Change is in the Air(port)

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is in the midst of a multi-billion dollar modernization project at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The LAX modernization is considered the largest public works program in Los Angeles history - the overall program is expected to create more than 121,000 annual construction-related jobs. What does all of this mean for you, global traveler? Read on!

Construction is underway on a $230-million project that will greatly improve the guest experience at Terminal 6, including a complete overhaul of the gate areas and lounges, and the replacement of passenger boarding bridges. The project is expected to be completed in 2024.

The multi-billion Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP) will give airport guests choices that provide a first-class, swift, convenient, and reliable way to access LAX. The program includes the Automated People Mover (APM), six new APM stations, a Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) facility, improvements to the Central Terminal Area, and a connection to L.A.'s Metro system. Together, these projects will continue LAX's legacy as a world-class airport while relieving traffic congestion and improving the travel experience for millions of guests.

The Airfield & Terminal Modernization Project (ATMP) is a multi-billion-dollar group of projects that will include airfield, terminal and landside improvements, with elements of the project opening prior to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

ATMP highlights include:

• Airfield Improvements - taxiways/runways
• Terminal Improvements - new Terminal 9 (12-18 gates), development of Concourse 0 (6-9 new gates), replacing remote gates, full service international capabilities and improved guest experience
• Landside Improvements - Central Terminal Area will be reconfigured to access the new Terminal 9, connect T9 to T8 as well as a new APM station stop

TERMINAL 4.5 CORE
Opened to the public in November 2022, the Terminal 4.5 Core is the first major component to be completed as part of a multi-billion modernization of the 60-year-old Terminals 4 and 5. The Terminal 4.5 Core provides direct connectivity to the Terminal 5 baggage claim and check-in lobby. Additionally, it provides a centralized location between Terminals 4 and 5, where passengers can access all four levels of the terminal building on the pre-security side using elevators, escalators and stairs.

When the future Automated People Mover (APM) train project is complete, the Terminal 4.5 Core will provide access to APM’s West Central Terminal Area station via a pedestrian passageway.

COMING SOON
The next phase of the Terminal 4/5 project is anticipated to complete in 2024 with the opening of the new Terminal 4 Headhouse, which will feature new ticketing counters and baggage claim carousels for American Airlines and a consolidated security screening checkpoint.

DELTA SKY WAY & DELTA SKY CLUB
The first phase of the new Delta Sky Way at LAX opened to the public in April 2022, along with a new, premier Delta Sky Club. In October, Delta unveiled nine new gates at Terminal 3, and a dedicated Delta One check-in opened on May 31, 2023. A joint $2.3 billion investment with LAWA, the full Delta Sky Way project opened to the public in August 2023. Terminals 2 and 3 are now a consolidated, 1.2-million-square-foot, state-of-the-art, 27-gate complex, featuring a quick airside connector to Tom Bradley International Terminal, eliminating the need to bus between terminals.

The Sky Way at LAX includes:

• Centralized headhouse that consolidates check-in, security and baggage claim
• 32 self-serve kiosks and 46 check-in positions
• 250-foot digital backwall featuring wayfinding information in English and Spanish, Delta Sky Club volume, and flight and gate information
• 6 baggage claim carousels
• 14 new security lanes

Spanning more than 30,000 square feet, the Delta Sky Club at LAX Sky Way is one of the largest in the Delta network, with ample space and amenities for guests to retreat, relax and recharge. The highlight of the Club is the Sky Deck, a year-round, all-weather terrace where guests can enjoy drinks from the premium bar and panoramic views of Downtown LA and the Hollywood Hills.

THE GATEWAY TO THE WORLD OPENS
Opened in May 2021, the $1.73 billion West Gates addition to Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) features 15 aircraft gates as well as a Baggage Optimization Project that expands capacity for TBIT and the new facility.

And there's also a Lego Store at the West Gates!

COMING SOON: MIDFIELD SATELLITE CONCOURSE (MSC) SOUTH
Part of LAX's multi-billion-dollar Capital Improvement Program (CIP), Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC) South is an extension of the West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal and will add approximately 150,000 square feet and eight gates for narrowbody aircraft.

LAX ORDER NOW
Pre-order your food and pick it up or get it delivered to your gate. Launched in May 2021, the LAX Order Now service is an expansion of the airport’s popular LAXOrderNow.com mobile ordering platform, which enables contactless ordering, payment and pickup from restaurants throughout the LAX terminals.

Provided by AtYourGate, the delivery service seamlessly integrates with the LAXOrderNow.com site and further enhances the digital experience by offering the convenience of direct delivery to the gates.

TABLE FOR TWO AT TERMINAL 1
The $516.7-million renovation of Terminal 1 by Southwest Airlines features a new check-in area with all-new self-service ticket kiosks, an efficient nine-lane security checkpoint, new area for baggage claim, and exciting new dining and retail destinations with state-of-the-art design. The renovation also provides seamless connection to Terminal 2 and a future connection to the Automated People Mover (APM) train system. With 15 dining and retail destinations spanning 23,543 square feet, the new offerings introduce 13 brands new to LAX and eight that are making their airport debut. Local dining favorites include Urth Caffé & Bar, Reilly’s Irish Pub and more.

MORE TECH & LUXURY IN TERMINALS 7 & 8
The $573-million renovation of Terminal 7 and Terminal 8 - serviced by United Airlines and United Express - includes an expanded ticketing lobby, improved security screening checkpoints, enhanced seating with more charging stations, and a new luxe United Club Terminal 7 Lounge. Additional enhancements in Terminal 8 include a new nursing room, upgraded restrooms, pet relief in the concourse, and improved customer service center.

IMPROVED SECURITY
The In-Line Baggage Handling and Screening System Program improves and automates the security screening of checked baggage at all LAX terminals and makes travel through LAX safer, faster and more convenient. The total cost of the program covering all nine LAX terminals is estimated at $613 million.

LAX IN LIGHTS
The $118-million Curbside Appeal and Roadway Improvement Project provides a new, dramatically upgraded look for LAX with the installation of modern LED street lighting, wayfinding components, and a new canopy for Terminal 4. The project also includes traffic safety and roadway improvement measures, including an Upper/Departures Level retrofit and traffic improvements to World Way South and Center Way.

RUNWAYS AREN'T JUST FOR FASHION
Mandated by Congress for all U.S. airports, Runway Safety Area improvements to all four LAX runways were completed in August 2017. The safety enhancements ensure that modern planes - and designs of the future - will be able to take off and land within FAA guidelines.

SPEED THROUGH LAX
New escalators, elevators, and walkways speed travelers to their gates and baggage-claim areas in a safe and efficient manner with energy-saving, sustainable technology. This $270-million project replaced or refurbished 212 outdated systems with modern units throughout the airport.

WORLD-CLASS DIGS FOR GLOBAL TRAVELERS
The centerpiece of the modernization program, the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) includes new aircraft gates and concourse areas, and a Great Hall with 150,000 square feet of premier dining, retail and other guest amenities. The state-of-the-art terminal opened in September 2013.

From travel info to transportation, dining, shopping, layover activities and future projects, read on for guides to LAX.