LAX (off topic)

Winnie Winston · Post by **Winnie Winston** » 27 Dec 2002 2:22 pm

This isn't on topic, but I figured there might be some advice out there from the group.
I'm flying into LAX from NZ and transferring to a flight to Philly. I know lots has changed since 9/11.
I've been told that you can no longer forward your luggage from the international terminal to your local carrier, but have to take it to the counter and check it in again.
United airlines arrives at 11:30am and the next flight is at 1:00 pm. THEY say there is plenty of time. I doubt it-- have to clear immigration, then customs, then get to the other terminal, etc.
Has anyone been through LAX with such a connection? Are they pulling my chain?
Thanks for the advice.
Feel free to answer me privately.

JW

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 27 Dec 2002 3:09 pm

WInnie..this is probably the case..the reason they do this is because " They Can" .

We now have an officially trained security staff that gained their work experience at the 7-11 stores and other Quick Stops.

False security..everyone is safe now because you have to recheck your bag according to policy.

We went thru Nashville airport a few months back and when going thru security they passed my carry on but stopped my wife. They questioned her about her cosmetic bag, asked if she had cuticle clippers which she did. They asked her for them and took them. They did not search her carry on, just confiscated the clippers which had a 1/4 inch pointed end worth about $15. Now did they take evey womans 1/4 " clippers..no..just random..Now there's Hi tech airport security. I am now convinced that that air travel is completely safe, and knowing that you have to recheck your bag makes me even feel better.

Oh yeh..they didn't even check to learn that my wife was carrying single edge razor blades, basically box cutters without the handles. She didn't even realize that she had them until we gat home.

All of this just so they do not have to profile the bad guys ..afterall we need to be fair..

I hope you make your connection flight..

tp

Allen · Post by **Allen** » 27 Dec 2002 3:38 pm

Winnie,

LAX has a seperate International terminal. Not sure if United has to use it or if they if they can use the United terminal. Anyway, it is a long hoof around the airport. They do have circulator bus that goes around to all terminals.
My guess is that 1 1/2 hours is not realistic to do all you will have to do. Pray that your arriving flight is early or the outgoing flight is delayed.
My last several international flights always booked at least two hours between connections. Sometimes even that was tight.
Good luck.

------------------
Allen Harry
Emmons SD10
Mullen D-10,
Nashville 1000

Steve Feldman · Post by **Steve Feldman** » 27 Dec 2002 4:59 pm

My guess is that if your flight arrives on time, you'll make it alright. That may be a big 'if', but that's been my experience, anyway.

Paul Graupp · Post by **Paul Graupp** » 27 Dec 2002 6:47 pm

Talk radio was saying today that a woman who was taking a GI Joe to her grandson didn't have it wrapped as they were told not to do.

But the alert security person did confisticate the little toy gun Joe was carrying so you should feel safe knowing these procedures are in place.

Couldn't you get a rental boat ? It might not be easier but it might make more sense...

Regards, Paul [This message was edited by Paul Graupp on 27 December 2002 at 06:48 PM.]

ajm · Post by **ajm** » 28 Dec 2002 8:07 am

Are you bringing a bar and picks? If so, prepare to be stopped and/or have them taken away.

I always have carry on and never check bags, if possible. Every time I have gone to a steel show in the past they have stopped me at the X-ray machines. I knew what they stopped me for; every time they went straight to the pouch with my bar and picks. After explaining what they were for they always let me go on through. But these occurrences all happened BEFORE 9-11. It sounds like things are different now.

If things work out as scheduled you should have enough time (I have never dealt with the international terminal, though). Try to get your seat assignments, boarding passes and baggage checked all the way through to Philly.

By the way, is United still flying?

------------------
Artie McEwan

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 28 Dec 2002 8:46 pm

Hi Winnie,
No advice for ya, but here's my phone number. Use it when you get to town!
Jim
215-782-8287

Winnie Winston · Post by **Winnie Winston** » 28 Dec 2002 11:40 pm

Still flying?
I guess so. They were willing take my money and make bookings!
Lots of folks suggested that, if possible, I carry all on as hand luggage.
Not bringing picks and bar. They didn't hassle me with that when I went to Australia in February, but the gestapo at US airports seem to have their own set of rules.

JW

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 29 Dec 2002 3:40 am

Strange thing about picks and a bar, I've carried them thru several airports and was never questioned , but I know of others where they wanted to confiscate them. I believe it is reasonable to request the security supervisor to get involved when a security agent wants to confiscate items because they do not know what they are. Ignorance is not the acceptable solution and I am certain that these items are not listed on the security risk chart. I have witnessed many folks having calm professional conversations with security folks about carry on items which may not be common . Picks and a bar fall into this catagory for sure.

Don't try to explain what a Pedal Steel is though, for that they may lock you up .
We may have to succumb here,

"I'm a musician ,I play Hawaiian guitar in an orchestra. ..These are my Hawaiian Guitar finger picks and bar "

They'll probably bump you to first class cause they feel sorry for you !

tp

Jimmy Campbell · Post by **Jimmy Campbell** » 30 Dec 2002 5:02 pm

In the 70's when I worked for Music City Mfg, David Jackson, Glen Rieuf and myself were flying back from the convention in St Louis and David had left the volume pedal out of a case, he gave it to me to bring back. I had it in my carry on bag and you should have seen them when they ran the bag through the machine, they kept backing it up then going foward and finally they had me take it out of the bag. I tried to explain to them what it was and what it was used for. I thought they were going to have me take it apart but let me go on through. I can imagine what they would do now.

Steve Feldman · Post by **Steve Feldman** » 30 Dec 2002 6:37 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Lots of folks suggested that, if possible, I carry all on as hand luggage.
Not bringing picks and bar. They didn't hassle me with that when I went to Australia in February, but the gestapo at US airports seem to have their own set of rules.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Well, I don't know that the 'gestapo' at US airports are any better or worse than security at other airports, especially given the events in New York of not quite a year-and-a-half ago, but I can say this: If you are concerned about traveling with items that might be questioned by security (bars, picks...who knows what), then you should pack it in your luggage and check it with the airlines. If, on the other hand, you are concerned that your bags might be misplaced and not arrive on time, etc., then by all means carry them on. You don't really indicate which is your greater concern, but in either case, the choice is yours. I find flying to be only as big a hassle as you make it, given the sacrifices we all must make in order to travel in a safe environment.