[Nathan]

It appears that the mess at LAX will get worse before it gets better.
...or at least it will get worse. I don't know if it will get better.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-airports22may22,0,6516877.story?coll=la-home-center

[speckythecky]

Had friends travel through LAx a few weeks ago travelling between Uk and NZ and their 10 year old became ill while in the queue. It got them to the front very quickly. Unfortunately when they got to Auckland, she wouldn't do the same to hurry them through customs and onto the domestic flight

[swissmissdesigner]

I fly frequently from LAX and I find it well organized airport compare to many other international airports.
The "mess" you can find in any large international airports in the high season.

[veronica]

shame someone can't teach the staff there to smile, it would make the whole scene sooo much easier.

[wanderingoregonian]

Swiss miss, I need to figure out which terminal you fly through, because I seem to always encounter stress and chaos at LAX. Even with 6 hour lay overs, I've encountered craziness... much more so on average than boston and chicago. Then again there was that one flight out of boston that took the cake. They were still telling everyone to arrive at the airport 2 hours before all flights, the only problem was they weren't opening any security areas until after 6, so all the 7 am flights passangers were in the entry area along with the early birds for the 8 am flights - a complete night mare, then the man in front of me had a grand mal seizure. THe paramedics couldn't find us in the sea of bodies, and someone had the nerve to get snippy with me for leaving my bags unaccompanied (because I was calling 911 from a pay phone...)

maybe I just have bad luck or too many miles under my belt or got too use to the calmness of the small PDX! maybe I'll have better luck next time, though its always been a small price to pay for getting to my destination.

[swissmissdesigner]

Hi Wandering..
I am using the Brandly terminal ( international) very often.
So far I am happy, no problems for the last 10 years!

[barryp]

I always found LAX manageable for domestic transfers, even across airlines. But the requirement a few years back to re-screen when changing terminals (with few exceptions) made domestic transfers there horrid IMO.

It's been especially unpleasant in the international section the past year, and that's for US citizens. Int'l transiting aliens now get to enjoy full fingerprinting and eye scans in addition to grumpy, inefficient 'service'. Lovely. :no

Whenever the urge to pop back to CA for a visit strikes, I can usually put it away just by thinking of LAX.

[Bruckner]

My pet peeve is with O'Hare in Chicago but that's a whole 'nother thread and on a different forum.

Emily

[SarahEDH]

I've noticed something about airports. If I'm in them for a good and happy reason, I notice nothing bad and can sing their praises evermore. That is LAX to me. I've never had a problem there and have only warm fuzzies about the place. Landing there with my husband when we were flying in from Kansas City (repeatedly) to see our daughter when she was a student at USC -- delightful. Arriving very late at night from an int'l business trip and having a smiling LA security guy say "Welcome home. Nice to have you back in America" -- I loved it. I was so glad to be home, as it happens.

I may get a more balanced view if I ever lose luggage there, get bumped from a flight, get attitude from snarky clerks . . . but right now I just radiate sunshine and joy, all the way through the terminal. Told you it might sicken you.

[aberdian]

Bit of a dichotomy maybe between the ways US and non-US people are treated at LAX, leading to differences of opinion?

[SarahEDH]

Yes, that could be a factor, Aberdeen -- it's hard to say. I don't think there's a way to know for sure if nationality is related to why people don't treat others well.

My post was more about my oblivious state of mind -- I think it's like self-hypnosis. If I tell myself I really like someplace (an airport, Pak-N-Save, whatever) and everybody's wonderful, reality doesn't intrude too far . . . kinda sad, I know, but it's a system that works for me :laugh

[swissmissdesigner]

SarahEDH: thank you for your kidness opinion about LAX.
I live in L.A. about 10 years and I can tell you I agree with you.

aberdian: I am a non-US person..but I learned in the states not to complain about everything and appricate more other people effort.

[Nathan]

My experiences through LAX have all been transfers from domestic flights to international or the reverse....and always for vacations, ie, happy times. My gripes with 'LAX' are rude/grumpy staff, running through security just to change terminals, slow transportation between terminals, insane lines (ques) at Customs and baggage check, and multiple gate changes.
Has anyone on here used San Fransisco to fly to NZ? Is that better?

[JCM]

I've travelled through Singapore, Hong Kong and LAX and I've got to say that imho the Far East airports win hands down - they put Heathrow to shame too.

[wanderingoregonian]

Well I think I'll give LAX another chance, thanks for all the positive thoughts. I had actually started trying to avoid it when budget allowed. On my last flight through San Fransico I had an overnight stop over and a very calm lovely experience and thought I had given up on LAX for good, but now if there is a good fare, I'll consider it again:)

Maybe part of the problem is I get stressed when I think there may be something I'm supposed to be doing (say be at a different gate at a different time or do something specific with my luggage) and don't feel comfortable asking airport/security staff. I'm sure staff at busy airports must get asked the same annoying questions over and over again, but I find it really hard to keep up with all the rules that seem to change as soon as you figure it out. Maybe now that I fly so rarely it will be easier because I no longer have any expectations...

[aberdian]

My comment was after listening to various colleagues coming to the UK from the US and having to put up with the heavy queues (yet courteous staff) in the non-UK passport holders lines at Heathrow, and my experiences going the other way, into Houston (solo, many times) and Denver (with small family, never ever again). I just wondered if it was less painful for US citizens to fly through LAX etc, just like it's less painful for UK citizens to go through Heathrow....... I suspect it is, leading to a dichotomy of views.

Anyway, we're avoiding LAX like the plague and paying more to go through HK in October.....

Ian

[jubjub]

I have to say that during our trip back to the UK last year, out of Hong Kong, LAX and Heathrow, Heathrow was by far the worst for queues, we had to stand in line with a crying baby for nearly an hour waiting to get through to the boarding gate, LAX transit was a picnic after that!

Although none of the US immigration staff seem capable of a smile in our experience (and we have met them many times over the last ten years!)

[veronica]

I've got to go with the avoiding LA contingent, have tried it several times and not again, another reason ( but not the main) is as living in Chch you have to go via Auckland.

[Croft]

LAX in 2001, horrendous. Having to collect luggage and check it back in during transit on the same aircraft! Going through last year was a surprise, a queue but they tries their best to divert people when the desks down stairs freed up, and we had smiling staff!! Free drinks and snacks in the lounge helped too.

We'll be flying out again a week today, out via LAX and back via HK so I'll be able to compare the two. I think I'm always going to chose LAX, no matter how bad it gets, if only for the 46kg luggage allowance vs 20kg (although the trick I've learnt is to add 13kg of 'sports equipment', which is included on the LAX Air NZ route, but is added to your allowance on the HK route).

It's also usually the cheapest route.

[Malay-Coopers]

Flying back to LAX after my first prolonged visit to NZ caused me to want to move to NZ.

Just compare the toilets . . . In LAZ messy, disgusting, hold your nose awful. In NX, generally clean, tidy, and pleasant, even in the middle of nowhere.

People in NZ airports actually assist you when you have eight bags and a 4 year old. In LAX, they just stare at you while you are at the end of your wits.

[Oregonkiwi]

Has anyone on here used San Fransisco to fly to NZ? Is that better?

Yes!! Soooooo much better!! I flew SFO-AKL in Feb 2005, Feb 2006 and October 2006 and each time it was as nice as an airport gets, the international terminal always seemed to be deserted, peaceful, clean, quiet.......:nice1

[Nathan]

Passengers stuck in planes after computer fails

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/08/12/LAXBackup.ap/index.html

• Los Angeles International Airport screening system breaks down
• More than 20,000 international passengers forced to wait in terminals, planes
• "People are getting a little stir-crazy, feeling claustrophobic," one passenger says

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Weary international passengers were stuck at Los Angeles International Airport for several hours, after a computer failure prevented customs officials from screening arrivals.

More than 20,000 international passengers, both Americans and foreigners, sat in four airport terminals and in 60 planes starting about 2 p.m. on Saturday, when the computer system broke down, said Los Angeles World Airports spokesman Paul Haney.

:cheers

[tigerlily]

Please let the US pass a passenger bill of rights that would keep airlines from holding people in planes for 5 hours after a 13 hour flight. That gives me claustrophobia just thinking about it!

[DMcG]

I've sworn never to go to the US again after the general suspicion and hostility I've received every time I flew threw there. The last time, our flight leaving Auckland was delayed by twelve hours due to snow at Heathrow (!). We were flying on to Mexico City so managed to get to get our onward tickets sorted in advance. In LAX we were just continuously yelled at to get in line, collect our baggage and report to the transfers desk. I physically had to hold our onward tickets in front of someone's eyes and block their vision before they payed any attention to us and then all we got was "Tom Bradley!" shouted at us (turns out to be the airport building next door).

I've seen the same behaviour in Sydney airport at the US airlines checkin desk where an American member of the staff was accosting anyone who looked like they might be heading for the desk, shouted at them to get in line, demanded to see tickets and basically bullied everyone around.

Next time we're flying via Asia, Canada or South America, but never back through the US - regardless of the cost.

Dougie

[tiefchord]

Whenever the urge to pop back to CA for a visit strikes, I can usually put it away just by thinking of LAX.

Fly into SFO, not LAX.

LAX has always been a hassle almost every single time I've been through that airport - and as a native Californian it's been more than a few trips. In contrast, SFO isn't too bad: the asshole factor is much lower.

[tiefchord]

I've seen the same behaviour in Sydney airport at the US airlines checkin desk where an American member of the staff was accosting anyone who looked like they might be heading for the desk, shouted at them to get in line, demanded to see tickets and basically bullied everyone around.

Yep. What I find most appalling about this is the fact that we are PAYING CUSTOMERS. Absolutely ridiculous treatment to be having towards people who are paying for airline services - yet are treated like kids on a playground.

[AndyR]

Anyone have any recent experience with LAX? I have a 2 hour stop over. Luckily the plane is not being changed so luggage is not an issue.

Can anyone tell me what I am likley to experience? customs? lounge? any shops?

Thanks

[catt]

I am looking for the same info as AndyR .....flying NZ Airways to LAX and the flight times is one hour stop over in LAX I assume for fuelling and other stuff along with people leaving and arriving......question is would we be expected to get off the plane or stay on it if your continuing on your way to Auckland? Anyone any ideas? Does it have an effect if your travelling first class or economy?

[lnz]

Anyone have any recent experience with LAX? I have a 2 hour stop over. Luckily the plane is not being changed so luggage is not an issue.

Can anyone tell me what I am likley to experience? customs? lounge? any shops?

Thanks

I'm not sure if it's recent enough - we travelled back via LAX with Air New Zealand last July. It wasn't as pleasant an experience as HK (but not many airports are, IMO).
We passed through immigration and were finger printed and iris scanned, and then escorted to a transit area. The transit area was just for our plane, so it wasn't overcrowded, but there wasn't much to do. You couldn't wander around the airport or browse the shops and there were only limited retail opportunities from a sort-of duty free 'cupboard' in the transit area.
ANZ made the best of the situation - there was free coffee, crisps and chocolate (I'm easily swayed) as well as clean toilets and pleasant ANZ ground-crew.

I had no problems with a 2 hour layover there, but it would get seriously boring to be delayed and have to spend hours and hours in the one lounge.

In answer to catt's question - the business class people were escorted to the business lounge. I presume they went through the same immigration process, but then had access to the showers and food and whatever luxuries are available in such lounges
(envious? moi? ok, a bit).

[catt]

not sure i could do much in an hour even on business class.....takes me an hour to wash and dry my hair never mind shower the rest of me lol. Still curious if anyone has done the one hour stopover in LAX on the Air NZ flight though...........please..........thanx

[Jo Jo]

Yes, you have to get off the plane and go through customs even though you're getting back onto the same plane. If you are flying business class you get to get off the plane first and go through customs first, though. Last time I was at LAX the business class bit of the transit lounge wasn't that swanky - it was just divided off from the main transit lounge and had bigger seats.

[Mels]

We have done this twice now (on NZ1) although back in 2004 and 2005 but with two little 'uns. It was OK, Air NZ are very helpful and provide drinks and biscuits, fruit. By the time you have ben fingerprinted and checked you only have an hour to walk about before you get back on the plane. You are stuck in the one room and your luggage stays on the plane on NZ1, just take off hand luggage.
We will be going this way in August because of the higher baggage allowance. Frankly it wasn't as bad as sitting on a plane for 12 hours it was a pleasant relief to get off stretch and walk about.
I think now business class are escorted through to the 'proper' lounge and not just that little 'partitioned off' area. So that would be nice aaahhhh dreaming dreaming....

Mels

[Jo Jo]

We will be going this way in August because of the higher baggage allowance.

Mels

If it wasn't for the additional luggage allowance I would avoid LAX like the plague. At it's best, it's okay, but not nearly as good as Singapore, HK, or KL, but at it's worst it is so bad that the only way I can put up with it is by thinking of the luggage allowance and entering a zen-like state of acceptance... but I assume that's why Air NZ gives the extra luggage allowance via LAX!

[thewoodies]

OMG - we have booked to go that way spending a few days there (disney etc) London Gatwick was hideous enough when we went away earier in the year - anyone done a stopover in LA?

[Mels]

If it wasn't for the additional luggage allowance I would avoid LAX like the plague. At it's best, it's okay, but not nearly as good as Singapore, HK, or KL, but at it's worst it is so bad that the only way I can put up with it is by thinking of the luggage allowance and entering a zen-like state of acceptance... but I assume that's why Air NZ gives the extra luggage allowance via LAX!

I have never been thru HK or Singapore I think if I had I would find it harder to accept the LAX route:yes Judging by the stories people tell of shoping etc I think I must give it a try :D

Mels

[PeteS]

Bit of a dichotomy maybe between the ways US and non-US people are treated at LAX, leading to differences of opinion?

The easiest way to deal with LAX is to fly to europe via Singpore or HK. We had enough of being photographed, fingerprinted like a criminal and getting "attitude" from customs and immigration in LAX. And that was only as a transit passenger!

[urban78]

Bit of a dichotomy maybe between the ways US and non-US people are treated at LAX, leading to differences of opinion?

I guess it really depends which border control officer you get. I'm a US citizen, OH (kiwi) and I went back to Europe via LAX last October/November. We both went through US lane and no questions were asked, the officer actually had a laugh with OH as he'd just come back from trip to NZ himself. No issues either on the way back after stopping in LA.

OH has had much more trouble at Heathrow with UK immigration so go figure :laugh :confused: We're going back to Europe this year so we'll see what happens then.

Jen

[AndyR]

Well I did san fransisco customs and the hour standing wasn't too bad. Hope it isn't worse. I won't be making small talk with the customs officer again....it really wasn't worth the trouble of asking how his day was going. I did enjoy the frisking tho.

[Nathan]

Does anyone have recent experience transferring from NZ Air to a domestic flight at LAX?

I will be flying in next week and would like to visit some relatives before boarding an over night flight to East Coast. How much time does Customs currently take? And how much time is it taking to get back through security for a domestic (i.e., US) flight?

Thanks in advance.

Nathan