Michael Gebicki is Traveller’s expert Tripologist. Each week he tackles the thorny issues in travel as well as answering your questions. Got a question for the Tripologist? Email tripologist@traveller.com.au
August 7, 2026 — 5:00am
I am flying from Sydney to Los Angeles and then KLM to Amsterdam on the same ticket in September. I have two hours and 15 minutes to complete this transit. How confident should I be?
G. Gerrard, Cromer, NSW
That could be cutting it fine. Even though you’re in transit, you will need to clear US border control, present your passport and ESTA or visa and answer travel questions. You’ll also need to collect your checked luggage, clear customs, drop your bags on the transfer belt and pass through TSA security screening. If things don’t go as planned, for example if your incoming flight is late arriving at LAX or if it takes longer than expected to pass through US border control and you miss your connecting flight, since you are travelling on a single ticket, KLM is responsible for rebooking you on the next available service to Amsterdam.
