LAX question...I thought I knew this!

[Stranger1]

Ok, I've looked on other threads but after calling ATN, I'm more confused then ever. I thought when we arrived at LAX to go to Tahiti (we're driving to the airport, not a connecting flight) that we go through security first, and then find the ATN desk. According to ATN, we go to their desk first and check in and check in our bags then go through the airport security. I've seen conflicting threads here so now I'm really confused. Can anyone help!!

[JudyK]

I can report how we did this just a couple of weeks ago. We also drove to LAX. We proceeded to the ATN counter area and to the right we were instructed to stand in the line to go through the TSA security screening first. When that was complete, we were escorted to the ATN counter to check in while our bags were in the possession of a TSA employee standing in line next to us until we reached the counter and the luggage was put on the scales for weigh in and tagging. We were not allowed to touch them after they went through TSA Screening.

 

Now on the return from Tahiti via ATN it is a little different. You first stand in line to check in at the ATN counter with all your luggage. After check in, you then turn your luggage over to the TSA screeners and proceed through the regular security check for carryon luggage. Beware they have a random secondary carryon luggage check just after they take your boarding pass and prior to boarding the plane. There were about 5 screeners pulling passengers at random to search their carryon luggage.

 

I hope this helps.

[Stranger1]

Yes that does help. Thank You for the information.

[MichTraveler]

So I guess it is even more important to be sure each bag is within weight limits. I've seen people with 2 bags, one over and one under, move things between until both met the criteria. We'll weigh them at home. Thanks

[Lynnees]

I always weigh our bags at home. (several times as a matter of fact). That old bathroom scale really gets a work out. ;) Then I end up moving things from one to the other until the weight is evenly distributed. It's on the way home that the problems develop. I never remember what was in which one. :p

[donna5]

Ok, I've looked on other threads but after calling ATN, I'm more confused then ever. I thought when we arrived at LAX to go to Tahiti (we're driving to the airport, not a connecting flight) that we go through security first, and then find the ATN desk. According to ATN, we go to their desk first and check in and check in our bags then go through the airport security. I've seen conflicting threads here so now I'm really confused. Can anyone help!!

 

The first security screening is just for your checkin bags. After you have checked in and received your boarding tickets you will then go through the security screening (yourself and carryons) when you head to your gate. I wouldn't go to your gate too early since, there is nothing around the gates. If you are wanting to eat something, do it before you go to the gate.

[Stranger1]

Thanks! We've been debating about eating before we leave the house because I doubt we'll be able to stop once on the road...traffic should really be bad.

[greatam]

Thanks! We've been debating about eating before we leave the house because I doubt we'll be able to stop once on the road...traffic should really be bad.

 

If you have the time, on the mezzanine level of TBIT, there is a bar/restaurant to the right as you ascend the stairs or elevator. Not too bad for food quality and the prices weren't too bad. If all else fails and especially if you are short on time, Mickey D's is on the same level, except to the left.

[Lynnees]

We have just returned from this cruise. I have to say, wish we were still there.

 

 

However, to the question at hand. We had no problem checking in. As soon as you go through the front door your baggage is screened. There are several screening areas at the front - just look for the one with the shortest line.

 

It took us about 15 - 20 minutes to get through this process. Then one of their handlers took our checked bagagge straight to ATN and we handled our carry-on ourselves. We checked in immediately. The total time involved for us - no more than 1 hour for walking in the door to sitting in the waiting area.

 

Now in saying that, we were there early. We had stayed at an airport hotel the night before and we were at the Tom Bradley airport about 10 AM for a 1 PM flight.

 

Still, one hour was darned good. (It was everything after that where the problems lay - but I'm sure our problems were not normal.)

 

What I would be more concerned about is the trip home. A huge number of people missed their connected flights at LAX because Princess cuts the time too short. If for example, the plane is late, (ours was an hour late) and you have to go to United, that is at least a 15 - 20 minute walk or more and that's after going through customs. If you are booked 2 hours or less you could run into major problems.