How do you make a close airline connection?

Question

I am flying from Narita(Tokyo) to LAX continuing on to DC. I have never entered the United States from another country. My question is I have exactly one hour 45 minutes or so from the time I land In LAX till my next flight. Can I make this or should I schedule the next flight. I am on Singapore airlines from Tokyo to Lax My connecting flight is United LAX to DC. I know that the International Terminal at LAX from the United Terminal is a good distance away. Any tips

Answer 1

1:45 is pushing it.

First, when you check in in NRT, make sure your bags are checked all the way through to DC, so they will be tagged that way.

At LAX, you will have to go through Immigration (can be long), then pick up your bags, then Customs (usually not as long).

At this point, you will drop off your bag on the conveyor belt for connecting flights, then exit the secure area out onto the lower level of the airport. Just walk out and turn right on the sidewalk.

When you get to where it turns left, you will see blue signs saying "LAX Connection and Shuttles," where the Int'l Terminal and T4 meet. Wait here for a shuttle bus to take you to T7. You can board the first one that stops (A, B, C, G... even the D - employee shuttle, should take you there), they will all get you there.

When you reach T7, you'll have to go upstairs to the departures level, go through security again, and on to your gate.

If you happen to miss your flight, you will be able to stand by for the next one, and you'll have a high priority... just make sure they put you on the standby list as an "International Connecting Passenger"

Personally, I would keep your original flights, but if you really want to play it safe, rebook yourself on the next one.

Answer 2

To add to what Ice said, dont worry about changing your flight. If you change your flight now you will have to pay the change fee plus or minus the difference if fare and when you are talking an International Ticket especially, changing any portion can be costly. If you misconnect due to an International arrival, you'll be able to be listed or confirmed on the next flight, just dont waste any time when you get there. If you can select your seats online, try and see if there are any seats available close to the boarding door. If non-stop that flight is on a 747 and the boarding door is between Business Class and Coach on the lower level. If you are in Coach/Economy Class, make sure you have a more forward seat, the rows start at 31 and go up from there and book the ABC side when possible. 31C has the best option for being first off, its an aisle seat however, but the first seat in the cabin and its a straight shot to get off the plane first. It's a bulkhead seat which means the armrests are fused and there is limited leg room due to the wall and you'll lose hip room because of the fused armrests.

If you are on the Airbus, that flight connects through Singapore then on to LAX. That flight boards at the 2nd door and you will have to walk through Business Class to get to Coach, so there is no good seat to get off of the plane quickly unless you are in Business or First Class.

Go to www.seatguru.com and look. Both aircrafts board out of the 2nd boarding door normally. When you look at the map, it will be on your left hand side facing the front of the aircraft, and will be the 2nd << in red, that indicates a door.

Everyone is usually connecting as well, but try and book a seat as close to the doors as you can. Don't change your flight, you may have plenty of time, but if for any reason you miss your flight, United may work with you to get you on the next available flight. Be advised that United is not responsible for any late arrivals by Singapore Airlines. Since your connection is less than 6 hrs your bags can be checked through to Washington and you should be checked in and issued a boarding pass for the flight on United when you check-in in Tokyo.

Just a word of caution, International Interline Baggage transfers (from one airline to another) are where bags seem to get "Delayed". Make sure you have a carry on with your important items you will need the first day or two you arrive. This should include changes of clothes, toiletries (in 3oz travel size and in a zip-loc bag for US security purposes), medication and any important documents or a business suit if you are arriving for a meeting with in the first few days. This doesn't always happen, but it is a common occurance with International passengers arriving and connecting to a domestic flight with a different airline, especially if your arriving airline is late.

Good luck, dont make any stops until you get to the connecting gate. Look at your bag tag when they tag it in Tokyo, make sure your name is correct as well as your destination for Washington, IAD for Washington Dulles Airport. Also place copies of your itinerary inside your bag. Make sure you include your contact information while you are here in the US as well as your return in Tokyo. Should your bag tag be ripped off in transit, this will have all the information necessary to contact you if they have to go in your bag to find identification.

One more word to the wise, from west to east you will usually pick up a tail wind, which will push the plane, and you may arrive ahead of schedule. Depending on the jetstream for your flight path it is possible for you to get into LAX and have extra time. For some reason, if you hit a head wind...then that's when a 17 hr flight can turn into 24. But its usually the western arrivals that come in ahead of schedule, so pray for good flying weather and have a safe and enjoyable flight. Singapore Airlines is one of the best when it comes to passenger comfort, you'll enjoy it if you've never flown them before. Check their website just to see all of the plush seating amenities they offer.

Answer 3

For peace of mind, if at all possible I would recommend scheduling a later flight. The vagaries of the security and immigration lines, and the possibility of a late arrival, might make for some tense times.

Answer 4

no , it is not enough time for you to catch the next flight ; especially if you have never been to the airport , most airlines do not offer this short of time between flights and will not advice you to do so
sometimes air traffic is very heavy and may have late landing as well .
one never know if the airport will be busy and it can be stressful to rush trying to catch your next plane connection;
just change your trip around for another flight ,
doubt very much that you will make it ?.........
take your time ))

Answer 5

my dear travellor,
you have not to worry for the next connection as you have ample time to catch the another flight .you can do check-in for the connecting flight, while or before embarking through online network with your id+pnr no. addressed to LAX airport authorities,which enables them to check the required data/information before your landing and in-turn your smooth traveling for the connecting flight to DC.

Answer 6

you'll be fine. 105 min is plenty of time to clear customs and make your connection. No time for a cinnamon bun, but you'll be fine. SG and UA have a luggage agreement, whcih means you can check your bags thru after you clear customs no problem. Relax and enjoy!

Answer 7

Run... or you can get help from the skycaps if you find one. If you are waiting for baggage however, don't count on making that connection.