How long to allow for United Airlines transfer at LAX?

United Airlines have booked me onto a flight from CLE to LAX.

After it arrives I have 35 minutes to catch the flight to MEL.

I rang them up and they said its no problem.

Is 35 minutes really possible for transfer to the UA flight to MEL?

The Minimum Connection time for United is 30 minutes at LAX. It will be tight but it's still a legal connection.

Yes, it's a legal connection. But no way would I risk it. Tell them you either need to leave CLE earlier or leave LAX later.

Would I clear Customs/Immigration in CLE or LAX? [/QUOTE]

There is no 'exit immigration' in the US the same way there is in Australia.  Exit immigration is automated and back-end in the United States, so you do not have to queue or get your passport checked on the way out.

If you're changing terminals in LAX, you'll need to go through TAC screening - if you have checked bags, they might not/unlikely yo make it.  Given the frequent in-bound delays in LAX, I wouldn't risk it. 

This is a terrible idea.

Very tight.  Everything depends on on time performance.  One slip, late departure,  ATC or whatever and you get to spend a night in LA. I fly on QF and AA. That means T4 to TBIT. That connection requires a sprint like Usain Bolt and I sure am not he! 

Not sure what class you are flying, but if forced to do this less than ideal connect, a few hints:

• When you check in at CLE, make sure that your luggage is tagged all the way through to MEL
• Request 'PRIORITY' tags on luggage (even if flying in Economy, due to the tight connect at LAX)
• Mention your concern for the tight connect at CLE and request seat(s) up front of cabin for fast exit

• Don't dawdle through UA's Terminal 7 LAX - it can get pretty busy in there at certain hours

I certainly would ask for atleast 60mins or more, domestic travel in the U.S is crazy (especially during winter). Slight delay somewhere in the morning would mean your flight will be delayed significantly. 

You would need to know the "what if"? What if you do not make it to your MEL flight, do they give you accommodation and guaranteed next flight out and compensation or is it very important for you to arrive with the original flight, if so connection time that is longer would be your best option

Thanks all, will let you know how it goes