You’re an Aussie (or Kiwi) who’s just landed in the U.S. on Delta Air Lines new Brisbane to LAX route and need to transfer to another U.S. or Canadian city. Did you know, before you board your next flight, you must clear U.S. customs and immigration, claim your luggage, recheck it, exit the terminal, then pass through TSA security again? 

What does that mean? Unlike many international hubs like Seoul Incheon, the U.S. does not support direct international-to-international gate transfers. Everyone must officially enter the U.S. with either ESTA authorization (for Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries like Australia and NZ), or a C-1 transit visa, B-1/B-2 visitor visa.

For new arrivals to the United States, this can be quite troublesome and is made worse by the fact that LAX Airport doesn’t make this process any easier.

If you’re traveling during the holidays—like I did—this issue is only compounded. Use this guide to help you get some sense of calm as you navigate to your next connection and avoid unnecessary headaches. 

Note: Countries like Australia and New Zealand which are part of the Citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) can use ESTA ($21 USD / $36 AUD), and apply online 72+ hours before travel). However, citizens of non-VWP countries like the Philippines must obtain either a C-1 Transit Visa or B-1/B-2 visitor visa from a US embassy/consulate before travel—even if just transiting through LAX for a few hours to another international destination. 

TLDR: How Long Do You Need?

• 1 hour minimum to clear immigration, collect and recheck luggage, change terminals, and pass TSA again.
• 1.5 hours or more layover time is recommended, especially during holidays.
• PreCheck/Global Entry speeds up security by 5–10 minutes.

Essential Arrival Checklist

Before you land, ensure you have:

• Valid passport with 6+ months validity
• ESTA authorization (VWP countries) or appropriate visa. 
• Proof of onward travel (boarding pass or ticket confirmation)
• Hotel or accommodation address (if staying overnight)
• Download the Mobile Passport Control app (MPC) to speed up U.S. entry. 

What CBP officers typically ask:

• Purpose of visit (Your response will likely be: “Transit to [destination]” or “Tourism”)
• How long you’re staying
• Where you’re staying (hotel name/address)
• Proof of return travel

Landing: My Journey (Brisbane → LAX → Seattle)

In my case, I just arrived at LAX in Terminal B at Gate 133 on the new Delta flight from Brisbane, Australia to the USA going via Los Angeles, CA.

Now I had to make my way to Gate 36 at LAX’s Terminal 3 to Seattle. And to make things more interesting, this Brisbane-LAX-Seattle route is already starting to get popular with Delta’s international connections.

I had roughly 5 hours and 13 minutes for a layover–which is perfect for spending time at Delta’s LAX Sky Club. But first we have to figure out how long this transfer process can take. According to Flighty, the suggested minimum time to transfer at LAX is 1 hour and 30 minutes. 

Timed Breakdown:

• U.S. Customs: 13 mins
• Bag wait: 30+ mins (Airtag saved me)
• Baggage recheck: 3 mins
• Walk to Terminal 3: 5 mins
• Delta Gate Assist (SkyPriority): 17 mins
• TSA (PreCheck): 13 mins

 

Terminals & Transfer Tips

International Arrivals: Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B aka TBIT) 

Major Domestic Airlines by Terminal (view full map here):

• Terminal 1: Southwest
• Terminal 2: Delta (some flights), Virgin America
• Terminal 3: Delta (main hub)
• Terminal 4: American Airlines
• Terminal 5: JetBlue, Alaska
• Terminal 6: Alaska, United
• Terminal 7: United (main hub)

Walking times between terminals: 5-15 minutes depending on terminals 

Shuttle bus frequency: Every 10-15 minutes (backup option if walking isn’t feasible)

NEW (June 6 2025): Direct Metro Rail Link to LAX

The LAX / Metro Transit Center opened on June 6 2025, finally tying the airport into LA’s rail grid.

• How it works: Walk outside baggage claim, look for “Metro Shuttle” signs (lower level). A free shuttle (every ≈10 min) takes you to the new station in 5–7 minutes.
• Lines served: C (Line Green) & K (Line Crenshaw)—easy transfers to SoFi Stadium, USC/Expo Park, DTLA (via the E Line), South Bay beaches, and more.
• Cost: Regular $1.75 fare (TAP card or Apple/Google Pay).
• Layover math: If you’ve got ≥ 3 hrs, the rail link now beats rideshare traffic:
  • LAX ▶ Downtown LA (7th/Metro): ≈ 35 min (one transfer, no surge pricing).
  • LAX ▶ Manhattan Beach pier: ≈ 25 min (C Line ▶ Beach Cities bus 109).
• Coming 2026: The airport’s Automated People Mover will plug straight into this station, shaving another few minutes off.

Gear Used

What Happens During an LAX International Transfer

 

Step 1: Pick Up Your Luggage (45 minutes+)

Wait for your luggage to make its way to the carousel. I thought my luggage would take extra time since I packed it with Australian beer (Black Hops and Range Brewery) and snacks. 

Technically, if you have Delta Platinum or Delta status, your luggage should have a Sky Priority tag and should come out before everyone else’s. But that isn’t always the case. If Delta actually upheld that policy, you could cut your average transfer time even more. 

For this LAX transfer, almost everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. Not only did I wait until the very end for my luggage to come out, but I also had to make my way around the back of the luggage carousel to find my luggage that had just merged and was chilling with other random ones.

OK? That’s not a big deal, right? Except in my case, I forgot to grab my smaller checked bag once I exited the customs area. Now I had to find out where it was located. This is where having an Airtag comes in handy.

 

Step 2: It’s Time to Re-Check Your Bag (3 minutes)

I know it seems like a foreign concept, right? Re-check your bag? You might think you have to go back to the main Delta counter. But instead, you have to go through this weird corridor that then opens up to a random “Baggage Recheck” area.

Step 3: You Dropped Off Your Bag. Now What?

Exit and Re-enter Security (20 minutes factoring in TSA Pre-Check)

Well, now you have to leave the terminal to go back into another terminal, check back in, and go back through security and re-hand out your documentation, AGAIN!

When you head outside, look for the overhead signs that say Terminal 1 for Southwest, and Terminals 2 and 3 for Delta.

When you exit, look at the white columns—see how it says “3K”? Look until you see the “3”s. That means that’s where Terminal 3 is located. 

Then follow the signs for “Security Checkpoint”

From there, simply follow the signs to “check-in” 

Peak vs Off-Peak Times

Fastest processing (under 45 minutes total):

• Tuesday-Thursday, 10am-2pm
• Late evening arrivals (after 10pm)

Expect delays (60-90+ minutes):

• Monday mornings, Friday afternoons
• Holiday periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year)
• Summer months (June-August)

Real-time wait tracking:

• Flighty app (live terminal updates): This is my go to app for travel organization and flight status. 
• Twitter: @flyLAXairport for service alerts

Pro-Tip: If you are a frequent traveler from Australia to the U.S. then consider applying for Global Entry. This will allow you to also be eligible for TSA PreCheck—which will allow you to considerably shave off wait times when transferring from international to domestic flights and traveling domestically throughout the United States. 

🕐 Got a long layover (3+ hours)? If you’re flying Delta Air Lines then consider spending time at Delta’s LAX Sky Club.

Extended Layovers: Maximize Your Time

Completed your transfer and have time to spare? If you have 3+ hours, you have options beyond the terminal.

Getting around LA? Rideshare is your best bet. Uber and Lyft operate out of the LAX-it lot—not curbside. After baggage claim, follow green “LAX-it” signs, hop the free shuttle or walk 5–10 minutes depending on your terminal. Plan for pickup delays during peak times.

For longer layovers or overnights, consider booking a private driver. They can take you straight to the city’s highlights while keeping your schedule tight—and often add local stories or humor along the way.

2–4 Hours: Stay Close, Eat Quick

Taking the LAX FlyAway Bus is an easy, budget-friendly way to explore. It runs every 30–60 minutes and costs $9.75 one-way from LAX.

• Manhattan Beach Pier: 20 mins from LAX; walk the pier and grab ocean-view photos.
• El Segundo Brewing: Close with great beer without having to stretch your time too far. (You can also take the new Metro K-Line from LAX to get here).

I’d finish this off by returning to the airport and getting a Fat Sal’s sandwich.

4–6 Hours: Classic LA Without Crowds

For mid-length layovers, Uber or Lyft is your most direct option. Follow LAX-it signs to reach the rideshare pickup area.

• Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive: Fast photo ops + celeb house drive-bys (MJ, Taylor Swift). If you want snobby American supermarket shopping, then stop by Erewhon Beverly Hills.
• Hollywood In-N-Out (Sunset Blvd): Quick burger stop. Expect 45 mins total.
• Santa Monica Pier: Go at golden hour for best lighting; easy loop back to LAX.
• Homage Brewing (Downtown LA / Chinatown): Trendy brewery with amazing beer that flies under the radar. Their beer isn’t the only great aspect, they also have great apparel that uses premium brands and they always seem to run out. They also have great food with open-air seating. (You can also take the new Metro K-Line from LAX to get here).

Need a driver in LA?: Jay Kim from Boom Boom Tour is amazing and does airport pickup, full/half-day tours, and knows all the Koreatown hot spots. He was my driver to Westlake Village, CA–and was definitely entertaining. 📞 (213) 999-2337

LAX 투어 & 공항 픽업 한국어 기사 추천: Boom Boom Tour의 Jay Kim 기사님은 LAX 공항 픽업, LA 종일·반일 투어 전문! 한인타운 맛집·핫플 잘 알고 한국어 가능해요. 믿고 맡기세요. 📞 (213) 999-2337

6+ Hours: Dinner & Real LA Vibes

For extended layovers or overnights, private drivers like Jay are your best bet. They’ll help you avoid transit hassle while showing off LA’s best angles. They will also come out cheaper when you factor in long distance driving and traffic. 

• Koreatown: Grab dinner at Park’s BBQ or Chosun Galbee. If those are not available options, then try BCD Tofu House.
  
  • Popular with Korean travelers. Locals say it even rivals Seoul. Don’t come after me, my driver Jay mentioned that fact.
  • Allow ~90 minutes including round trip.
    
• Homage Brewing (Downtown LA) as mentioned above or Highland Park Brewery (right next door).
• Cafe Knotted: Korean style donuts right in the heart of Westfield Century City Mall. 
• Original Farmers Market (since 1934): Local food stalls, quick bites, and photo ops
• Griffith Observatory: Best skyline & Hollywood sign views. 

Airport Lounges & Dining (If Staying Inside)

• Delta Sky Club (Terminal 3): My personal favorite with an incredible outdoor patio, craft beer, and solid WiFi. Access with Delta status, day passes ($59), or premium credit cards like American Express Platinum. 
• Star Alliance Lounge (TBIT): Great for United/Lufthansa passengers with runway views

Best Airport Dining:

• Urth Caffé (Terminal 1): California-style organic coffee and pastries
• Fat Sal’s (Terminal 3): Get famous stuffed ribeye steak sandwiches.
• Border Grill (Terminal B): Modern Mexican from celebrity chefs

Overnight Layovers (12+ hrs)? Stay Nearby

Here are some options for those with overnight layovers at LAX of 12+ hours and want a decent hotel, but nothing too fancy. 

Airport Hotels

• Hyatt House LAX: Connected to airport via shuttle, 24/7 service
• Marriott LAX: Reliable option with decent amenities. (Don’t forget to pair this with Delta Airlines for extra SkyMiles reward redemption).

• Hilton Los Angeles Airport: Decent option and free shuttle to and from airport. 
• The Westin LAX: Premium option with spa services.

My Delta LAX Sky Club Experience

The Delta Sky Club in Terminal 3 is genuinely worth the visit. The outdoor patio sets it apart from most airport lounges worldwide. I think it’s one of the more premier Delta Air Lines Sky Club lounges, given by the fact that you can actually sit outside, grab a craft beer (they stock local LA breweries), and watch planes take off while enjoying California weather–when it’s not raining.

What to expect:

• Food: Solid selection including fresh salads, soups, and rotating hot dishes. Usually a lot of Mexican fare. 
• Drinks: Full bar, local craft beers, decent coffee
• WiFi: Reliable and fast enough for video calls
• Seating: Mix of business areas, casual seating, quiet work pods, and outside patio
• Showers: Available but book early during peak times

Access options:

• Delta SkyMiles status (Silver+)
• Same-day Delta boarding pass + day pass ($59)—there is a $0 fee when using American Express Platinum, if you’re a solo traveler. 
• Priority Pass (select membership levels)
• Premium credit cards (Amex Platinum, Delta Reserve, etc.)

Emergency Contacts & Contingency Plans

Tips, Tricks, and Logistics

If you miss your connection:

• Delta: 1-800-221-1212 (US) or find agents at gates/Sky Clubs
• American: 1-800-433-7300
• United: 1-800-864-8331

Rebooking policies:

• Most airlines will rebook you on the next available flight at no charge if the delay was due to customs/immigration processing. This is why it’s important to fly with an airline that has both a large international footprint and domestic.
• Same-day standby often available for earlier flights
• Hotel vouchers typically provided for overnight delays (not weather-related)

If luggage doesn’t make your connection:

• File a delayed baggage report before leaving the airport
• Most airlines will deliver to your final destination within 24-48 hours either with their own delivery service or via FedEx or other services. 
• Keep receipts for essential items; airlines typically reimburse $50-100/day

Free airport WiFi and charging:

• WiFi: “LAX Free WiFi” (unlimited access)
• Charging stations available throughout all terminals
• International calling cards available at newsstands

Trip Soundtrack

Because every adventure needs a soundtrack, each of my trips comes with a theme song. And for this trip's anthem? Well, it's...

Bessie Jones - Don't Get Lost

What Happens if You Don’t Have Your Luggage?

Go Straight to Gate Assist

Head straight to Delta’s Gate Assist (or your airline’s support desk) for support. Remember how I forgot to grab my second bag upon landing? I know, dumb rookie move. But to give myself a break, I only use that small foldable duffel bag to carry extra items I purchased.

Use AirTags

I knew I was missing one of my check-in luggages, because I have most of my bags tagged with Apple Airtags (which I highly recommend). This small circular gadget has saved me countless times–from Stateside to Scotland and Estonia. 

The Gate Assist Experience (17 minutes wait time)

The big problem at Delta’s Gate Assist was several fold. The line was super long with many frustrated passengers, coming in at a whopping 17 mins for wait time—and this is considering this is the SkyPriority Agent Assist line. If you’re on a non-SkyPriority ticket this process would take even longer. 

No Clear Answer

Next, even though the staff was helpful when they called down to the baggage claim area, there was no clear consensus on where my luggage was located. This was also only after repeated attempts to get in contact with them.

Backtracking to Baggage Claim

The lack of clarity and understanding of where my luggage was, led me to make my way back down to Bag Claim to find out where exactly my checked luggage was and would it make it on my next flight? I wanted to make sure I did everything in my power before I blindly went to my next terminal. 

Final Resolution

The additional challenge was that at the baggage claim service desk—where the agent was beyond helpful—they kept pinging ground crew over the walkie talkie, but they were non-responsive after multiple attempts. 

Eventually, a person at baggage hopped on the call to follow-up. The agent re-assured me that any luggage that was not picked up at baggage claim would ultimately be swept up as part of Delta’s efforts to just direct luggage to the passenger’s next flight. She was correct; my small bag made it to my final destination without me ever locating it at LAX.

Should You Even Grab Your Bag?

This made me think? Then what’s the point of grabbing our checked luggage at all, if we—the passengers—can just leave the checked luggage and make our way to the gate, knowing that Delta would take up the slack. Of course, this may not be a guarantee. But to know this can happen during the middle of the busiest travel season (Christmas and New Years)–that’s kind of interesting. 

Ok! Now that we made the transfer—and even made it past logistical challenges—we can head to the next flight And if it’s your first time here in the United States, welcome! And if you have a long layover, and flying on Delta Air Lines, make sure to check out their Sky Club—you’d love the open-air patio with some craft beers.