A year ago I did AKL-LAX-LHR on round the world tickets with Air NZ and then Virgin. Had to reclaim baggage at LA, clear immigration, customs and food then queue for my boarding pass at the Virgin counter. Never again am I going via the US I say. They have no concept at LAX of transit passengers. Talk about bringing on more risk to themselves. Why we couldn't all stay airside and wander to our next gate is beyond me.