Transferring from a Domestic Flight to International?
In July I'm traveling to Tokyo, as I am studying abroad there. But I am leaving from FAT (Fresno Airway Terminal) and then arriving at LAX International. I have about a 1 hour and 15 minute layover and then my flight departs to Tokyo. And this is all through American Airlines, from FAT to LAX and LAX to NRT. So I am wondering if am I going to need to do anything when I arrive at LAX, like claim my baggage and check it again or go through customs or something, or is that something I would do at FAT only. And is 1 hour and 15 minutes good enough if I do need to do anything. I forgot to ask the travel agent when I booked the flight, and I need to go back to get something else and will probably ask them as well, but I'm just checking if anybody knows, as I have only flown internationally once before, and I didn't transfer flights then.
Air Travel - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
All American Airlines flights go through Terminal 4. So you would arrive and depart at Terminal 4. The layover time is sufficient for a scheduled departure. And no you do not need to collect your bags at LAX. They will go straight through to Tokyo. When you check in at FAT, you will also receive all your boarding passes. When you arrive in LAX, you will also be INSIDE the secured area. Which means you can go about and buy drinks and stuff as you do not need to go thru security again for your long flight. Getting some magazines and drinks will be helpful for you to pass a 9+ hour flight to Tokyo.
2 :
I agree with Mystic that it should be a smooth transfer at LAX, but you do need to be mindful, that 1.25 hours is not luxurious for time, even in the same terminal. You still have to disembark, find your new gate, stop at the shop (if you choose), and get re-boarded on your second flight. Time can pass very quickly, and if your incoming flight is delayed, you could find your connection time suddenly reduced to under an hour!
3 :
No, you won't have to do anything but to go to the gate.
4 :
You should be ok and you dont need to collect your bags at LAX if its part of the same itinerary (meaning you didnt purchase the 2 flights individually) The bags should automatically be transferred without you having to do anything. You will probably have to go through customs at LAX because that is when you are leaving the country. At FAT, you dont go through any customs because you are going to LAX. You will also need to switch terminals at LAX, which means you have to exit terminal 4 and walk over to the international terminal. The international terminal will be to your left when you exit and face the road. Its a very short walk.
Title : Transferring from a Domestic Flight to International
Description : Transferring from a Domestic Flight to International? In July I'm traveling to Tokyo, as I am studying abroad there. But I am leaving...