Originally Posted by
Kiltrash
Assuming the stop in LAX is for fuel, crew change, fresh food supplies and Honey Cart with no SLF off or uplift. Do the passengers get off the aircraft into a secure gate or do they have to stay on so as to not need a ESTA??
yes you all get off the plane - it used to be a real pain but in the last year or so there is a dedicated transfer area very close to the aircraft - you walk into a big room - there are a couple of Immigration service guys who stamp you in (without any questions that I could see) and you then walk out and turn back to the area just outside the boarding area by the plane. There's a small coffee shop that will sell you a beer at an amazing price We arrived at 14:15 and left at 16:30.
Its a long flight - ATN leaves around 12;00 from CDG and arrives Tahiti at local 22:00 ish - but you roll into the hotel, have a drink and go to bed so it's not too bad.