While the QF12 flight number continues through from JFK to SYD, the JFK to LAX sector is operated by a B747 and the LAX to SYD sector is operated by an A380.
Regardless of the planes operated on this route, you need to get off and pass through US customs/immigration at your first port of arrival.
Customs and immigration clearance only applies when entering the USA, not leaving it: so while you'd have to clear these when flying QF11 from Sydney to New York, you don't have to clear them when returning home on QF12 from New York to Sydney.
(Your exit from the country is still recorded electronically in the US Government's systems, but this is done automatically by the airlines when you board your flight home.)
You certainly do get off and it is about a five minute walk to the lounge. As stated above you dp not have to clear customs and immigration on exiting the US.
Getting off the aircraft during a transfer stop often depends on where the stop is and what direction you're traveling.
In the US, it's always get off. They need to perform security checks between flights and for that they need pax and baggage removed from the cabin.
With CX888 (HKG-YVR-JFK), everyone gets off in YVR and those continuing to New York get a US style security check. While the return flight, CX889, everyone continuing to HKG can remain on board in YVR.
I think people could remain on board when QF1/2 used to go via BKK.
You will get off a Boeing 747 in LAX and board an Airbus A380 for the LAX-SYD leg. The plane that brings you to LAX from JFK continues on to Brisbane as QF16. But as others have said, you won't have any immigration worries at either JFK or LAX when departing the US.
Regardless of the planes operated on this route, you need to get off and pass through US customs/immigration at your first port of arrival.
US airports do not have separate domestic/international zones.
If you are coming from JFK going on to SYD you wont need to pass through customs. QF 12 to SYD boards @ 21:45 and uses a different bigger plane, the A380. The plane that comes from JFK is a 787, the same plane they use for the QF 16 to Brisbane that same night.
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QF 12 - do you get off the plane in LAX?
gevoysoy
gevoysoy
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 22 Jan 2013
Total posts 14
Hi all - I'll be flying on QF12 on the same metal from JFK-SYD, with 1h30 stop in LAX. Will I be allowed off the plane or kept on it for 21 hours??
ng192
ng192
Member since 21 Dec 2015
Total posts 2
You will have to get off at LAX.
SimonD
SimonD
Member since 19 Feb 2016
Total posts 9
While the QF12 flight number continues through from JFK to SYD, the JFK to LAX sector is operated by a B747 and the LAX to SYD sector is operated by an A380.
dimi
dimi
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 13 Jul 2012
Total posts 154
Regardless of the planes operated on this route, you need to get off and pass through US customs/immigration at your first port of arrival.
Chris C.
Chris C.
Member since 24 Apr 2012
Total posts 1,116
Regardless of the planes operated on this route, you need to get off and pass through US customs/immigration at your first port of arrival.
Customs and immigration clearance only applies when entering the USA, not leaving it: so while you'd have to clear these when flying QF11 from Sydney to New York, you don't have to clear them when returning home on QF12 from New York to Sydney.
(Your exit from the country is still recorded electronically in the US Government's systems, but this is done automatically by the airlines when you board your flight home.)
rk1
rk1
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 19 Oct 2015
Total posts 31
You certainly do get off and it is about a five minute walk to the lounge. As stated above you dp not have to clear customs and immigration on exiting the US.
Himeno
Himeno
Member since 12 Dec 2012
Total posts 295
Getting off the aircraft during a transfer stop often depends on where the stop is and what direction you're traveling.
In the US, it's always get off. They need to perform security checks between flights and for that they need pax and baggage removed from the cabin.
With CX888 (HKG-YVR-JFK), everyone gets off in YVR and those continuing to New York get a US style security check. While the return flight, CX889, everyone continuing to HKG can remain on board in YVR.
I think people could remain on board when QF1/2 used to go via BKK.
John Phelan
John Phelan
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 28 Oct 2011
Total posts 261
You will get off a Boeing 747 in LAX and board an Airbus A380 for the LAX-SYD leg. The plane that brings you to LAX from JFK continues on to Brisbane as QF16. But as others have said, you won't have any immigration worries at either JFK or LAX when departing the US.
OWL
OWL
Member since 03 Jun 2019
Total posts 1
If you are coming from JFK going on to SYD you wont need to pass through customs. QF 12 to SYD boards @ 21:45 and uses a different bigger plane, the A380. The plane that comes from JFK is a 787, the same plane they use for the QF 16 to Brisbane that same night.