Live Your Best Lives
  1. Travel FAQs
  2. United States
  3. California (CA)
  4. Los Angeles

LAX transit

Just after some feedback.

If my International flight lands at LAX at 7.20 am, do you think I will make a Southwest connection at 9.50 am

Also what is the quickest way from the International terminal to the Southwest terminal. Thanks in advance

Making a 9:50 am Southwest connection at LAX after an international arrival at 7:20 am is extremely tight and carries significant risk. Here’s why and what to consider:

First, consider the steps after landing:

  • Clearing immigration and customs – For international arrivals, this can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes depending on queues.
  • Baggage claim – If you have checked luggage, waiting for it can add 15–30 minutes.
  • Travel to the Southwest terminal – Southwest operates out of Terminal 1. International arrivals are typically at the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), Terminal B. You need to transfer between terminals.

The quickest ways to get from the International terminal (TBIT) to Terminal 1 are:

  • LAX “Airline Connections/Terminal Shuttle” (LAX Shuttle “A” or “G”) – Free airport shuttle buses run frequently and take approximately 10–15 minutes depending on traffic and stops.
  • Walking via terminal connector – Technically possible if you are traveling light, but it’s not practical for most passengers with luggage. LAX is large and distances between terminals are long.

Other important notes:

  • Southwest requires you to check in and pass through security – this can take 15–45 minutes depending on lines.
  • Airlines generally recommend at least a 2–3 hour window between international arrival and domestic connection to account for customs, baggage, and transfer time.

Recommendation:

It’s very risky to try to make a 9:50 am Southwest flight after a 7:20 am international landing. You may miss the connection. If possible, book a later domestic flight (at least 12–14:00) or consider an overnight buffer.

If you must attempt it, be prepared to skip checked baggage, use the fastest shuttle, and move immediately through security, but even then it is highly stressful and not guaranteed.

More Los Angeles Travel Questions

Popular Destinations

Sand Village
Mathematical Bridge
Jinsha Site Museum
Monkey Island (Osmanthus Island)

Popular Travel Questions