The fact that you’re reading this probably means that you found a really good deal on a flight with a tight connection in Los Angeles, and curiosity has got the best of you. Is a 1 hour layover enough time in LAX?
Most of the time, as long as you’re not changing from one airline to another, 1 hour is plenty of time for a layover at the Los Angeles International Airport. It’s when you have to switch airlines (and terminals) that things get a little more complicated.
In this post, I’m going to break down every possible connection scenario at LAX, which will help you figure out whether or not a 1 hour layover is possible for your particular situation.
Table of Contents
The reason why a 1 hour layover is possible in LAX (most of the time)
Most of the time, domestic to domestic 1 hour layovers are a piece of cake at LAX. The airport is very well organized, and most airlines are grouped together in very close proximity to their partner airlines.
Not only that, half of the airport is connected airside (meaning that you don’t have to go through additional security checkpoints to switch between terminals).
- Terminals 4, 5, 6, are all connected via underground walkways . There are post-security above-ground walkways to terminals 7, and 8 from Terminal 6. From Terminal 5, you can walk (post-security) to the Tom Bradley International Terminal. These connections make 1 hour layovers between all these terminals possible.
- Terminals 2 and 3 are connected behind the security checkpoint via a transfer bus. You don’t have to exit either terminal to access it.
- The Commuter Terminal is connected to Terminal 5 via a transfer bus (post security).
In all three cases, a sub-1 hour layover is usually possible. The only exception would be if you had to check in at the counter for an international flight departing out of the Tom Bradley International Terminal. In that case, 1 hour is NOT going to be enough time. If you already have a boarding pass, chances are good that you won’t have to check in at the counter.
They reason why 1 hour layovers are sometimes not possible at LAX
Terminal 1 is an independent structure at LAX. This means that it has its own security checkpoint, and you will need additional time to transfer to any other terminal at LAX.
As long as your flights arrive and depart from this terminal, a 1 hour layover will be easy. If your flight arrives in any other terminal, and you need to get to Terminal 1, a 1 hour is not likely to be enough.
If you’re curious, keep scrolling, and you’ll see a detailed breakdown of the time it takes to move between individual terminals.
What is the minimum layover for domestic flights at LAX?
The minimum layover time for domestic flights at LAX is a bit complicated. As long as you’re not changing terminals, it can be as low as 35 minutes.
However, some airlines occupy multiple terminals at the Los Angeles Airport. For example, American Airlines operates out of terminals 4 and 5. Although both of these terminals are connected airside (past security), you will need additional time. In this instance, 45 minutes would be the absolute minimum.
The important thing to know is that as long as you’re not changing airlines, the probability of having to catch a connecting flight on the other side of the airport is virtually nonexistent. Worst case, you’ll have to walk one terminal over (which keeps domestic to domestic layovers relatively short).
What is the minimum layover for international flights at LAX?
The minimum will connection time that you’ll need for an international flight at LAX is completely dependent on what airline you’re flying.
Most international airlines operate of the Tom Bradley International Terminal. However, there are some that operate from other terminals in order to be in close proximity to their domestic partner airlines.
I’ll get really specific and detailed in a moment, but in general, plan on at least 2 hours if you’re connecting to or from a domestic flight at LAX.
Connecting TO an international flight
The minimum time you’ll need to make a connection from a domestic to an international flight at LAX is 2 hours – as long as you already have a boarding pass. If for some reason you need to check in (to check bags or to fix some sort of ticketing issue) plan for 3 hours just to be safe.
Connecting FROM an international flight
The time needed for connecting from an international flight to a domestic flight at LAX is a lot easier to estimate. This is because all passengers have to go through passport control and customs procedures before passing through security to get back into the terminal.
I wrote an entire guide on how long it takes to go through customs at LAX, but in general, plan on a layover of at least 3 hours if you don’t want to stress yourself out. You could probably do it in 2 hours, but that’s pushing it.
A brief overview of the terminal layout at LAX
Despite being one of the biggest (and often one of the most intimidating) airports in the entire US, the layout of the Los Angeles International Airport makes a lot of sense.
LAX is shaped like a giant horseshoe. The Tom Bradley International Terminal is located on the far west end, with the arms (fingers?) of the horseshoe pointing towards the east.
Also, most people don’t realize it, but LAX is a very walkable airport. The only difference compared to other major airports in the US is that you have to walk outside to get from one to the other.
Walking time between all terminals at LAX
LAX is a big airport, and it keeps getting bigger. The good thing is is that there is an inter-terminal tram opening soon that will be running loops around the airport from one terminal to the other. This should drastically shorten transit times. But for now, here is how long it takes to walk from one terminal to another at LAX:
Terminal 1 to:
- Terminal 2: 5 minutes
- Terminal 3: 10 minutes
- Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B): 15 minutes
- Terminal 4: 20 minutes
- Terminal 5: 25 minutes
- Terminal 6: 30 minutes
- Terminal 7: 35 minutes
- Terminal 8: 40 minutes
- Commuter Terminal: 35 minutes
Terminal 2 to:
- Terminal 1: 5 minutes
- Terminal 3: 5 minutes
- Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B): 10 minutes
- Terminal 4: 15 minutes
- Terminal 5: 20 minutes
- Terminal 6: 25 minutes
- Terminal 7: 30 minutes
- Terminal 8: 35 minutes
- Commuter Terminal: 30 minutes
Terminal 3 to:
- Terminal 1: 10 minutes
- Terminal 2: 5 minutes
- Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B): 5 minutes
- Terminal 4: 10 minutes
- Terminal 5: 15 minutes
- Terminal 6: 20 minutes
- Terminal 7: 25 minutes
- Terminal 8: 30 minutes
- Commuter Terminal: 25 minutes
Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) to:
- Terminal 1: 15 minutes
- Terminal 2: 10 minutes
- Terminal 3: 5 minutes
- Terminal 4: 5 minutes
- Terminal 5: 10 minutes
- Terminal 6: 15 minutes
- Terminal 7: 20 minutes
- Terminal 8: 25 minutes
- Commuter Terminal: 20 minutes
Terminal 4 to:
- Terminal 1: 20 minutes
- Terminal 2: 15 minutes
- Terminal 3: 10 minutes
- Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B): 5 minutes
- Terminal 5: 5 minutes
- Terminal 6: 10 minutes
- Terminal 7: 15 minutes
- Terminal 8: 20 minutes
- Commuter Terminal: 15 minutes
Terminal 5 to:
- Terminal 1: 25 minutes
- Terminal 2: 20 minutes
- Terminal 3: 15 minutes
- Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B): 10 minutes
- Terminal 4: 5 minutes
- Terminal 6: 5 minutes
- Terminal 7: 10 minutes
- Terminal 8: 15 minutes
- Commuter Terminal: 10 minutes (via post-security transfer bus)
Terminal 6 to:
- Terminal 1: 30 minutes
- Terminal 2: 25 minutes
- Terminal 3: 20 minutes
- Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B): 15 minutes
- Terminal 4: 10 minutes
- Terminal 5: 5 minutes
- Terminal 7: 5 minutes
- Terminal 8: 10 minutes
- Commuter Terminal: 15 minutes
Terminal 7 to:
- Terminal 1: 35 minutes
- Terminal 2: 30 minutes
- Terminal 3: 25 minutes
- Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B): 20 minutes
- Terminal 4: 15 minutes
- Terminal 5: 10 minutes
- Terminal 6: 5 minutes
- Terminal 8: 5 minutes
- Commuter Terminal: 20 minutes
Terminal 8 to:
- Terminal 1: 40 minutes
- Terminal 2: 35 minutes
- Terminal 3: 30 minutes
- Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B): 25 minutes
- Terminal 4: 20 minutes
- Terminal 5: 15 minutes
- Terminal 6: 10 minutes
- Terminal 7: 5 minutes
- Commuter Terminal: 25 minutes
Commuter Terminal to:
- Terminal 1: 35 minutes
- Terminal 2: 30 minutes
- Terminal 3: 25 minutes
- Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B): 20 minutes
- Terminal 4: 15 minutes
- Terminal 5: 10 minutes (via post-security transfer bus)
- Terminal 6: 15 minutes
- Terminal 7: 20 minutes
- Terminal 8: 25 minutes
It’s also worth noting that there is a free shuttle bus that runs loops around the airport from one terminal to the other. I didn’t include that in my time estimate since road traffic around the terminal buildings can get busy at times. If possible, I highly recommend walking.
How long of a layover do you need in LAX for a no-stress connection?
LAX is one of those kind of airports where do you want as much time as possible between flights. It’s very big, and it’s often very crowded.
Domestic to domestic flights
A 2 hour layover would probably seem excessive to anyone connecting from one United, Delta, or American Airlines flight to another at LAX. But for me, I’d much rather have that than a short 45 minute connection. LAX is big, the terminals are crowded, and anything can happen. I like to be ready.
If for whatever reason I have to switch from one side of the airport to the other (it’s extremely rare), 3 hours is what I would want for a no-stress layover.
Domestic to international flights
If my international flight connection is departing from the same terminal that I arrive at, the same amount of time that I would want for a domestic connection applies. 2 hours would be perfect.
However, if my international flight is departing out of the Tom Bradley International Terminal, I would want 3 hours (at least). Depending on the airline that you’re flying, you may have to check in at the counter (in the main departures hall). In that case, you’re going to have to go through a security checkpoint to get back inside of the terminal. And that can take some time.
International to domestic flights
For a no-stress international to domestic connection at LAX, I would want 3 1/2 hours. Customs and immigration can take a while at LAX, and IMHO, there’s nothing wrong with having too much time and not needing it.
Tips for making short 1 hour layovers at LAX
By far the most important tip that I have for anyone trying to make a one hour layover at LAX is to plan ahead. As I’ve already mentioned, sometimes, 1 hour layovers are super easy. Other times, not so much. It all depends on which airline(s) you’re flying.
Here are some other handy tips that might help:
- If you need to transfer between terminals 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 (as well as the Tom Bradley International Terminal), take advantage of the airside walkways connecting them all! This saves you the time and hassle of having to go through additional security checkpoints.
- Many people don’t realize it, but Terminals 2 and 3 are connected behind security via a transfer bus that runs every 10 minutes or so. Utilizing this bus will save you a lot of time (since you won’t have to exit the terminal and go through another security checkpoint).
- Make every effort to fly the same airline. Having to switch airlines greatly increases the chance of having to change terminals at LAX. Depending on the airlines involved, this could add significant time.
- Most of the time, it’s faster to walk from one terminal to the other instead of taking the free (pre-security) shuttle bus. Car traffic between all terminals is essentially gridlock at all hours of the day.
- When it opens, the automated people mover connecting all terminals will surely be the fastest way to move from one side of the airport to the other. However, I still wouldn’t recommend it if all you need to do is transfer between terminals 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (plus the time Bradley International Terminal). The reason is because you’re going to need to have to exit the secure area and then go through another security checkpoint to ride the train.
Magdalena
Hello Scott,
Great content! Thank you for sharing it.
Is 2 h and 12 minutes enough to change (LAX airport) from terminal 6 to the international ? Or shall I choose 5 h 59m layover ?
Do I need to recheck again in the TB (international) ?
All will be on the one ticket so the luggage will be automatically transferred.
Or is it better to fly via Dallas with a 3 hours layover or via Chicago but here there is 1 h and 21 minutes layover. These other two options would be also on one ticket.
Thank you so much for your valuable advice.
Magda
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Magda – glad you found this useful! 2 hours and 12 minutes will be plenty of time to go from Terminal 6 to the Tom Bradley International terminal (TBIT) as long as you already have your boarding pass and you don’t have to re-check your luggage. You will not have to go through any additional security checkpoints to do so. It’s completely walkable behind security – just follow the signs to the TBIT once you get off the plane at T6.
If you will not have your boarding pass for the International connection, you will need to check in at the TBIT. In that case, I’d choose the 5 hour 59 minute layover just to be safe. You could probably do it in 2 hours and 12 minutes, but it will be stressful!
Colleen
I am arriving @ LAX on Qantas from BNE at 0630, and need to connect to ABQ on Alaska Air. My options are either an 0810 flight, or a 1515 (3:15 pm) flight. Is it feasible to try to connect on the earlier flight, which is a 100 minute connection?
Colleen
Addendum to above inquiry: I am eligible for global entry if that makes a difference.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Colleen – yes, I would totally recommend going for the 8:10 connection if you have Global Entry. Especially if your Alaska Airlines connection is on the same ticket. If it’s all part of the same itinerary, Alaska Airlines will bump you to the next available flight if you get delayed while going through passport control and customs.
But with Global Entry it’ll be a piece of cake. Have a good trip!
K Hull
Freaking out after reading this article. I just realized I have a short time between flights at LAX. Flight from SFO arriving at 5:51 at Terminal 7 and departing at 7:25 from (assuming) TB on Swiss Air. Why would United book that if it is so difficult to make the connection. We will have boarding passes in hand and no checked luggage. What are my odds?
Scott (SANspotter)
As long as you’ll have your boarding passes and no bags to check, it’ll be no problem at all. Do not exit the terminal when you arrive at Terminal 7! You can walk to the Tom Bradley International Terminal behind the security checkpoint by following the signs. There’s an underground walkway for a portion of it, and it might seem confusing if you’re not paying attention, but it’ll save you the hassle (and time) of having to go through security again once you reach the international terminal. Have a great flight!
K Hull
Good to know. I have only previously flown domestic to/from LAX on Southwest and I know we had to leave the terminal to re-check in at TB. You’ve put my mind at ease! Well, until SFO is delayed. Lol. It’s not yet anyway!!
patricia Watkins
Arriving on Quartas at 750 Going to American air for flight at 940?is this enough time
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Patricia – yes, that will be enough time but you’ll have to move relatively quickly. Having checked luggage will slow you down a bit, so it will be better if you can go carry-on only. Have a great trip!
Melissa
Is there a terminal 0 or B?! I have arrival into terminal B from Sydney on AA and then domestic to Dallas from terminal 0
Very helpful, we just changed our flights so that it wasn’t a 2 hour layover, now have 3.5 hours. Save me having a heart attack, thank you
Scott (SANspotter)
There is no Terminal 0 at LAX, so I’m guessing that is an error since they have no way of knowing yet what gate your connecting flight will be departing from. FYI, domestic American Airlines flights depart out of Terminals 4 and 5 (and sometimes the Tom Bradley International Terminal).
Also, “Terminal B” is the Tom Bradley International Terminal. I didn’t know this until just recently, so it might be a new thing. Anyway, 3.5 hours will be more than enough time for your layover. Have a good trip!
KC
You do not need to complete the whole horseshoe when walking from Terminal 7 to Terminal 1 . You can just cross the street, pass the parking structures , another street .It will be a 10 minutes walk at most, I do it all the time getting from T7 to the Uber lot. Also “Commuter Terminal” in LAX is AA’s remote terminal that can only be reached by air side bus after going through security at T5. It is not possible to walk there.
Tim
Hi Scott,
Aussie flyer here…
This is really great info-thanks for sharing. Sounds like you’ve done this once or twice!
In September, I’m flying into LAX with Qantas, it’s an 0700 arrival on a Wednesday. I’ve then got a connecting domestic flight to Nashville with Delta from Terminal 3 at 1059. When people tell me allow 3 hours, I allow 4, I just never seem to find the quickest way through, or I am that guy with the crazy accent that needs an extra grilling by TSA…Am I worrying unnecessarily? I’m a seasoned flyer-but with the last 3 years out of the loop-I appreciate things have change somewhat…
Thanks in advance for any tips!
Cheers,
Tim
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Tim! Glad you found this useful. Yes, LAX is pretty much my “second” home airport, so I’ve been through exactly what you’re about to experience more times than I count! Anyway, 4 hours is easily enough time for an international to domestic connection at LAX.
You’ll arrive at the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) and will go though customs and immigration there. Delta uses Terminal 3 at LAX, and it’s right next to the international terminal. Just go outside after collecting your bags and turn left. The next terminal you reach will be T3. Do not get on a shuttle bus! It’s much faster (and easier) to walk. It’ll take about 5 minutes.
Have a good trip!
Nakita
Hi Scott! Thank you very much for this article. I wish all travel blogs were this well-organized! I would really appreciate your advice on my conundrum. I am planning to fly from Canada (YYC) to Guatemala with a 63 minute layover in LAX. I know this sounds insane. But it will be 10:00pm on a Tuesday in November, and I will not have any checked luggage, and my other (affordable) option is a 12 hour layover in IAH. According to Google, I should be arriving at Terminal 5 (Air Canada) and leaving from Terminal 7 (United Airlines). What are my chances? With all the delays lately, it seems like it’s just as likely that the LAX to GUA flight will be delayed as there is of missing my connection. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Nakita! I don’t think it sounds as insane as you think it does. You can walk from Terminal 5 to Terminal 7 without having to exit security, and since you’ll go through US customs and immigration before leaving Canada, it’s just a matter of walking from one plane to the next. I’d totally go for the 63 minute layover! However, if your schedule is such that you absolutely cannot afford to miss your flight, connecting at IAH may be the way to go. Have a great trip!
Carol
Man this was sooooo helpful! I am a worrier any way and have flown very few times in my life and when I did it was always with someone else who did all the thinking and arranging for me. But this is going to be the first time I’ve done it solo where I’m going to have to use my brain and do my own thinking instead of just hanging on to my husbands belt and letting him lead me through air travel and life! It may seem silly to others but for me its very scary but after reading this article I now feel a lot more at ease and confident about my lay over in LAX this coming Oct. Flying Delta. 2 hour layover and departing on another Delta flight. So looks like I won’t have to walk very far or go through security again. Yayee. Thank you so much for sharing this information that is so very helpful to people like me.
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Carol! A two hour layover from one Delta flight to another will be super easy. They use Terminal 3 at LAX, which is a beautiful all-new structure with lots of great dining and shopping options. Have a great trip!
Tim
Scott,
Is 1 hour 51 minutes at LAX enough time to connect delta domestic to Alaska airlines domestic on a Friday morning? If so could you recommend the best route for the transfer?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Tim, yes that should be enough time. Your Delta flight will arrive in Terminal 3, and your Alaska Airline flight will depart from Terminal 6. Your two fastest options are as follows:
Whatever you do, do not exit the terminal and wait for the free transfer bus (the bus that loops around the airport and stops at all terminals). It’s much faster to walk!
Tim
Scott,
Thank you for the great information. Best wishes
Tim
Thanks Scott for the helpful information. Best wishes
Beth
Hi Scott, thank you for writing this.
I’ll be returning to the UK from Las Vegas in a couple of months, and for the return flight they’ve given me a 1 hour 6 minute layover at LAX. I will be arriving on a Delta flight (terminal 2 or 3?) and need to get to terminal B for a Virgin Atlantic flight. What do you reckon about 1 hour 6 minutes for this?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Beth – you’re very welcome! 1 hour and 6 minutes will be easy. Your Delta flight will arrive in Terminal 3 (maybe 2), but it’s extremely important not to exit the terminal! There is a shuttle bus that runs between T3 and Terminal B (the Tom Bradley International Terminal) that is entirely behind the security checkpoint. It’s a little hard to find, but busses run every few minutes, and it’ll save you a ton of time. Once you arrive at Terminal B, just go directly to the gate of your Virgin Atlantic flight. No security checks involved. Have a good trip!
jonathan
Hi Scott,
Wonderful and useful post.
My situation is a bit different, i arrive from las vegas to LAX (9:11) and have another flight to MCO (10:57) with the same company ( American Airlines). But because i have two separate tickets, i have to retrieve my baggage at LAX (i’ve call AA…)
Do you think it’s possible ? Do you have to go thougth the security again at LAX ? Or there is some baggages desks inside at LAX without leaving the terminal ?
Thank you 🙂
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Jonathan – yes, that’s correct. Because you will be on two separate tickets, you will need to retrieve your bags upon arrival and check them again for your connection to MCO. This means having to go through security again (you can’t do the baggage retrieval / recheck behind the security checkpoint). The good news is that you won’t have to change terminals, so the entire process should be relatively quick. 1 hour and 50(ish) minutes will be plenty of time.
Jules
Hi Scott I’m arriving into LAX with Qantas at 6am Friday morning.
My connecting AA flight is 1630 to Nashville. Will my luggage go directly to Nashville?
Also, I joined Qantas Club so I can use the AA lounge for this long layover, but I don’t know how soon I can access it, I don’t know how to find out. I’m travelling alone and nervous about the long layover.
Thanks for this incredible blog
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Jules – you will need to retrieve your luggage before you can proceed through customs at LAX. Then, immediately after customs, there will be a baggage drop area where you can re-check it for the connection to Nashville. It’s a lot easier (and faster) than it sounds, but since you have a long layover it won’t be an issue at all.
In regards to the lounge, you should be able to access it right away. It might be boring to sit there all day though, so I’d recommend taking a long walk (or two) through the Tom Bradley International Terminal (both east and west gates). It’s a beautiful terminal with lots of good food/people watching/plane spotting opportunities. You can access it from the AA terminal without having to go through any additional security checkpoints. Just follow the signs. Have a good trip!
Jules
Thanks so much for the tips Scott. I’ll be starting my trip feeling less anxious now.. Thanks for doing what you do. Jules
RICARDO PARDAVE
Hello, I am arriving from New Zealand Airlines to LAX at approximately on Wednesday Aug 31st at 16:20 and changing to Airline AeroMexico to fly internationally to Mexico, the flight to Mexico is programmed at 18:30 same day and I have one checked-in bag that I have been told I need to pick up and then check in again. Do I have enough time? Any tips? What can I do, I’m starting to feel that it might not be enough time? Do I need to get out of the terminal – security to pick up my bag for transfer? Thanks
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Ricardo – 2 hours and 10 minutes will be plenty of time. Yes, you will need to retrieve your bag before you can go through customs. Once through, there will be a baggage drop area where you can re-check it to your Aeromexico flight. Also, your Aermomexico flight will depart out of the same terminal you will arrive at (The Tom Bradley International Terminal), so you won’t have to worry about that. You will have to go through security to get back into the terminal though, but the lines usually move pretty quick. Have a good trip!
Trang
Ho Scott, you blog is AMAZING! Thank you.
I’m Punta Cana to FLL and FLL to LAX on Jetblue and then LAX to Sydney with AA/Qantas. Is 2 hours in FLL and 3 hours at LAX enough? I suspect I will have to get my bags off and check bags in at both FLL and LAX
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Trang – glad you’re enjoying the blog! Yes, you will have to claim your bags and recheck them at both FLL and LAX. If it were me, I’d be very comfortable with the connection times you have. Especially at LAX. 3 hours to go from a JetBlue arrival to a Qantas departure (with luggage) will be easy.
My only suggestion is to walk from Terminal 5 (where your JetBlue flight will arrive) to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (where your Qantas flight will depart). Taking the inter-terminal shuttle bus will take a very long time with all the traffic congestion around LAX. Have a good trip!
Trang
Thank you Scott, I’ll get booking!
Ben
Hi Scott, Thanks for putting together all this content. I booked a direct flight from Sydney to LAX (Terminal B – arrival 8:10 am) and then LAX (Terminal 3 – departure 10:10 am) to Atlanta and then Atlanta to San Juan (PR). They are all on Delta, on one ticket. Do I have to collect my bags at LAX (I will have 3 checked bags and 2 carry ons)? Are there any trolleys in Terminal B that I can use if I have to collect my bags?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Ben – sounds like a fun trip! Yes, you will have to retrieve your luggage immediately after clearing passport control (right before going through customs). Trolleys are available if you need them. There’s also a baggage re-check area for most airlines immediately after exiting customs. If it’s open when you arrive (it should be), you won’t have to walk your bags over to the Delta terminal.
Thomas
Cheers Scott for the good info.
I’m flying into LAX from Australia via United Airlines in December. I have a 1h35m layover onto a domestic flight to Boston (single ticket). I have 1 checked bag and am an American citizen. I’m feeling like this isn’t enough layover time. Is there anything I can do to expedite this process? Thanks!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Thomas – if you have Global Entry, 1 hour and 35 minutes should be plenty of time (even with a checked bag). Without it…I’m not sure there is much you can do to expedite the process. Sitting near the front of the airplane (so you’ll be one of the first off) will help, but there’s no telling how long the customs and immigration process will take.
The good news is that United runs a substantial operation at LAX, and they’ll have lots of alternate options for you if you do end up missing your connection. Good luck!
Diane Tran
Hello. Thank you for your advice on LAX transfers. I was wondering if 1 hour 41 minutes to make the connection from (SJC or SFO) Skywest Airlines to Japan Airlines for flight to Narita would be sufficient at LAX in the morning. It looks like the Skywest flight is given a Japan Airlines flight number so I wanted to double check before I book through 3rd party vendor. Thank you.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Diane – yes, 1 hour and 41 minutes will be enough time. Especially if your Skywest and JAL flights are part of the same ticket (not purchased separately). If it is, it’ll mean that your checked luggage will automatically be transferred at LAX (and you’ll already be checked into the JAL flight before leaving SFO/SJC.
Your JAL flight will be departing out of Terminal B (The Tom Bradley International Terminal), so you will have to transfer terminals when you arrive at LAX. FYI, it’s always faster to walk than it is to take the inter-terminal shuttle bus. Have a great trip!
Berton
Fantastic info about such a complicated airport. Our family is booked for December to land at Terminal 6 (Air Canada) with checked bags, and we will have exactly three hours to make a Delta flight on a separate ticket to Sydney. I gather all Delta flights, including international, leave from Terminal 3? How is our time likely to be? We have Global Entry, but I gather from what you say that we’ll have to go through security after getting our bags (customs is pre-cleared in Canada, so we’re like a domestic traveller). What are our prospects? Many thanks.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Berton! 3 hours will be easy. You’ll do the US customs and immigration thing prior to leaving Canada, so (as you said), you’ll arrive at LAX like any other domestic US flight. Upon arrival, retrieve your luggage from the baggage carousel in Terminal 6, and walk over to Terminal 3 (where your Delta flight to Sydney will depart from).
The only security checkpoint you’ll need to clear at LAX is the one to get into T3. There will be no need to rush if your Air Canada flight is on time. Have a good trip!
Berton
Just to update, I think this Sydney flight, DL 41, leaves from TBIT (Delta website doesn’t say, but Flight Aware and Google say TBIT). So we would be waiting for checked bags, then going to TBIT from Terminal 6. Date is Dec. 18. What do you think, within three hours?
Scott (SANspotter)
You’ll still have to check your bags at the Delta counter in T3 (Delta doesn’t have a baggage check in area in the TBIT). Also, you can go through the security checkpoint in T3, and then take the post-security shuttle bus over to TBIT. It’s a little hard to find, but you can ask any airport employee to guide you in the right direction if you don’t see it.
I’ve done the T3 to TBIT shuttle before and it’s very easy and convenient.
Sada Moa
Thank you so much for your guide! It’s very helpful! I’m still a little worried about my upcoming connecting flight. I’m flying from United at IAH to LAX for a connecting flight with a very short layover (57mins). And then flying to Medford, Oregon through United. I’m flying with my infant and want to make sure we don’t miss our flight. Do you think we will arrive to the same terminal that we will also depart from since it’s with the same airlines?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Sada – you have nothing to worry about! United uses terminals 6 and 7 at LAX, and they are connected. It’s essentially one large terminal and you won’t have to go through any additional security checkpoints to move between them. Just walk from one plane to the next (57 minutes will be easy). Have a great trip!
Mich
Hi Scott
You are amazing, your info is brilliant, if only there was a Scott for every major airport.
Question for you, we are traveling from Sydney on Qantas arriving at LAX at 6:05am then connecting on American Airline flight to Miami at 7:55.
Seeing that Qantas and American are partners will 1hr 50mins be enough time to get us on the next flight?
Will I be able hand my luggage straight after customs ? And then ?? Traveling with 3 teens so I want to have it planned out in advance. I need a step by step, yes I stress, love traveling hate the flying and airport part.
I’m assuming that because they are partner airlines I will be able to get boarding tickets from sydney all the way to Miami or am I incorrect?
Thank you so much
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Mich – 2 hours will be easy! As you said, QF and AA are partner airlines, so you will receive your LAX-MIA boarding passes when you check in at SYD (there will be no need to check in again at LAX). It’ll go like this:
Have a great trip!
Mich
Hi Scott
Thank you for your reassurance.
Just one more question if our flight is delayed or by bad luck we get held up in lines, will the connection flight wait for us?
Is there anyway to get the airline to help us get through quicker to the next flight?
Thank you
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome! I don’t think they’ll hold a flight to Miami for you. Keep in mind that both LAX and MIA are hubs for American Airlines, so even if you are running late, there will be lots of other ways to get you to Miami if you miss your original flight. They’ll get you there quick.
Bryan
Hey Scott
Great information shared here and much appreciated all the information given.
I have a flight from bwi to lax, and lax to SIN. (I assume it is a single tickets by SQ)
I only have 1h and 45 minutes in lax to make it from t7/8 to TBIT, is it possible for me to do so?
Will the baggage being sent directly to SIN and I don’t have to bother about the baggage ?
Will I have to go through tsa in LAX or this will be done in BWI?
Thanks and appreciate your reply !
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Bryan – yes, as long as you booked the entire itinerary on one ticket, your luggage will automatically make the transfer to your international flight at LAX.
Also, the only time you’ll have to go through a security checkpoint is at BWI. You can walk directly to the Tom Bradley International Terminal from terminals 7 and 8 without leaving the secure area. It’s a little confusing if you’re not paying attention, but just follow the signs.
One hour and 45 minutes is plenty of time. Have a great trip!
Shane
Great article thank you!
I have an arrival time from London to LAX of 1300 and then fly Alaskan Airlines to Vegas at 1500
So I will need to clear security, customs and reclaim and redrop my bag before getting from Terminal B to 6.
Is this likely to be achieved in the 2 hours? It is June 2023 if that helps.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Shane – you’re very welcome! Yes, 2 hours is doable, but you’re going to have to move quickly. Walking from Terminal B to Terminal 6 will take 10-15 minutes by itself, so you won’t have much time to spare.
That said, there are so many flights between LAX and LAS on a daily basis that missing your connection wouldn’t even be an issue. They’ll just put you on the next one (and you won’t have to wait long). Enjoy your trip!
Shane
Hi Scott thank you for the quick reply!
If I missed would I only get put on the next flight of the same airline? And by then would my baggage have gone? I am only in Vegas for 4 nights so don’t want to miss too much time.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Shane – if Alaska Airlines can’t get you there same day, they will most likely put you on another airline. It’ll most likely be American Airlines (which is a partner of Alaska Airlines). I’d assume that your luggage will transfer automatically as well.
Worst case scenario, you can always purchase a last minute LAX-LAS flight on whatever airline is cheapest. There are so many flights between LA and Vegas every day that you won’t have an issue getting a seat.
HK
I will be arriving to LAX from DIA and then have an international flight to Singapore with a 2hr 20 min layover. I have checked bags and have TSA Precheck and Global Entry but do not yet know my arrival terminal in LAX. I also have separate tickets because the airline I was flying with did not have anything available jointly. How doable is this layover and how can I get through as fast as possible?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi HK – 2 and a half hours will be plenty of time (no need to stress). You didn’t say what airline you are flying from Denver to LA on, but it won’t matter. Your flight to Singapore will be departing out of terminal B (the Tom Bradley International Terminal), so you will need to retrieve your luggage before walking over to that terminal. And yes, even though there are shuttle busses, I highly recommend walking (it’s almost always faster because of how congested the traffic can be around LAX. Have a good trip!
Anna
My domestic flight arrives at LAX at 1:34 pm terminal 6 and my next flight is on Singapore air at 2:20 pm (I assume out of TB terminal). It’s under 1 ticket and I assume bags are checked in already to the final destination. The departing flight was a recent change as I was supposed to have an earlier flight. With this change, it’s less than an hour layover to switch plane. I don’t understand why airlines will book things like this if it’s not possible. Would you advise before I contact them and find a reasonable alternative? Thank you so much.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Anna – yes, I would contact the airline (I assume United?) and ask them to put you on an earlier flight to LAX. Although it is technically possible to make a connection like this IF your bags are automatically transferred and you’ll already have your Singapore Airlines boarding pass before arriving at LAX, it’s going to be tight.
If you can’t make any changes, it won’t be the end of the world. You can walk from T6 to the International Terminal without exiting the secure area (just follow the signs), but it will take a bit of time. Your Singapore Airlines flight will likely be boarding by the time you arrive to the gate.
It’s worth trying to get it changed though (that’s what I would do). Good luck!
Anna
Thank you so very much. I have been stressing out since the airline (Alaska actually) changed that arriving flight, but wasn’t able to get clear answer until now about the feasibility.
KL
Hi, great article!
Just wanted to double-check – I have YVR-LAX (Air Canada) and then LAX-HND (ANA) with a 1h40m layover, on one ticket. Can I just head straight from Terminal 6 to Terminal B without having to re-check my luggage and go through security again?
Scott (SANspotter)
That is correct – as long as you have your boarding pass to HND that is. If not, you’ll have to exit the secure area and get your boarding pass at the ANA ticket counter in Terminal B. Have a good trip!
Penny
Hi Scott,
We are trying to get to Vegas from Vancouver, BC. We arrive Westjet in Terminal 2 and fly out Delta at Terminal 3. It’s just over an hour layover and i’m worried we won’t have enough time if we have to go through security again. Would we have to pick up our luggage or would it transfer to Vegas?
Thank you for any advice.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Penny – if it’s all one ticket, your bags will transfer (and you will have enough time). If not, you will have to retrieve and recheck them. 1 hour is not very likely in that case, but it’s not totally impossible.
FYI, there are a LOT of flights between LAX and Vegas every day. If you do end up missing your original connection, they will put you on another one (and you probably won’t have to wait long).
Andrea
Hi Scott,
my flight booking got changed and I now only have a 1 hour layover in LAX. I’ll be arriving from Phoenix and getting onto an international flight to Sydney AUS. Both flights are with American Airlines booked on the same ticket. I was just emailed the new ticket. Do you think I’ll have enough time to make the connection since I noted that in your article you said ideally 2 hours transferring from Domestic to international. I just rang and spoke to an American Airlines representative who said it would be ok but I am still nervous about the short layover time and wanted to know your opinion whether it is feasible to make the connection. Currently the booking just says Terminal 0 arriving and departing from which might be because they haven’t allocated the terminal yet ? Any thoughts you have on whether this is feasible would be greatly appreciated. Also thanks for such a great article on LAX !
Andrea
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Andrea – because everything is all on one ticket, you won’t have any issues. You’ll get your boarding pass for LAX-SYD before you leave PHX, and if you have any checked luggage, it will transfer automatically.
You’ll likely arrive into Terminal 4 at LAX, and you’ll be departing out of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B). You can walk to Terminal B without having to exit the secure area – just follow the sings for the International Terminal.
It’s important to note that you might not have enough time if you exit the terminal and walk (outside) to the International Terminal (because you’ll have to go through security again). Stay inside the secure area.
Have a great trip!
Andrea
Hi Scott, thanks so much for your response and the tip to stay inside the secure area when walking to the International terminal.
Much appreciated!
HM
Hi Scott, thanks so much for your helpful blog and the time you’ve put in to answer all our questions!
Aussie and NZ traveler here 🙂
– We have the following flights in May on a Friday:
– Virgin Atlantic LHR > LAX, arriving at 2040
– 2 hr layover
– Delta, LAX > SYD 2240
Will we have enough time to board our next flight? And will we have to go through security again, or just be able to stay in the same terminal / area? Thanks so much!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey there! Wow…LHR-LAX-SYD without a stopover is one heck of a long haul. I don’t think I could do that haha! Anyway, 2 hours will be tight since you will have to go through customs and immigration upon arrival at LAX. Then you’ll have to go through security again to get back into the terminal. It’s a lot – but just keep moving as fast as you can and you should be ok.
Your flight from LHR will arrive at the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B). Your flight to SYD will depart from either Terminal B or Terminal 3 (most likely Terminal 3). Since you will have to go though security to re-enter the terminal anyway, it won’t be a big deal if you have to switch from B to 3. It’ll take just 5 minutes to walk from B to 3. Have fun!
V
Flying from Lima, Peru to LAX airport via LATAM airlines, with a 4hr 35min layover before hopefully catching my next flight from LAX airport to Sydney, Australia via DELTA airlines.
I will have 1x checked in luggage. I understand I will have to go through customs and re-check in my bag. Is this enough time with flights being both international, and the two flights being from different airlines LATAM and DELTA?
Many, many thanks for any help and or input here. 🙂
(already have my ESTA for transit fyi)
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey V! Yes, 4 and a half hours will be more than enough time (even with checked luggage). You’ll arrive at Terminal B (the Tom Bradley International Terminal), and depart out of Terminal 3. Getting from B to 3 is just a 5 minute walk – just turn left once exiting the International Terminal.
You’re almost guaranteed to have so much time that you’ll be bored while waiting for your flight to Sydney, so there will be no need to rush though the customs and immigration process. Have a good trip!
Megan
Hey there! I really appreciate your article, very informative!! I will be flying into LAX for the first time in March. I am flying in on United (terminal 7) and then have another flight on Hawaiian Airlines (terminal B west). United just changed the time of my flight and I now have only 1 hour and 27 minutes in between flights. Obviously I will have to claim my baggage and then recheck in for Hawaiian Air (and I presume go through security again?). Do you think this is enough time? Any feedback/advice is greatly appreciated:)
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Megan! Not gonna lie – that might not be enough time. The good news is that since United changed your flight on you, you have every right to call them up and request an itinerary change that fits your schedule. Do that as soon as you can!
If for whatever reason they can’t accommodate you on an earlier flight, it’s still a doable connection (but you’re going to have to run since you will need every minute).
Good luck!
nicholas
Wow, you’re amazing, Scott! Thanks!
I have a Virgin Atlantic flight (tomorrow) from London, Heathrow, arriving Terminal B (8pm), with a connecting Delta flight 2 hours 15 mins later from terminal 3. I believe i need to collect and re-check my luggage (frustratingly this is oversized surfboards, which always seems to be last in to baggage claim, if not lost altogether lol).
Is this doable?
Do I need to go to the baggage re-check (immediately after customs from a reply above) area or should I drag them straight to T3?
Do I head outside Terminal B and walk to T3, or is there a quicker/better way?
Thanks! legend!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Nicholas! 2 hours and 15 minutes will be plenty of time, but with how unpredictable security lines can be, it’ll behoove you to move as fast as you can. And yes – you will need to retrieve your luggage immediately after going through passport control (and right before you go through customs). There is a baggage re-check area for most airlines right outside the exit from customs, and that’ll be the fastest way to get your bags/surfboards back into the system.
It won’t be the end of the world if for whatever reason that re-check area isn’t open though. T3 is just a 5 minute walk from the exit of terminal B – just turn left, and it’ll be the first terminal you reach. No matter what, walking will be the fastest way to T3. Taking the inter-terminal bus could take a long time since you’ll have to do the entire loop around LAX before getting back to T3.
I guarantee you’ll make your connection. Can’t say the same about the surfboards however. lol
Marlon
Glad I found your blog Scott, this is brilliant!
I am planning to take an Alaska Airlines flight that arrives at LAX (Terminal 6) at 2.09 PM, and then my next flight leaves to San Jose, Costa Rica at 2.40 PM (also Alaska on Terminal 6). Does it look like enough time to go for this option?
Thanks!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Marlon – glad you found this useful! Anyway, yes, that’s going to be a really tight connection, but totally doable since you won’t have to change terminals. T6 at LAX isn’t all that large, so it’ll take just minutes to reach your connecting gate. Enjoy Costa Rica!
Ricky H
Hi Scott, thank you so much for this blog what a great help it is.
We are flying Delta from Dallas Love to Vancouver but have a transfer to WestJet at LAX. It is a single flight purchase through Delta and they just reduced our connection time from 2.5 hours to 1 hour and 13 minutes. The connecting WestJet flight to Vancouver shows to be in terminal 2 but the in-bound Delta flight does not show a terminal yet. We assume it will be terminal 3. Should we be able to make the connecting flight in 1 hour? Thank you again for this article you are a great resource.
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Ricky! 1 hour and 13 minutes will be no problem, since you’ll be arriving and (most likely) departing from T3. It’s a bit confusing since WestJet’s ticketing counters are located in T2, but the flights depart out of T3 most of the time. But even if your WestJet flight departs from T2, you can freely move between T3 and T2 from behind the security checkpoint. It takes just a few minutes to get from one to the other.
Rick H
Thank you very much Scott.
Andy
Hey Scott, thanks so much for this article, really helpful to get my head around LAX! Myself and my fiancee are travelling to Fiji via LAX in September, from Heathrow, with American Airlines on the first leg, and Fiji Airways on the second, and we have a transit time of 3 hours 15 minutes, arriving at 8.40pm. I got the impression that would be enough time, but thought I’d drop a comment as well to see what you think, and what your recommendations would be? (if any!)
Thanks, Andy
We are UK citizens by the way, in case that’s helpful to know regarding immigration etc
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Andy! Yeah, 3:15 is easily enough time for that sort of connection. You will be required to go through US passport control and customs upon arrival (which will require you to retrieve your checked luggage), so you’ll be using up a good chunk of that time going through the transfer process.
Your American Airlines flight will arrive at either the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B), or Terminal 4. Your Fiji Airways flight will go out of the international terminal. T4 and B are located right next to each other – it’ll only take 5 minutes to walk from one to the other.
You’ll be fine though. Have a great trip!
Yu
Hi Scott,
Thank you for your great article, I found lots of useful informaiton here. I think I may have an idea how should I do when I get to the LAX airport but I still would like to ask you for some advise or confirmations.
My Delta flight will arrive at LAX terminal 3 at 8:55 AM, my next flight will be JAL from Terminal B at 10:20 AM (was 10:31), leave me only 1 hour and 25 mins layover time.
I plan to have no check-in luggages, and should have the JAL flight’s bording pass ahead of time, so based on your article, there are two options for me:
1. Exit Terminal 3 and walk to Terminal B (should take 5-10) mins, go through security again (not sure how long but should be enough) and then go to the gate.
2. Don’t exit terminal 3, walk to Gate 21A (Terminal 2) and take the airside bus to Terminal B. I just don’t know how long could it take for me to wait for the bus, how long does it take from Terminal 2 to Terminal B by the airside bus.
So what would be your recommendation? And will I make it to the JAL in time with either option ?
Thank you,
Yu
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Yu! Definitely take option 2 – it’ll be the fastest way to get over to Terminal B. The busses run once every 10 minutes or so (maybe even more frequent than that), and it’ll take about 5 minutes to drive over. It doesn’t take long.
The big time savings will be not having to go through security again once you are dropped off at Terminal B. You can walk directly to your gate.
Assuming your Delta flight isn’t massively delayed, you won’t have any issues making your connection!
Yu
Thank you Scott! I will take option 2 which is also what I preferred!
EE
Hi Scott, great article! It was very informative, especially to an anxiety-ridden flyer like me. I’m looking at 2 round trip flights right now but I have not been through LAX. I would love your suggestion for which flight has a better layover so that we have enough time to go through customs and security. And not miss our flight!
The layover on the flight back is what I’m most worried about. I don’t know if 2 or 3 hours is enough time for us to go through customs and security at LAX to catch our flight back to YYZ.
I think Air Canada and Singapore Airlines are partners but do we have to recheck our luggage at LAX (to or from NRT)? And will we have to go through US customs at LAX (from or to YYZ)?
Flight 1 RT:
Air Canada, YYZ -> LAX
4 hours, 15 min layover
Singapore Airlines, LAX -> NRT
Singapore Airlines, NRT -> LAX
3 hours, 15 min layover
Air Canada, LAX -> YYZ
Flight 2 RT:
Air Canada, YYZ -> LAX
4 hours, 15 min layover
Singapore Airlines, LAX -> NRT
Singapore Airlines, NRT -> LAX
2 hours, 40min layover
Air Canada, LAX -> YYZ
Thank you so much.
Scott (SANspotter)
Glad you found this helpful! LAX isn’t all that bad once you get used to it, and I think you’ll be surprised (in a good way) once you’re there. It’s a big airport, but it’s one of the easier ones to navigate IMHO. Anyway:
No, you won’t have to go through customs upon arrival at LAX from Toronto. You’ll actually do that before departing YYZ (it’s called US Preclearance), so you’ll arrive in Los Angeles just as any normal domestic flight would.
If your entire YYZ-LAX-NRT itinerary is part of the same ticket (and you receive your boarding pass for the LAX-NRT segment upon checking in at YYZ), you won’t have to retrieve (and then recheck) your luggage. If you need to check in with Singapore Airlines at LAX to get your boarding pass, then you will need to retrieve (and recheck) your luggage. No matter what, 4:15 will be plenty of time!
Definitely go for the longer 3:15 layover on the way back though LAX. You will have to go through customs and immigration (which will involve retrieving your checked luggage), so the more time the better. And yes, 3 hours is enough time.
Have a great trip!
EE
Thank you so much! This all very helpful to me. I’m so happy I stumbled upon your article 🙂
Greg
Hi Scott,
Thank you so much for your travel tips. I am planning to fly into LAX on Hawiian Airlines (terminal B) at 5:45AM and then connect to Southwest (terminal 1) for an 8:10AM departure to LAS on a Friday morning with checked baggage. So, I would be retrieving luggage, going to the next terminal, re-checking luggage, going through the security checkpoint and then to my gate. Would a 2h 25min layover be long enough to be stress free? The next best departure for my final destination would be 10:15AM but adds 2hrs to the layover. Also, would the inter-terminal shuttle be much longer that the 15 min walk? Thank you so much.
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Greg! I’m not going to promise it’ll be stress-free (lol), but 3 hours is easily enough to make that sort of connection. The Hawaiian Airlines gates at LAX are in an unfortunate location now, so it’ll be a long walk back to the main terminal.
Speaking of walking, yes – I definitely recommend walking to the Southwest Terminal as opposed to taking the inter-termimal shuttle bus. Walking is almost always faster due to how congested the roads are around LAX.
Mary
Hi Scott,
What an awesome article, full of useful information, especially for an inexperienced traveler. I’ll be travelling from Sydney to LA on AA72 – (American Airlines I think?) and AA184 to New York. Will my luggage go straight through the AA flights? Or do I need to collect it and go through customs at LA or customs at NY? I also have 2 hours 20 minutes between flights, should that be enough time?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Mary! Unfortunately you’re going to have to retrieve your luggage before going through customs (and then recheck it afterwards). This is required of everyone entering the US – even those who are making connections.
The good news is that there is an American Airlines baggage recheck kiosk right outside the exit to customs. And if for whatever reason it’s not open, you won’t have to walk very far to the American Airlines check-in area in Terminal 4.
Two hours and 20 minutes will be enough time. That said, it’ll behoove to keep moving as fast as you can (just in case you experience any delays along the way). Have a good trip!
Mary
Thank you Scott, I’m so glad I found your article 🙂
LeeAnn
We will be leaving out of Indianapolis on American Airlines then transferring to Qantas at LAX. Our connection time is 2 hours 55 min. Should we be comfortable with this?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi LeeAnn! Three hours is way more time than you’ll actually need to transfer from a domestic American Airlines flight to an international Qantas flight.
Since American Airlines and Qantas are partners, you’ll receive your boarding pass for your Qantas flight when you check in in Indianapolis. Also, your checked luggage (if any) will transfer automatically.
Pro tip: do not exit the terminal when you arrive at LAX! You’ll arrive in Terminal 4, but your flight to Sydney will be going out of Terminal B (the Tom Bradley International Terminal). You can walk to B from 4 behind the security checkpoint – there will be signs pointing the way. Not having to go through security again will save you a lot of unnecessary hassle.
Angela
Hi, firstly some really helpful info here thank you!
I wanted to ask, we are arriving at LAX from Melbourne at 6.45am and then have a connecting flight to Cancun at 8.10am. We arrive at terminal B and need to get to terminal 7. We are flying with the same airline so don’t need to collect or re-check our baggage. I wanted to ask, will 1 hr 35 be enough time and any hints/tips to make it as stressfree as possible?
Thanks,
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Angela – you’re very welcome! Unfortunately, you will need to retrieve your luggage before going through customs. It’s a requirement of all passengers entering the US, no matter what nationality of passport they hold.
An hour and 35 minutes is going to be tight. Is there any way to change to a later flight to Cancun? I’d give very serious thought to it, as you run a high risk of missing your connection if you encounter any sort of delay along the way.
Worst case scenario, you will automatically be rebooked if you do end up missing your flight. Keep an eye on the app of the airline you’re flying – you’ll see real time information there.
Good luck!
Lanie
I am going to have a 1hr 55min layover in LAX going to EWR from an international flight (SIA). Im actually wondering whether i’ll have enough time for my connection to terminal 6 with alaska airline since i just realize that we have to go through baggage claim and custom in LAX before the connecting flight as for the baggage will i have to bring it to terminal 6 to get it check in or is there a transfer desk to put the bags after the custom? I am using one itinerary ticket for my whole flight so i assume that the baggage already have a tag for the final destination? Will i still have to go through security too? If yes, how long will it take to go through the security? I am very nervous and hoping that i can make the connection. Any info will be appreciated. TIA
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Lanie! 2 hours will be enough time.
Yes, you are going to have to retrieve your luggage before going through customs at LAX. However, there is a baggage re-check area right outside the exit from customs (which will save you some hassle). If for whatever reason that re-check area is closed, don’t panic! Checking luggage with Alaska Airlines in Terminal 6 is easy (and usually really fast).
It’ll take 5-10 minutes to walk to Terminal 6 from the Tom Bradley International Terminal / Terminal B (which is where your Singapore Airlines flight will be arriving). Just turn right when exiting the international terminal.
Finally, a security check will be required to get into the gate area of Terminal 6. It sounds like a lot, but you’ll make it!
Lanie
Thank you for the quick response Scott. I was worried at first thinking that 1hr55min will not be enough for me to get to my connecting flight. I was even thinking if i could request a meet and assist from the SIA, once i get to LAX so that maybe it can speed up the time. but with your reassurance im ready for the flight. Lol.
Damian
Hi Scott,
I have booked a flight from Melbourne to LAX with Qantas that arrives at 7:50am at terminal B. I then have a flight from terminal 3 with Delta to Cancun at 10:15am. Is this enough time ?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Damian! Yeah, that will be enough time, but just know that you’re probably going to use most of it going through the customs and immigration process (as well as security to get into T3).
Walking to T3 from Terminal B takes just a few minutes. Upon exit from Terminal B, turn left. Terminal 3 is the first building entrance you’ll come to. Have a great trip!
Christopher and Susan Jonas
Hi Scott,
My husband and I are flying Delta from Sacramento to LAX arriving at 7:26am. We then have a Delta flight to Frankfurt at 8:40am. I assume our checked bags will be going all the way through – do we have enough time to make it to the international terminal? (Delta booked this time table when we bought the tickets).
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Christopher and Susan – you very likely won’t even need to change terminals. Delta uses terminals 2 and 3 at LAX, and you can walk freely between them (without exiting the secure area).
If by chance your flight is departing from the international terminal, that’ll be a quick and easy transfer as well. There’s a bus that will take you there (which doesn’t require going through security). Do not exit the terminal when you arrive from Sacramento! Follow the signs for the transfer bus to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) instead.
No matter what terminal you’ll be departing from, your checked bags will transfer automatically. And yes – you will have plenty of time. Have a great trip!
John VanWalleghem
Hi Scott,
This was very helpful. Having flow only once through LAX 24 years ago, I was quite anxious about some flight changes that are making a transfer time seem quite tight. In November, along with 4 or 5 golfing friends, I’m heading from Winnipeg via WestJet, arriving at Terminal 2, to Bangkok via EVA Air, departing from Terminal B. WestJet has made our arrival time later than originally planned, so now we have just 1hr, 45min. between flights. From your information on this post, am I right that our best bet is to use the airside bus. And does the time allowed seem reasonable?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey John – an hour and 45 minutes is not going to be a problem at all. Yes, the airside transfer bus will be the fastest way to get from Terminal 2 to Terminal B. It takes just a few minutes and you won’t have to go through security again when you reach Terminal B.
Exiting Terminal 2 and going through the main entrance of Terminal B will take a lot of time (mostly because you will be required to go through the security checkpoint to get in).
You’ve got nothing to worry about IMHO. Have a great trip!
John
Thanks very much. You’ve made my day!
Michelle
Hi Scott, thank you for your informative article.
I have booked my trip with America Airlines. I will be flying from FLL to LAX (American Airlines), and then I have 2hrs 30mins connection time before my next international flight from LAX to Haneda (operated by JAL – partner of American Airlines). After that, I will be departing from Haneda to Singapore (JAL) with 6hrs 40mins connection time.
It will be my first time in LAX. I only have a carry-on bag. I have TSA Pre-check and Global Entry.
I do not have the information on arrival/departure terminal. Please kindly advise the following:
1) After departing from FLL and landing at LAX, do I have to go through customs and security check point?
2) Will the 2hrs 30mins connection time at LAX be sufficient to catch my international flight to Haneda?
3) After landing at LAX, what is the fastest way to get to the International Terminal to catch my connecting flight to Haneda? I am perfectly fine with walking.
4) At the LAX International Terminal, do I have to go through customs and security check point before taking my connecting flight to Haneda?
Thank you very much.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Michelle – you’re very welcome! Long story short, your connection at LAX is going to be very easy. As a matter of fact, you are going to have lots of extra time.
You’ll be arriving in Terminal 4 at LAX. Once you deplane, walk towards the exit – but do not exit the terminal! You’ll see signs for the Tom Bradley International Terminal / Terminal B walkway on the left (immediately before you reach the security checkpoint).
Follow that, and it’ll take you directly to the international terminal Without having to go through security (or anything else).
As long as you use that connecting walkway, you’ll literally be able to walk from gate to gate without having to do anything. No security checks, no customs, no anything.
Have a great trip!
Michelle
Thank you Scott for your prompt response.
Muna
I will be arriving at LAX from Tokyo at 12:45pm with united.
I need to book a connecting flight with Delta (expiring credits) to Toronto, my choices are 2:00pm and 10:00pm.
I am a trusted traveler so hope that helps.
My flight from Japan has historically been 15-30 minutes early and the 2:00pm flight to Toronto historically is 15-30 minutes late leaving.
Is the 2pm flight impossible?
Thanks!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Muna! This is a tricky question – and not one that has an obvious answer IMHO. Here are my thoughts:
Choosing the 2 PM flight will require everything leading up to it to go right. Everything has to be on time, lines have to be short, and there can’t be any issues along the way.
I personally wouldn’t book an international to domestic/intl connection with an hour and 15 minute layover at LAX. Just getting off that plane from Japan can take 20+ minutes.
And then, even with Global Entry and TSA Precheck, it’s going take time to get through customs and immigration. You also need to consider the time it’s going to take to get from terminal to terminal. United uses T7. Delta uses T3 (which is on the opposite side of the airport).
All I’m trying to say is that your tolerance for risk needs to be *really* high to choose that 2pm flight. 🙂
I can sympathize with your dilemma though. Waiting around until 10 PM is
probablygoing to suck. That alone may be worth risking it all for the earlier flight (lol). Good luck!Emma
Hi, such a helpful website, thank you!
I land in LAX from Heathrow at 19.20 (Lufthansa, operated by United) landing at T7, then fly onto Sydney (Qantas) at 23.40 from Terminal B, so 4hr20m layover. Will this be enough time, and I’m assuming I’ll need to collect baggage, go to Terminal B and recheck and go through security? What’s the easiest way of getting from T7 to Terminal B? Thanks!
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re welcome Emma! Yes, even though you’re going to have to do the full customs and immigration procedure (as well as checking in for your Qantas flight), 4 hours and 20 minutes will be more than enough time. You won’t have to stress about it at all.
The best way to get from a T7 to B is to walk IMHO (just turn left when exiting T7). It’ll take about 10 to 15 minutes, which is a lot less time than the shuttle bus will take (because of traffic).
Have a great trip – that’s a long one!
Kate
Hi Scott,
We will be arriving at LAX on an AirNZ flight from Auckland at 12:20 Tom Bradley Terminal and then flying out on Air France at 15:25 also from the Tom Bradley Terminal.
Will this be okay? Will we need to collect our bags, go through security/customs and then check back in?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Kate – yup, you’re going to have to do the full US customs and immigration procedure (which includes all of the things you listed). Three hours will be plenty though. You’ve got nothing to worry about. Have a great trip!
Kerstin
Hi Scott, first of all thank you very much for your very helpful article. As we will fly to LAX with LH456 from Frankfurt which is very often delayed, I just wanted to hear if you have any additional tips for us (family of 4). Here are our dates:
Arriving at LAX 2:05pm from Frankfurt with Lufthansa at Tom Bradley
Departing from LAX to HNL 4:45pm Terminal 7 with United
It´s all on one ticket, as both airlines are members of Star Alliance.
Will it be enough time or should we maybe already ask in Frankfurt before leaving for additional connection services?
Looking forward to your reply. Thank you very much in advance.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Kerstin – you’re very welcome! You’ll have nearly 3 hours to make your connection, so I think that’s going to be fine (even if your inbound flight is slightly delayed). I’ve done so many international to domestic connections at LAX that I wouldn’t even be concerned with that amount of time. You’ll make it (no problem).
Enjoy Hawaii!
Kerstin
Dear Scott, many thanks your answer! Now we feel even better! Have a nice day and sunny regards from Germany.
Christine
Hi
We have a flight via SkyWest DBA DELTA Connection leaving San Diego at 3:11 pm. arriving LAX 4:13 p.m.; “47-minute layover”; connecting to a 5:00 p.m. DELTA flight to Charles De Galle.
Seems way too tight? Will we make it – the original ticket shows flying into Terminal 2; connecting and departing Terminal 3
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Christine – you make it, no problem! Terminals 2 and 3 are connected airside at LAX, and you can walk freely between them without having to go through security. It’s going to be a very easy connection. Have a great trip!
Sheila
Hello Scott,
I have a flight arriving at LAX with Hawaiian Airlines at 15:30. I will have to retrieve bags and check in for my parents at Terminal B (they need help with check-in and service assistance); they are flying with LEVEL. And then I have a flight at 17:30 with Delta with no bags.
Is it doable? I still have to get my ticket, but I’m not sure if that will be enough time for me to go from Terminal B to Terminal 3 and go through security.
Thank you in advance.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Sheila – yeah, that’s going to be tough. It would be plenty of time if you didn’t have to assist your parents, but helping them do the transfer is going to slow you down a lot IMHO.
I would choose a later flight with Delta if possible.
Todd
Hi Scott
I am fly from New Zealand on the 22 of Dec
Landing 11.15am and going to las vegas at 1.06pm with checked bags
Have not done it before ?
Any Tips?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Todd! Two hours it’s just about the perfect amount of time for a layover like that. You will have to go through the full US customs and immigration process though, so a bit of patience will be required.
The only recommendation I have is walking to your connecting terminal instead of taking the inter-terminal shuttle bus. Traffic around LAX is always horrendous, and it’s usually always faster to walk.
Raz
Hi Scott,
Thank you so much for your amazing detailed info regarding LAX!
Our flight from Montreal/Canada to LAX is with United (operated by Air Canada) landing at T6.
Our connecting flight from LAX to Sidney/Australia is at terminal T7 with Unites as well and we have only 69 minute layover.
We got contradictory information from different sources as to security and customs are required to get from T6 to T7. Would you know what is the truth (US customs and immigration is done in Montreal)?
Do you think 69 minutes is enough?
Thank you very much,
Raz
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Raz! 69 minutes is going to be a piece of cake. It’ll take 5-10 minutes to walk from terminal 6 to terminal 7, and there are no security checks involved.
And you are correct. You’ll go through US customs and immigration prior to leaving Montreal. Your flight will arrive at LAX as any other domestic US flight would, so there’s nothing you’re going to have to do except walk to your connecting gate.
Have a great trip!
Mon
Hi Scott. Thanks so much for your information.
We are travelling from Melbourne to LAX with United Airlines arriving 6:45am at Tom Bradley International Terminal. We have a connecting flight with United Airline to Las Vegas from Terminal 7 departing at 8:20am. Can you please explain the process when we get off the plane at LA. Do we have to collect our checked in luggage or is it automatically put on the plane to Las Vegas? Will we have enough time? Thanks.
Scott (SANspotter)
You are very welcome Mon! That’s not a lot of time to make an international to domestic connection at LAX, but it’ll most likely be enough. The process is fairly straightforward:
1). Go through passport control
2). Retrieve your luggage from the baggage carousel (nope, it will not automatically be transferred to your next flight)
3). Proceed through customs with your luggage
4). Recheck your luggage at the baggage recheck area immediately after you exit customs (you won’t have to take your luggage all the way to the United ticket counters in Terminal 7).
5). Turn right when you exit the Tom Bradley International Terminal and walk (outside) to T7. It’ll take about 10 minutes.
Have a great trip!
Holly
Thank you so much for your guide! It’s very helpful! I’m a little worried about my upcoming connecting flight. I’m flying from IAH to LAX for on United with a connecting flight with a very short layover (45mins). And then flying to Reno, Nevada through Skywest DBA United Express. Do you think United / United Express will arrive and depart from the same terminals?
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Holly! United uses terminals 7 and 8 at LAX. Your flight from IAH will most likely be arriving in Terminal 7, and your flight to Reno will be going out of Terminal 8. I can’t guarantee that with 100% certainty, but definitely 90%. 🙂
45 minutes is going to be plenty of time. It’ll take 5-10 minutes to walk between both terminals (and you won’t have to go through any security checkpoints).
Holly
Understand! Thanks so much for your opinion
Rachel Rowe
Hi Scott,
I am travelling from Melbourne Australia to Cancun Mexico. I have a 90 min stopover at LAX. Both flights are with United.
Is this enough time?
I am assuming that my luggage will be automatically transferred between flights?
Do you think I’ll be at Terminal 7/8 for both flights?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Rachel – yes, you will most likely be arriving and departing from Terminal 7. Unfortunately, you are going to have to retrieve your luggage before going through customs.
The good news is that there will be a baggage recheck area immediately after you exit customs, so you’re not going to have to lug it all the way back to the ticket counter. This recheck process doesn’t take long since your bags will already be tagged to Cancun. The only thing you’ll have to to do is just hand them over.
90 minutes is probably going to be a little tight! You’ll make it (assuming that your inbound flight is relatively close to on time), but just be prepared to hustle.
Amanda
Thank you for this detailed information. I’m panicking! Have been booked by our TA on United UA99 arriving at LAX (from MEL) at 6.45am at Terminal B and connecting flight UA1890 leaving Terminal 7 at 8.15am. We will have checked baggage (3 suitcases) and are flying at Easter. What is the process (do we go through customs, collect luggage then return luggage, is there shortcuts like the tunnels you have shown) and if we absolutely scramble do we have a hope of making it? Thank you
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Amanda! An hour and a half is going to be a little tight, but you will likely be OK that early in the morning (when it’s usually less busy). You’ll be arriving in terminal 7 (the same terminal your connecting flight will be departing from).
The first thing you’re going to do is passport control. From there you will have to go to the baggage carousel and retrieve your luggage before going through customs. Customs is usually pretty quick – you can usually walk right through without even being stopped.
There will (probably) be a baggage drop immediately after you exit customs. Drop your luggage there, and proceed straight to the nearest security checkpoint to get back into Terminal 7. You will be outside of the secure area at this point unfortunately, so you will have to go through security to get back in.
You’ll make it if you hustle! Good luck!
Rob
Hi Scott,
Your website is really useful thanks.
I have a connection at LAX with American Airlines in mid-December – arriving from HNL at 2219 (AA162) and flying out to LHR at 2330 (AA138). When I booked, the connection time was two hours but AA rescheduled the flight from HNL a few weeks ago.
Is this enough time? I’m really stressed – not helped because the booking is codeshare with BA, not directly with AA. BA refuse to change it claiming the minimum transfer time is 40 minutes! They have at least told me our luggage will be checked straight through so we only have carry-on and assume we’ll have the LHR boarding passes issued in HNL. BA tell me the two flights arrive / depart from Terminal 4.
Do we need to go through security screening again or is it just passport control? We have AUS passports so not eligible for TSA Pre-check.
Thanks for your help,
Rob.
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Rob! You’ve got absolutely nothing to worry about. You’ll receive your boarding pass for LHR when you check in at HNL, and your luggage will automatically be transferred at LAX.
The British Airways representative is correct – you will be arriving and departing out of Terminal 4. This means that you will not have to go through security (or customs, or anything) to get to your connecting gate. Simply walk from one gate to the next (which won’t take long at all since you won’t have to leave T4).
It’s going to be extremely easy (and fast). Have a great trip!
Liliana
Hi Scott,
I appreciate your website and the valuable assistance it offers. I’ll be arriving at Los Angeles International Airport via Delta Airlines at Terminal 3 and connecting to a LATAM flight bound for Lima, Peru. I’ve heard about an airway walkthrough between Terminal 3 and Terminal B, but I’m unsure of its location. Could you please specify if it’s in the arrivals or departures area and perhaps mention a nearby gate for reference? I’ll have approximately 3 hours before my next flight.
On my return journey, after going through immigration, retrieving my luggage, and clearing customs, I think it is on level 1 of Terminal B at Los Angeles International Airport. From there, I’ll need to recheck my luggage with Delta as I continue my journey. I’ll be using Delta One in the arrivals section. Could you kindly provide directions on finding the connector to Terminal 3 arrivals, where I’ll undergo security screening and recheck my luggage?
Thanks for your help.
Liliana
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Liliana – thanks for the kind words! Yes, there is a walkway connecting Terminal 3 to Terminal B. Walk towards gate 30A, and you’ll start seeing signs for it. The entrance to the walkway is located a bit past that gate, but it’ll be fairly obvious once you see it. FYI, it takes less than 10 minutes to walk between T3 and TB, so your 3 hour layover is going to be plenty of time. No worries there.
On the way back, you’ll be exiting out into the main arrivals area of Terminal B once you get through customs and immigration. You’ll be outside of the secure area at this point, so your only option will be to walk (outside) to T3. It doesn’t take long though! Turn left when exiting terminal B, and Terminal 3 will be the first terminal you arrive at. Again, it’ll take less than 10 minutes. You can do it in less than 5 if you’re in a hurry lol.
Have a great trip!
John
Hi
Verry, VERRY usefull info!
I have a connecting flight in january. (AMS-LAX-HNL) When i booked, i had a transfertime of 2 hours but we got rescheduled and now we have connecting time of 1,5hr. Our flight to HNL is with Delta and departs from terminal 3. I have GE and TSA pre. Considering the new situation (connector from TBIT to T3), do you think this is enough time?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi John – glad you found this useful! I think you stand a strong chance of making it without any issues. I’ve always been able to get through LAX passport control and customs in less than 10 minutes with Global Entry – so I don’t think you have much to worry about.
FYI, the connector between the international terminal and T3 won’t be of any benefit to you since you’ll exit customs outside of the secure area (which will require you to go through security to get back into the terminal). Walking outside from TBIT to T3 takes just 5 minutes.
It’s also worth noting that if your flight from Amsterdam is on Delta, you’ll be arriving at T3 (not TBIT). If it’s KLM, you’ll arrive at TBIT.
Hope you enjoy Hawaii!