As airports go, Los Angeles International (or LAX), is one of the world’s busiest, with just under 81 million travellers flying in and out of the airport’s 9 bustling terminals last year. In fact, only Atlanta, Beijing and Dubai airports saw more passengers in 2016.
Naturally, with those kinds of numbers, LAX is on the go 24/7, and for the uninitiated LAX visitor, the rushed atmosphere of the sprawling airport complex can be as daunting, as it is exciting.
All in all, LAX operates like a well-oiled machine, with thousands of flights departing daily to points across the U.S. and around the globe. Yet even with these daily operational challenges, the airport has successfully managed to navigate its way through a 10 year, $5 billion dollar terminal renovation plan – a project that is still 6 years from being completed.
While the brand-new Tom Bradley International Terminal is the model of sophistication and efficiency, the experience in the domestic terminals can seem altogether different.
But look beyond the “excuse our dust” and “work in progress” signs, and you’ll see glimpses of the LAX soon to be.
One of the biggest airport renovation challenges was the relocation of 15 airlines to different terminals. In fact, the move was so big, that it has been touted as the largest airline terminal move in aviation history – and all while the airport continues to operate at peak capacity.
So even those familiar with LAX, will see some stark changes when they next fly through this Southern California hub.
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Biggest changes for Australian travellers
For Australian travellers, possibly the three most important terminal moves to be aware of are for Virgin Australia and their code share partners Delta Air Lines and Virgin America.
Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia passengers will see a slight change, with the Aussie airline’s check-in desk moving from Terminal 3, to Terminal 2 – just a short walk in what is essentially the same building.
Virgin Australia flights however will continue to depart from the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). Passengers will find TBIT less than a 5-minute walk away from Terminal 2.
Delta Airlines
With a hub operation at LAX, Delta had the biggest terminal move. The Virgin Australia code-share partner has relocated from Terminals 5 and 6, to Terminals 2 and 3. This move will not only allow Delta to grow at LAX, but will put its operations in closer proximity to airline partners like Aero Mexico, Korean and Virgin Atlantic, as well as Virgin Australia.
Virgin America
Meanwhile, U.S. carrier Virgin America has moved in the opposite direction from Delta, leaving Terminal 3, for Terminal 6. Having merged with Alaska Airlines last year, Virgin America will now operate side by side with its new owner, Alaska Airlines.
Other airline terminal moves at LAX
- Air Canada – from Terminal 2 to Terminal 6, putting it closer to fellow Star Alliance member United Airlines
- Allegiant – Terminal 3 to Terminal 5
- Avianca – Check-in has moved from Terminal 2 to 3, with flights departing from TBIT
- Frontier – Terminal 3 to Terminal 5
- Hawaiian Airlines – Terminal 2 to Terminal 5
- Interjet – Terminal 2 to Terminal 3 check-in, with flights departing TBIT
- JetBlue – Terminal 3 to Terminal 5
- Qatar – Terminal 2 to TBIT
- Spirit – Terminal 3 to Terminal 5
- Sun Country – Terminal 2 to Terminal 5
- Volaris – Check-in remains at Terminal 2, with flights departing TBIT
- WestJet – Terminal 2 to Terminal 3
Qantas, American Airlines & United Airlines
Qantas, American Airlines and United Airlines continue to operate from their original terminals. These airlines were not part of the terminal relocation plan.
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