We've recently expanded our international lounge in Terminal 2 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Business Premier Class, Air New Zealand Gold and Gold Elite Airpoints members, Air New Zealand Koru Club and Star Alliance Gold passengers are invited to relax and refresh in an environment inspired in the natural elements of New Zealand.

The lounge, which doubles the available area to relax from 3,800 to 7,550 square feet, provides seating for 150 people and offers a range of ‘zones' to meet the diverse needs of today's international travelers.

Air New Zealand flights operate to/from Terminal 2 at Los Angeles International airport. All passengers must be travelling on a machine-readable passport to be able to partake in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), or Transit Without Visa Program (TWOV), unless they hold a US Visa.

The Immigration formalities require every passenger aged 14 - 79 (unless they are travelling on a US or Canadian passport) to have a photo taken by the US Immigration Officials, and will have their left and right index fingers fingerprinted.

Smoother LAX Transit Process for Air New Zealand Passengers

Travellers to/from Auckland on our NZ1 / NZ2 will transfer though Los Angeles and will need to leave the aircraft to complete the transit requirements imposed by US authorities .

In conjunction with the US Border Control Service we have streamlined this process so customers are handled as quickly as possible with minimal disruption. When they leave the aircraft in Los Angeles, Air New Zealand ground staff will hand them a transit card and direct them to the transit area where they will invited up in small groups of 10 – 15 at a time to present their passport and complete U.S. Immigration formalities. There are complimentary refreshments and snacks in the transit area.

This new process gives a much smoother feel to the U.S transit experience for Air New Zealand customers.

Please note, Business Premier customers will be given the option to either utilise a separate Premium transit area or complete the full immigration and customs procedure in the main immigration hall and then make their way to the full service Premium lounge , our ground staff will always be on hand to assist.

Luggage does not need to be re-collected for any passengers on these specific flight numbers.

All other passengers transiting through LAX that involves a change of aircraft must clear Customs and Immigration. Baggage must be recollected from the luggage carrousel and then re-checked in at the transfer desk, both of which are located in the baggage hall.

Business Premier Class customers

We have an area within the Transit Gate Facility that is set aside for our full fare Business Premier class customers. Unfortunately, it is not large which means customers travelling in Premium Economy class who would normally use our lounges, or anyone waiting for confirmation of an upgrade to Business Class for the next sector, are unable to use this premium area.

Air New Zealand in conjunction with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection are allowing Air New Zealand Business Premier Class travellers to access the Air New Zealand International Lounge in Los Angeles. Previously, all customers transiting through Los Angeles on the direct flights (NZ1 / NZ2) between Auckland and London were required to remain in the Transit Gate Facility. This will allow those customers travelling in Business Premier Class to clear through Customs and Border Protection processes and access the newly refurbished International Lounge, which has a wider range of amenities and facilities than the Transit Gate Facility.

These customers will not be required to collect their bags in Los Angeles (LA). Invitations will be issued to transit customers during the flight explaining the procedure. If customers choose not to proceed through to the International Lounge, they are still welcome to stay in the premium area of the Transit Gate Facility. International Lounge access via this new procedure will only be available to passengers transiting Los Angeles on NZ1 / NZ2. Business Class Passengers connecting to/from NZ1 / NZ2 from/to other flights (regardless of whether they are connecting to another International flight) must still clear customs, collect their bags and recheck-in at the transfer desk before proceeding to the International Lounge.

Children travelling on Parents Passports

Children who do not hold their own passport and are intending to travel on their parent's passport from and to London/Heathrow will NOT be able to travel via Los Angeles, since it's a United States government requirement that all passengers have their own passport.

This requirement includes those passengers travelling on NZ1 London/Heathrow to Auckland, and NZ 2 Auckland to London/Heathrow.

More information about transiting Los Angeles.

Visas

Most EU nationals do not need a visa to enter the USA. However, there are a number of nationalities who do need a valid transit visa to enter the USA or transit between terminals.

Details of those entitled to travel under the U.S. Visa Waiver Programme and those requiring a visa to enter the USA or to transit between terminals can be found in Timatic in your CRS.

Please note all travelers must be in possession of a machine-readable passport.

Important 2009 Changes to the US Visa Waiver Programme

From 12 January 2009 it will be compulsory for travellers to the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) no later than 72 hours prior to departure. This online form will replace the green visa waiver form (I-94W) which is currently completed whilst en-route to the US.

Travellers should visit the US Department of Homeland Security website and fill in the required information. In most cases a response will be received within seconds determining whether travel to the US has been authorised. If the application is not authorised then a visa may be requested through the US Embassy. In some instances customers will need to wait up to 72 hours for authorisation.

Until the US authorities withdraw the I-94W it will remain a requirement to complete this form on board the aircraft.

An approved travel authorisation is valid for two years for multiple entries into the US. A new application will be required if a new passport is obtained within the two-year period or if the answers to any of the YES/NO questions on the ESTA form change.

If you are travelling in less than 72 hours you are still eligible to apply for an ESTA, however you are advised to visit the US Department of Homeland Security website for more information or contact your nearest US Embassy.

ESTA is in addition to the requirement for all customers to submit APIS (Advanced Passenger Information System) data.

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New TSA Requirements
All flights to or via the US now require TSA data to be collected at least 72 hours before departure. This affects NZ1 and NZ2 which travel via the US to and from Auckland. TSA is also known as SFPD (Secure Flight Passenger Detail). From the 01^st of December Air New Zealand will be restricting ticketing in all GDS systems that do not have the required information supplied in the correct format.
New TSA Requirements
Chauffeur Service
We offer a complimentary chauffeur transfer service to Air New Zealand Business Premier passengers.
Chauffeur Service