How long to allow for United Airlines transfer at LAX?

17 replies

lind26

Member since 24 Apr 2014

Total posts 231

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?

henrus

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 23 Oct 2013

Total posts 765

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


Either in flight or upon landing I'd check the UA website for the MEL gate and ensure by looking at a map that you know where to go after you get off the flight at LAX.

If it's super super tight they may also send someone to the gate at LAX to help you make the connection.

John Phelan

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 28 Oct 2011

Total posts 262

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.

lind26

Member since 24 Apr 2014

Total posts 231

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

Either in flight or upon landing I'd check the UA website for the MEL gate and ensure by looking at a map that you know where to go after you get off the flight at LAX.

If it's super super tight they may also send someone to the gate at LAX to help you make the connection.

Would I clear Customs/Immigration in CLE or LAX?

RealKid

Member since 20 May 2014

Total posts 91

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.

ezelcer

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 11 Sep 2013

Total posts 1

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. 

OOLflyer

Member since 13 Feb 2017

Total posts 8

This is a terrible idea.


Even if you make it, your luggage won't.

Even if your arriving flight lands on time, your departing one will already be boarding before you get off the first flight.

But even a fifteen minute delay will make your connection impossible.

lind26

Member since 24 Apr 2014

Total posts 231

This is a terrible idea.

Even if you make it, your luggage won't.

Even if your arriving flight lands on time, your departing one will already be boarding before you get off the first flight.

But even a fifteen minute delay will make your connection impossible.

Thanks, it's not my idea.

Nick Sydney 2

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 22 Jul 2015

Total posts 83

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! 

lind26

Member since 24 Apr 2014

Total posts 231

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! 

Thanks, I had a look, both flights are terminal 7

kimshep

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 11 Oct 2014

Total posts 412

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

mspcooper

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 09 May 2013

Total posts 457

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

Last editedby mspcooper at Jun 15, 2017, 02:32 PM.

lind26

Member since 24 Apr 2014

Total posts 231

Thanks all, will let you know how it goes

Jazzop

Member since 02 Dec 2016

Total posts 124

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. 

No, all the terminals have tunnels connecting them so you won't need to exit the terminal and go back in through security.

AnthonyvB

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards Plantium

Member since 19 Jun 2013

Total posts 82

Incorrect - I transferred on Wednesday night from Terminal 4 to TBIT and did not need to go through security again (very quick and easy 5 minute walk)

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. 

Hi Guest, join in the discussion on How long to allow for United Airlines transfer at LAX?

Attach Files