Los Angeles County’s largest and busiest airport has reached a major milestone, completing a construction project that solves a problem that has plagued travelers for years.
On Wednesday, Los Angeles World Airports announced that passengers can now travel from one terminal to another (all terminals) without having to exit and re-enter through security.
Improvements in passenger numbers were made possible with the completion of a link between Terminal 3 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal.
Passengers connecting through LAX will no longer need to exit and re-enter security when they board their next flight.
LAX says the only way to reach between terminals is to walk in sequence, with the walking distance between Terminal 1 and Terminal 8 being approximately 2 miles.
But more improvements are coming. Officials say the pedestrian bridge will provide more connections between the terminals when the much-anticipated people mover opens in 2024.
Meanwhile, there are plenty of facilities to make walking between terminals more comfortable, including shopping, food and drink vendors, lounges, children’s play areas, pet rescue stations and “entertainment experiences.”
LAWA Airport Commission Chairman Karim Webb said Los Angeles International Airport is undergoing ongoing modernization, which he said will enhance the passenger experience while providing economic opportunities for the area surrounding the airport and the greater Los Angeles region.
“Projects that now allow passengers to shuttle between terminals after security also provide employment opportunities for more than 7,000 local workers, equivalent to wages of more than $500 million,” Weber said. “From Terminal 1 to Approximately 2 miles of end-to-end connectivity at Terminal 8 will continue to foster career pathways for our local community by supporting the expansion of operational and franchise roles.”
LAWA chief executive Justin Erbacci said the “positive impact” of the airport’s transformation was starting to be felt.
“This is just one in a series of important updates that make traveling through LAX efficient, reliable and user-friendly,” Elbach said.
The LAX People Mover is expected to begin service in the fall of 2024.
When completed, it will connect riders between rental car facilities, affordable parking and six stations connected to the Los Angeles Metro system.