Enough time to transit in LAX from Honolulu to London??

Question

If anyone can provide information to me on the return transit to London Heathrow from Honolulu via LAX, I would greatly appreciate it. I am flying with Virgin Atlantic to LAX and then Delta to Honolulu and as such on the return.

I have only been allocated 1.5 hours (this was after a schedule change) to transit in LAX and I am really worried I will not make it??! As I will already be in the US, do I need to go through immigration/customs again in LAX to board the flight to London Heathrow, or does this happen in Honolulu? Will I have to collect my bag and recheck it in in LAX once I have arrived from Honolulu? I know that I will need to do this on the way there, but what about the way back?

Originally I booked the ticket especially with a longer layover, but they made a schedule change and now I only have 1.5 hours to transit.. ! Will Virgin wait for me? What happens if I miss it?!

Answer

Transit times can be stressful, especially when you're connecting through busy airports like LAX. Here’s some information that might help with your concerns:

1. Immigration and Customs at LAX

Since you're flying into LAX from Honolulu, which is a domestic flight, you won't go through U.S. immigration there. Immigration for international passengers arriving into the U.S. (like your flight from London to LAX) usually happens in the first U.S. airport where you land. However, because you're connecting to a London flight, you may still need to complete customs at LAX, even though you're not entering the U.S. as a destination.

In your case, since you're flying from Honolulu to LAX, you would not need to go through immigration again at LAX, but you may still have to go through security checks before boarding your flight to London.

2. Baggage Transfer

If your flights from Honolulu to LAX and from LAX to London are both booked under the same ticket, your checked luggage should automatically be transferred to your connecting flight. You typically do not need to collect your bag in LAX for recheck, unless your flights are on different tickets or the airlines do not have an agreement. However, you should double-check with the airlines (Virgin Atlantic and Delta) to confirm if they have this transfer arrangement in place for your specific flight.

3. Security Check at LAX

Although you're not going through immigration again, you may still need to clear security before your next flight. This is standard for international connections within the U.S., and this could take a few minutes, so plan accordingly.

4. 1.5-Hour Layover

A 1.5-hour layover at LAX is on the shorter side, but it’s doable, depending on a few factors:

Terminal Locations: Check your flight’s departure terminal at LAX. Virgin Atlantic typically departs from Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), while Delta often departs from Terminal 2. You may need to take a shuttle or walk between terminals. If both flights are in different terminals, it could add time to your transfer.
Flight Delays: If your first flight from Honolulu to LAX is delayed, it might affect your connection. However, if both flights are booked under the same itinerary, the airlines are generally responsible for getting you on the next available flight if you miss your connection.
Immigration and Security: While you don’t need to go through immigration, you may need to go through security checks for your international flight. Lines at security can vary, but this is something to keep in mind when planning your transit time.

5. What Happens if You Miss the Connection?

If you miss your connection due to a delay or other issues, Virgin Atlantic and Delta (if your tickets are on the same booking) should accommodate you on the next available flight. If your layover is under 2 hours, airlines will typically monitor your incoming flight to make sure you have enough time to catch your connecting flight.

Make sure to inform a flight attendant upon landing in LAX about your short layover so they can assist you. If you miss your flight, they will help you with rebooking and finding a new flight to London.

6. Will Virgin Wait for You?

It is unlikely that Virgin Atlantic will delay the flight for a single passenger, but if your inbound flight is delayed, they will likely assist you with rebooking. It’s always best to speak to the airline about your concerns and confirm your options before your travel day.

7. What to Do to Ensure You Make the Connection

Contact the airline: Check with Virgin Atlantic or Delta regarding your 1.5-hour layover. Confirm whether both flights are in the same terminal or if you need to transfer between terminals. If they’re in different terminals, you may want to consider a longer layover if possible.
Stay updated: Keep an eye on the status of your first flight to LAX. If it’s delayed, inform the airline as soon as you land to arrange assistance.
Minimize delays: Make sure you know exactly where your gate is once you arrive at LAX. Get off the plane quickly and proceed directly to your connecting gate.

In summary, while a 1.5-hour layover is tight, it is typically doable, especially with the right planning. Be sure to check your terminal information and contact the airline if you have concerns. The key is to stay informed, move quickly through the airport, and have a backup plan in case of delays.