How early to arrive at LAX?

[Mama Bear Me2]

Hi Everyone,

I've been reading some other threads and it got me thinking (note: also posted on Disneyland Forum to get more replies ... please excuse this) ...

Is arriving at LAX about 2 hours prior to flight departure time still sufficient time to check-in and clear customs?

I've been advised that perhaps we need to arrive more than 2 hours due to more security measures being in place?

What have your experiences been?

Thanks a lot for your help!

 

[juniorbugman]

In February we got there 3 hours ahead of our flight due to shuttle bus schedules and breezed thru the security lines because for some reason we got TSA pre-screening. We flew Air Canada and could only think that because we had to scan our passports that that is how we got the TSA pre-screening approval. The regular screening line was quite long so I have no idea how long it took.

 

[Mama Bear Me2]

In February we got there 3 hours ahead of our flight due to shuttle bus schedules and breezed thru the security lines because for some reason we got TSA pre-screening. We flew Air Canada and could only think that because we had to scan our passports that that is how we got the TSA pre-screening approval. The regular screening line was quite long so I have no idea how long it took.

THANKS!!

 

[1926Moon]

We were there in early March, I gave us a little over two hours. Security wasn't too bad, but check-in was AWFUL! We were flying Air Canada, but they were trying to deal with two oversold flights at once and only had two counters open. Everyone was grumpy. Not a good scene. We checked in online the night before, we were only trying to get our luggage tags but they were having trouble with the self-serve machines that issue them. We were in line close to an hour.

Prior to this recent trip - we were fine with two hours, in the future I will plan for three.

 

[starvenger]

I feel like the usual 2-3 hour window is fine, but be prepared to find out your flight was delayed. I believe this has happened to me 3 of the last 4 times I flew out of LAX.

One time was on the 2nd layover of a 3-leg, 24 hour journey from Hong Kong. That was the day I discovered that the bar opens early (~10am) at LAX in the Air Canada terminal.

 

[Mama Bear Me2]

I feel like the usual 2-3 hour window is fine, but be prepared to find out your flight was delayed. I believe this has happened to me 3 of the last 4 times I flew out of LAX.

One time was on the 2nd layover of a 3-leg, 24 hour journey from Hong Kong. That was the day I discovered that the bar opens early (~10am) at LAX in the Air Canada terminal.

Thanks! Nice little discovery for 10:00 am!!

 

[pangyal]

We stopped in LAX on our way to Hawaii in February and had a two hour layover between flights. During that time, we had enough of a gap to get our luggage, catch a bus to the right terminal for our connection, go through screening without TSA because for some reason it didn't propagate across all of our flights, have a drink and some food in the lounge by our gate, and be well on time for boarding. I'd say being at your terminal two hours in advance is plenty if it's not a high traffic day, but plan on arriving three hours before just in case.

 

[Mama Bear Me2]

Thanks Everyone!