Domestic to International connection at LAX
We have a flight from Houston to LAX on Southwest (arrives 7:20 am at LAX) then an international flight on American Airlines that leaves at 10:50 am to Japan. If we have carry-ons only will we need to exit security and re enter?
Best Answer
Yes, you will. This isn't because of any aviation or security laws, but simply because Southwest's terminal at LAX (Terminal 1) isn't connect to any of the other terminals airside (post-security). You'll need to walk or take the shuttle to Terminal 4 or 5. You could also probably reclear security at the TBIT, but those security lines are horrendous. Best (usually) to go to Terminal 4.
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How long to transfer from domestic to international at LAX?
International - Domestic: 1 hour 25 minutes if your connection is T2-T3, T3-T2, T2-TBIT, T3-TBIT, or TBIT-TBIT; 1 hour 45 minutes if your connection is TBIT-T2 or TBIT-T3.Do I have to go through customs for a connecting flight in LAX?
For passengers transiting through Los Angeles with a connecting flight to New York on the QF11: Baggage is to be collected and cleared through customs at LAX. Once bags are cleared, passengers are to proceed to the Connecting Flights area to place their bags on the transfer belt located after Customs.How much time do you need between connecting flights at LAX?
Passengers should arrive at LAX two hours before a domestic flight departure and three hours before an international flight departure.Is 1 hour enough for connecting flights in LAX?
One hour is normally plenty of time - pending no delays! Some connections are as tight as 30 minutes.Complete Guide to LAX Airport from Domestic transfer or straight to Tom Bradley International
More answers regarding domestic to International connection at LAX
Answer 2
There is no air-side transfer between terminals 1 and 4, so you must exist and re-enter passing through security. Even if you had checked bags, it would make no difference in this case.
Answer 3
Whether you booked your ticket under one leg or different tickets for both the legs, if the terminal is different, you have to check-out & check-in again to catch your next flight.
It's the case for both domestic & international flights.
Tips:
- Check the arrival and departure terminals before you leave.
- Use Google Maps or Airport Map to know about the Terminals.
- Allocate Time for Check-Ins & Check-Outs (2 hours for domestic & 4 hours for International is usually required for security check-in, boarding pass, ID verification, luggage check-ins, etc).
- Research & find if there's any simple connectivity to reach the other terminal (in case of connecting flights).
- Take help of customer service & to move to other terminal, better take Airport Shuttles.
This wikihow article can be worth to read: https://www.wikihow.com/Switch-Flights-in-LAX
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Sam Lion, Andrea Piacquadio, SHVETS production, Ivan Babydov