the plane ?

[Tom Lohdan]

It is mandatory as of 12 January 2009.

Actually it's not

It's still pending if it will be mandatory, and I hope not.

The address details are to be updated each trip, but I've refused to use this new system until they enforce it.

[Tom Lohdan]

Do you still need to do the annoying form on the plane ?

Yes until they make the choice of which system they use. So even if you use the new system, you are still required to use the paper forms.

Only in the USA :eek:

[Andrew M]

Yes until they make the choice of which system they use. So even if you use the new system, you are still required to use the paper forms.

Only in the USA :eek:

Well then I agree with you, that completing the on-line form for trips prior to 12th of January is a waste of time!

Why do extra work !

Yes entering the USA is a slight pain but once your there, it's a wonderful place for me! :)

[Tom Lohdan]

Yes entering the USA is a slight pain but once your there, it's a wonderful place for me! :)

I just like having a chat with same Immigration guy, seem to get the same guy all the time, and he took a double look when I doing back to back flights within a month.

As with the US Visit system, where you need to fingerprint yourself on exit, this is a new system and is not law or mandatory, it is a trial and you can do the standard paper inair forms until it is decided.

[D Chan]

I would like to add that in most likelihood, QF at LAX, as with any airline with a similar connecting service at an outport hub, would have airport staff with pax manifests ready at the gate to identify passengers booked on tight connecting flights. If there were late arriving flights (maybe say, 20-30 minutes late), they'd try to hurry the pax through where they can etc. If it's an hour or hour and 15 minutes late they'd probably miss the connecting flight anyway - might even have rebooked you already on another flight to your final destination.

[David Ramsay]

Quote:
Originally Posted by David Ramsay
It is mandatory as of 12 January 2009.

Actually it's not

It's still pending if it will be mandatory, and I hope not.

Prior to 12 January 2009 it is not mandatory, or indeed even required. However after that date it is.

From the US Department of Homeland Security Website (http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/esta_advisory.ctt/esta_advisory.pdf)

Beginning January 12 2009, all nationals and citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries will be required by law to obtain a travel authorisation prior to initiating travel to the United States under the VWP. This authorisation may be obtained online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), a free internet application administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through a U.S. Government web site

[Andrew M]

Yeh I thought it was mandatory after the 12th of January

I wonder how many people are goign to get caught out by this! :(

[Ryan K]

Thanks everyone for your responses, it's been a great help.

Cheers.

Ryan.

[Tom Lohdan]

Prior to 12 January 2009 it is not mandatory, or indeed even required. However after that date it is.

From the US Department of Homeland Security Website (http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/esta_advisory.ctt/esta_advisory.pdf)

That has to be wrong for the following reasons:

1. Website still states: It is anticipated that ESTA will become mandatory for VWP travelers from current VWP member countries on January 12, 2009and for VWP travelers from newly admitted VWP countries in mid-November 2008. Learn more about ESTA on the DHS Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website. Review the Interim Final Rule on the DHS main website. Link (http://www.dhs.gov/xprevprot/laws/gc_1212505190650.shtm)

2. Regulations.gov has submissions dated 8th of the 11th, while the PDF is published 6th of the 11th. Nothing on Regulations.gov approves it.Link (http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=USCBP-2008-0003)


3. You might be confused with the VWP travelers from newly admitted VWP countries in mid-November 2008.

Interesting to note the 6th of the 9th comment (sorry for caps, quoted)

SHUT DOWN ALL VISAS. IT IS CLEAR THAT THIS AGENCY IS GIVING OUT
VISAS WHEN IT HAS ABSOLUTELY NO PROGRAM IN PLACE TO TELL THAT
VISA VISITORS GO HOME WHEN THEY SHOULD. THE PROGRAM IS OUT OF
CONTROL. AMERICAN HAS HORDES OF VISA HOLDERS HERE ILLEGALLY.
IT IS CLEAR THAT MUCH MORE MONEY NEEDS TO BE COLLECTED FROM
VISITORS HERE TO COVER THE COSTS OF DEPORTING THE ONES WHO
SHOULD NOT BE HERE AT ALL BECAUSE THEY DID NOT LEAVE WHEN
THEY SAID THEY WOULD.

I AM SICK OF AMERICAN TAXPAYERS BEING HOUNDED FOR MONEY FROM
THEIR WALLETS TO PAY FOR THESE LEECHES, THESE SNEAKS. THIS
AGENCY IS NOT DOING THE JOB.

UNTIL THE AGENCY GETS HOLD OF ITS JOB, NO VISAS SHOULD BE
ISSUED AT ALL.

OUR GOVERNMETN IS TRAITOROUS TO AMERICAN SECURITY WITH THESE
VISAS.

[David Ramsay]

I'm not confused at all, Tom.

Following press release is now on DHS website.

Release Date: November 13, 2008

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced today that beginning Jan. 12, 2009, eligible citizens or nationals from all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries must obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to traveling to the United States under the VWP.

The full press release can be found here (http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1226611203693.shtm)

[Tom Lohdan]

Release Date: November 13, 2008

Sorry David, didn't catch the news of yesterday.

Just did a 3 day trip MEL-LAX.

Looks like W is cementing his plans before the change over and Chertoff given the boot.