Connecting in LAX

Can someone who has connected with a domestic flight from an international answer this for me, I am on VS7 this Sat due to arrive LHR - LAX 15:00 T2 and have a Delta connection T5 departing at 17:00 for SLC is this enough time....... Also if the plane is delayed I am right to assume it is up to the airline to get me there that night.

Thanks for any input.

--
Phil

[preiffer]

The "ownership" of the problem (as in who's issue it is to get you where you need to be) is directly related to how it's ticketed.

Do you have a through-ticket, bought through one airline? If so, yes, it's their responsibility.

However, if you have seperate tickets (especially if you bought them seperately yourself), I'm afraid it's normally your problem should things not work out. Good news is the US airlines (ala Delta) have great policies on allowing you to standby for a later flight if you miss your original in most cases.

As far as timings go - you have to clear immigration, collect & recheck baggage etc. in LAX. Personally, I'd fear 2 hours was a little tight (I'd feel better with 2.5 - 3), but it's do-able...

Ticket was bought through airline-netowork (LHR - SLC) and appears to be a VS issued ticket (I am guessing as they parter with Delta)

Was not thinking before!!

[preiffer]

Hi Phil,

Where you say it was bought through Airline Network as "LAX-SLC", does that mean you have a seperate itinerary for the "LHR-LAX" bit?

I have four paper tickets LHR - LAX LAX - SLC SLC - LAX LAX- LHR not so worried about the return as have 3hrs at LAX DL in @ 18:00 VS out @ 21:05

Hi Phil

It looks like you're on the same flight as me on Saturday. I'm connecting to a NZ flight to Fiji at 19.15. Missing the connection is something i've been worrying about, as the next flight isn't until Monday and my flights are booked separately (i've used miles to LA), so i've made sure i've got travel insurance which covers missed connections. American Express was the only place i found that did this - most policies just cover the missed departure on the flight from the UK or back to the UK.

Fingers crossed there are no delays on Saturday!

Sarah

[preiffer]

Hi Phil,

In that case (the ticket being LHR-SLC, VS issued) - it would appear you're on a through ticket. Ask VS (if they can) to check you in for your DL flight when you get to LHR. That way, they'll know you're coming and will make arrangements automatically should you be delayed.

Hi Sarah,

Looking at the LAX airport map at least you do not have to change terminals. I am getting a bit worried about the 2hrs tho lets hope the plane is in by 14:00 one can always wish.......

[preiffer]

The terminals in LAX are actually quite close (in distance) to each other.

I wouldn't worry that much about the T2 - T5 bit Phil.

Paul,

So if VS check me in all I need to worry about in LA is clear immigration collect bag and then use the Delta fast bag drop?

[preiffer]

Yup - exactly Phil. You just bung your bag back on the belt in the connections area - then walk to your next flight.

We actually need Lipstick (or another in-the-know) to confirm that you can definitely be checked through to a DL flight from LHR, but since it's on the same ticket, I'm 99.9% sure you can.

Even having said that, they've even checked me all the way through on an Air Canada (seperate ticket) connection before - they're usually quite good.

Paul,

Whem you say bag on connections belt which terminal would it normally be for that T2 or T5?

[Pete]

Phil,

The belt for connecting baggage will be just after you clear customs in T2. Simply go through immigration, collect your bag as normal, do the customs thing and then as you're going up the ramp to leave the arrivals area, they're a bunch of belts on your right. Someone will be there to help, but it's pretty clearly marked. Drop your checked luggage there and then make your way over to T5.

Pete

Originally posted by phills1
I am on VS7 this Sat due to arrive LHR - LAX 15:00 T2 and have a Delta connection T5 departing at 17:00 for SLC is this enough time.......

I'd have thought the connection time would be fine - I'd be more concerned about whether you can make it to the Shilo in time for the NCCI party on Satdi night

(unfortunately I won't be there, work saw fit to cancel my BS trip last week [}:)][}:)])

Cheers

Michael

Michael,

I doubt it as won't be landing till 20:00ish get hotel = sleep for me this however, is my first BS so will be really interesting to see what happens. Still is all good to build me the mileage and TP's

Originally posted by phills1
I doubt it as won't be landing till 20:00ish get hotel = sleep for me this however, is my first BS so will be really interesting to see what happens. Still is all good to build me the mileage and TP's

Seriously, get yourself to the Shilo and meet the good folks from NCC and the SYSops (and have a drink for those of us that won't be there this year). A bit of a party in the evening and a "late-ish" night, you can't drink past 0100hrs in SLC anyway, will put you right into the time zone and you'll be all set for a busy week. Trust me, this comes from experience

I'm guessing you're the Phil posting in the BS forum, so you'll have probably seen a lot of the info on what to do during the week - but if you want any hints & tips, feel free to PM/email me

Cheers

Michael