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docjames · 8th October 2008, 06:12 PM

Sat 6th September
7am
LAX

Ok, so we're dreading LAX. Last time we were here (4 years ago) it was a shambles. But immigration is quite efficient (after we filled the cards without any mistakes - this was emphasised about 10 times on the flight or "you'll get sent to the back of the queue and made to fill in another". Also a bit nervous as we have Cuba in our sights and know how sensitive the Americans are about that (you must not have it on your onward ticket - it must be booked seperately). So we're asked "how long are you in the US for" and we tell of our NY plans for the next three days. Fortunately no followup questions (where next) and we pass thouough.

Short wait for tha luggage and there'a a huge queue for customs. But there's renovations at TBIT (which seem to be the same renovations they were doing 4 years ago!) and mrsdoc notices that the carousels over the far side are less busy and there seems to be a customs exit there. So we leave the single queue that has three jumbo loads queueing, and backtrack across to the other. We're now 3rd in the queue (not 333rd) and straight through.

Baggage transfer - last time in TBIT there were literally thousands of bags dumped here (in an "open" area!) but this time again, third in the queue, bags received and we're off for the short walk to terminal 4.

Arrive T4 and through screening (note need to buy slip on shoes as laces are a PITA) and we're into the Admiral's lounge. QF rep at Admirals' kind-of helpful in that she moved us into 26AB - this proved to be somewhat of a mistake (should have stayed in 65!), but more on that later. The lounge is pretty average compared to QC - no magazines, nothing but pretzels and the stupid drink vouchers - very unimpressed. Thinking - is there another lounge for First class? Internet access handy. Lounge quite busy. Get told plane is now delayed due to late incoming aircraft (QF 107 from SYD). Dont ever actually get told how long the delay is. Given another drinks voucher when i go to enquire (still not given answer). Despite it being 730 in the morning manage to down 2 coronas before flight called. Leave lounge thinking overall lounge is big but gives impression of cost cutting and really not worth much at all.

8th October 2008, 06:12 PM	#6 (permalink)
docjames Established Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brisvegas Member of: QF Silver (16.3% LTS); UA MP; Velocity Posts: 1,090	Re: Am I sure I wanted to do all this in Y ? Sat 6th September 7am LAX Ok, so we're dreading LAX. Last time we were here (4 years ago) it was a shambles. But immigration is quite efficient (after we filled the cards without any mistakes - this was emphasised about 10 times on the flight or "you'll get sent to the back of the queue and made to fill in another". Also a bit nervous as we have Cuba in our sights and know how sensitive the Americans are about that (you must not have it on your onward ticket - it must be booked seperately). So we're asked "how long are you in the US for" and we tell of our NY plans for the next three days. Fortunately no followup questions (where next) and we pass thouough. Short wait for tha luggage and there'a a huge queue for customs. But there's renovations at TBIT (which seem to be the same renovations they were doing 4 years ago!) and mrsdoc notices that the carousels over the far side are less busy and there seems to be a customs exit there. So we leave the single queue that has three jumbo loads queueing, and backtrack across to the other. We're now 3rd in the queue (not 333rd) and straight through. Baggage transfer - last time in TBIT there were literally thousands of bags dumped here (in an "open" area!) but this time again, third in the queue, bags received and we're off for the short walk to terminal 4. Arrive T4 and through screening (note need to buy slip on shoes as laces are a PITA) and we're into the Admiral's lounge. QF rep at Admirals' kind-of helpful in that she moved us into 26AB - this proved to be somewhat of a mistake (should have stayed in 65!), but more on that later. The lounge is pretty average compared to QC - no magazines, nothing but pretzels and the stupid drink vouchers - very unimpressed. Thinking - is there another lounge for First class? Internet access handy. Lounge quite busy. Get told plane is now delayed due to late incoming aircraft (QF 107 from SYD). Dont ever actually get told how long the delay is. Given another drinks voucher when i go to enquire (still not given answer). Despite it being 730 in the morning manage to down 2 coronas before flight called. Leave lounge thinking overall lounge is big but gives impression of cost cutting and really not worth much at all.