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How to get through LAX customs quicker?

Five Tips to Help You Get Through Customs Faster
  1. Mobile Passport app. Launched in 2014, Mobile Passport was the first app authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). ...
  2. Self-serve kiosks. ...
  3. Get Global Entry. ...
  4. Declare everything. ...
  5. Don't pack food items.




People Also Ask

Use of MPC is free and does not require pre-approval. Travelers who successfully use the MPC app will no longer have to complete a paper form or use an APC kiosk. As a result, travelers may experience shorter wait times, less congestion and efficient processing.

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Passing through immigration and customs at LAX takes between 30-90 minutes.

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Allow enough time: Customs can be time-consuming, especially during peak travel periods. Make sure you allow enough time to clear customs and get to your connecting flight. As a general rule, it's best to allow at least two hours for international layovers.

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With Global Entry, you simply scan your passport or U.S. permanent resident card at a Global Entry kiosk, complete the customs declaration form, scan your fingerprints and move onward onto U.S. soil. This can be a major time saver when the customs line is long at busy airports or during high-volume travel periods.

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Here is how to use the MPC app:
  1. Download the app and create a profile using information from your passport.
  2. Select preclearance on the app when arriving at a pre-approved airport.
  3. Take a selfie and answer the border patrol questions.
  4. Receive your QR code.


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If you're connecting with another airline, you may need to change terminals. If you're arriving on an international flight, you need to clear US Customs checkpoints before entering the United States and collect your baggage (even if you're in transit and have connecting flights).

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The busiest times to fly out of LAX are 9 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 6 PM. If your flights are scheduled to depart during these times, give yourself some extra time to account for longer check-in and security lines.

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CBP uses the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) application to streamline the processing of eligible travelers entering the United States.

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LAX has a dedicated TSA PreCheck lane at each terminal for expedited screening. If you're enrolled in TSA PreCheck, you may use this lane for quicker processing.

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What is the recommended layover time for international flights? International flights require longer connections as you will often have to go through immigration and customs upon arrival. For international layover flights booked on one airline, two hours is often recommended to make your connection.

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How to Get Through Airport Security Quickly, According to a TSA Insider
  1. Enroll in TSA PreCheck or Clear. ...
  2. Wear shoes you can easily slip off. ...
  3. Make sure none of your clothes contain metal. ...
  4. Pack your carry-on (relatively) neatly. ...
  5. Make sure you're following TSA's 3-1-1 liquid rule. ...
  6. Empty your water bottle.


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The application fee for TSA PreCheck® is $78 for 5 years. Before you apply, we recommend that you review the various DHS trusted traveler programs, such as the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and determine the best program for you.

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