How long to get through US customs and security at LAX?

Customs is for incoming. Security is for outgoing.

Assuming she is on an international flight, as for the time, it depends if she gets 747'd or not. Being 747'd means that a 747 arrived from Japan just before she did, filled with people who barely speak English if at all and who take a long time to process.

And you have to wait for your baggage as part of it as well. Anything from 1/2 hour to 2 hours.

If a domestic or Canadian flight you can meet her at the baggage carousel. Allow 1/2 hour total

Customs Lax

Us Customs Lax

If she has nothing to declare... It will go pretty fast. I've been there anywhere from 40mins-1 hour. The longest I've had to suffer in line is 90mins. That's because two other international flights arrived within minutes of mine and we all kept the immigration and customs agents very busy.

Baggage claim has gotten significantly faster over the last few years. But if there's several international 747's landing at about the same time, it's been known to clog a bit. Immigration is the next longest wait. Usually, they bring the Canine Customs agents over to you while you're in the immigration line, or just before you enter the customs hall, so there's no real wait for them to inspect you and your bags for contraband items such as drugs and produce. Customs is a breeze if you've got nothing to declare (Green Channel).

It depends on the day she is flying in and how many other flights are arriving at the same time. Best bet would be to have her give you a call once she lands and is walking to customs. (Depending on how far away you live from LAX) You can then know that you have about 30 minutes from then for her to be done with the whole process.

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RE:

How long to get through US customs and security at LAX?

I am picking up my girlfriend from LAX. Her flight arrives at 12:30pm PT. How much time should I give for customs and security? I'm trying to figure out what time I should arrive to pick her up. Thanks!

It should take about a half hour. It usually goes by fairly quickly unless you get 2 or 3 international flights arriving at the same time.

To take a flight-i would get there a couple hours early. About 2.

To pick someone up, i would say it will take her about 45mins-1hr or so to get out and get her baggage. It really depends on how many flights are going in and out...but they make you wait a bit before you can get your baggage. Its rediculous long sometimes.

Depends how much YOU love her... If A Lot, then be there 2 hours before the flight touches down,, be there with flowers. But if.. just OK, then wait till she calls you and tell her you are on your way...

There is just no way to predict the time frame. Sometimes as little as a half hour and sometimes up to 2 hrs. Average is about an hour.