Connecting at Los Angeles
Connecting customers are still required to meet all entry requirements including a current visa or ESTA where applicable.
Note: Increased security measures
The US Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced additional security processes for all flights to the USA from 19 July 2017.
We recommend all customers travelling to the US and connecting in Los Angeles to allow extra time for check-in, security and boarding requirements. Please ensure all of your electronic devices are fully charged as you may be asked to switch them on during security inspection. If your device cannot be switched on, you may be asked to dispose of the item or be denied access to your flight.
Note: Changes to Duty Free liquids
Departing US customers are permitted to purchase Duty Free items, however conditions apply for Los Angeles transit passengers. All duty free items purchased must be in tightly sealed Secure Tamper Evident Bags (STEBs) with the receipt securely attached being no more than 48 hours old and they clear security screening. This is a mandatory TSA requirement. Any liquids over 100ml (3.4oz) will need to undergo screening in a bottled-liquid-scanner (BLS). The BLS only works on clear bottles, the liquid itself doesn't need to be clear.
For passengers travelling beyond Auckland and London, please note that this may not be deemed acceptable in other transit ports as those jurisdictions may have differing requirements, which may result in the seizure of those duty free items. Compliance with the STEBs requirements rest solely with Duty Free Store personnel and passengers; the airline will not be held responsible for the seizure of duty free items by security screening agencies.
Connecting from Air New Zealand to another airline
- On arrival make your way to the lower level to complete US Customs and Border Protection entry procedures, Air New Zealand staff will be on hand to provide directions
- Collect your bags from the baggage carousel
- Clear customs
Your baggage has been through-checked to your next/final destination
- Drop your baggage at the Transfer Desk, to your right as you leave the arrivals hall
- Make your way to your connecting airlines terminal
- If you have been issued a boarding pass to your next destination, proceed through security, check the screens for departure gate information
- If you haven't been issued a boarding pass, check in with your connecting airline before proceeding through security
Your baggage has not been through-checked to your next/final destination
- With your bags, make your way to your connecting airline's terminal to check in with your connecting airline before proceeding through security
Connecting from another airline to Air New Zealand
Connecting from a US domestic flight
If your baggage has been through-checked to your next/final destination, you do not need to collect your baggage on arrival in Los Angeles.
If you already have a boarding pass, proceed through security and make your way to the Air New Zealand departure gate at TBIT (please check screens for gate number) where our staff will do a document check and issue you with a new boarding pass.
If you do not have a boarding pass, please check in with Air New Zealand on the departures level in TBIT before proceeding through security.
Connecting from a flight originating in Canada with Air Canada
Your baggage has been through-checked to your next/final destination
You will complete US Customs and Border Protection entry procedures on your departure from Canada.
If your baggage has been through-checked to your next/final destination, you do not need to collect your baggage on arrival in Los Angeles and can proceed directly from Terminal 6 to TBIT (short walk or shuttle ride).
Even if you already have a boarding pass, please make your way to the Air New Zealand departure gate at TBIT (check screens for new gate number) where our staff will do a document check and issue you with a new boarding pass.
Your baggage has not been through-checked to your next/final destination
If your bags are not through-checked to your next/final destination, collect your baggage on arrival in Los Angeles and check in with Air New Zealand on the departures level at TBIT. Once you have checked in, proceed through security to the departure gate.
Connecting from an international flight
- Collect your bags from the baggage carousel
- Clear customs
Your baggage has been through-checked to your next/final destination
- Drop your baggage at the Transfer Desk
- Make your way to TBIT
- If you already have a boarding pass, proceed through security and make your way to the Air New Zealand departure gate (check screens for gate number) where our staff will do a document check and issue you with a new boarding pass
- If you do not have a boarding pass, check in with Air New Zealand on the departures level before proceeding through security
Your baggage has not been through-checked to your next/final destination
- On arrival complete US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) entry procedures
- With your bags, make your way to Air New Zealand check-in on the departures level at TBIT before proceeding through security
Connecting between terminals
You can either catch the complimentary airport shuttle bus or make your own way.
Please see the map of the Tom Bradley International Terminal.
To catch the complimentary airport shuttle (Bus A), exit the terminal and wait beneath the blue sign "LAX Shuttle and Airline Connections" outside the downstairs arrival level. The shuttle runs every 5 to 10 minutes between all terminals and airlines. It is white, blue and green, and has a large letter "A" painted on it. "LAX Shuttle and Airline Connections" buses operating on route A are lift equipped for wheelchair access.
To walk to another departing terminal, head left to Terminals 1-3, and head right to Terminals 4-8.