LAX Immigration

I've just managed to secure two Gs to LAX for my son and his new wife.

They want to go onto SFO straight away. I've never flown to LAX so can someone tell me the minimum time you'd allow for onward travel on Virgin America or maybe even Delta.

Thanks
Jilly

I'd allow a minimum of 2.5 hours and preferably longer.

Both VS flights are scheduled to arrive at roughly the same time as the Air New Zealand flights from London or Auckland. If you're unlucky and they beat you, someone in economy could easily be waiting an hour to clear immigration. You then have to collect your bags, clear customs, recheck your bags, get to the VX or DL terminal and clear security.

Conversely, if the VS flight arrives first, someone in UC or PE can easily be through within 20-30 minutes - better safe than sorry though.

Thanks, sorry should have said it's the earlier flight arriving 14.35. There's a flight to SFO at 16.35 and another at 18.25 and was trying to decide if there was enough time for the earlier one.

Jilly

Ok, well the NZ2 from AKL is scheduled to land at 1445 but today it arrived 50 mins early, while the VS7 was 5 mins late.

Of course on the day your son flies the VS7 could arrive early and beat the NZ2 in which case 2 hours would be no problem.

When I passed through T2 immigration a couple of weeks ago, though, only 4 or 5 non-US desks were open and even though I was among the first off the VS flight there was a 25 min wait because NZ just beat us to the stand.

So personally I wouldn't risk it. LAX is a bit of a hole but like I said, better safe than sorry.

Thanks, will take your advice and not risk the earlier VX flight.

I am going to book either Main Cabin Select on VX or Delta Comfort. Are there any real differences? Such a short flight I doubt it's a big deal but as it's their honeymoon I want to make sure it's the best it can be.

Thanks again
Jilly

If you go for VX, I'd suggest booking normal economy then, if there are still MCS seats left at T-24 hours, you can upgrade online for a very decent price. Or even First Class at T-6 hours!

Honestly for that short a flight I don't think it's worth shelling out what can be a considerable sum for a few inches of extra legroom and priority boarding.

I agree - it is a very quick hop and MCS is a waste of money unless you do it through the check-in upgrades, where the much reduced cost is additionally offset by removing the MC baggage fees.

Just going to book now and Main Cabin cost is $69 plus luggage fees and MCS is $149 so not a lot of difference - does it reduce in price a lot more?

Jilly

When are you flying? I have been looking for 'G's in Sept but nothing at all showing....

I'd be adding a few hours to go and enjoy the LAX Loft. Great views on the runway and a free bar too.

(probably not worth it if you have to pay or don't have Priority Pass though)

Flight is booked for early June, I've been checking every day for the last few months and got lucky yesterday. Nothing available for the return so I booked them into PE ex LAS and paid a combi fare.

I presume the Loft isn't available for arriving UC flights? I have AU status but the flights are for my son and his wife.

Jill

Sadly not - but The Loft is available on Priority Pass, or they can buy access for $40.

However if their SFO connection was on Delta they should be allowed into the DL Sky Club.

Sadly not - but The Loft is available on Priority Pass, or they can buy access for $40.

However if their SFO connection was on Delta they should be allowed into the DL Sky Club.

Doubt it's worth spending $40 tbh they're pretty easy going and not great drinkers.

Are you saying the DL Sky Club is free for arriving UC flights even if they're booked to SFO for the connecting flight in Econ?

Sorry for all the questions, you can tell I haven't done this route for nearly 10 years.

Jilly

No sorry, my bad, it seems that benefit's only available to VS Au members who are allowed into a DL Sky Club if their DL flight is in economy, as long as they have/had a transatlantic flight on the same day.

Au's are also, as of this week, "eligible for complimentary upgrades" on most DL domestic flights (except transcontinental). How high up the pecking order they are is another matter.

IMHO $40 for The Loft is pretty good value particularly as T3 at LAX is, frankly, a fairly soulless, dismal place to wait for any more than an hour or so.

Thanks, all understood. My husband agrees with you, book them a later flight and pay for The lounge - but he's biased as he loves a beer.

Thanks again

Jilly