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LAX AA T-4 - TBIT secure airside connector (open Feb 2016)

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Old Mar 4, 2015, 8:51 am
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LAX Secure Connector Terminal 4 <--> Tom Bradley International Terminal
Secure airside passage between Terminal 4 and TBIT opened 25 Feb 2016; T3 access is near Gate 41.

International arrivals security is open now; after dropping baggage off at the recheck facility proceed as if you were going to the curb. Turn right as you approach the exit to signage indicating the 40s gates. The baggage recheck facility and new south terminals bus port - replacing T-4 Gate 44 - are scheduled to open in the future. See page 1 for photos and guidance..

NOTE: LAX / LAWA allows passengers with a same day boarding pass access to any terminal. See Twitter link.

One can now travel between AA Terminal 4 and Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) via the new secure airside connector (two way airside access is here, as arriving international passengers can now clear Security after they process USCBP formalities), and to proceed airside between TBIT, the American Airlines and the legacy US Airways / Alaska terminals without leaving Security via airside.

In T-4, the access to the south terminals airside tunnel is from Gate 44, signposted "Terminal Transfer" (the current bus transfer gate). Take the escalator down to Gate 44, then turn left and take the escalator down towards baggage claim. At the bottom of the escalator make a U turn to the right and enter through the double doors. There is an elevator located to the right of the escalators (inside a little hallway) that will take you directly to the tunnels. Please consult the LAX terminals maps for the location of the tunnel in terminals 5 and 6. (TWA884)

A shuttle bus from ground level near Gate 44 at T-4 and another bus port at T-5 connect to the Remote (American Eagle) terminal, with its own Club.

A walkthrough Youtube video is available at Post #16:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/26244110-post16.html

Link to John Nguyen's article on Airline Reporter (with video of T-4 to TBIT walk). "Arguably, the biggest beneficiary to the connector is American Airlines, whose T4 is immediately adjacent to TBIT, and in fact has an agreement with the airport to operate several gates out of TBIT. The connector eliminates the need for passengers on Qantas flights to take a shuttle bus, as the walk from T4 to the TBIT gates should take around 5-10 minutes at a medium pace. In fact, it was measured at just under 4 minutes from Gate 41 to the entrance of the Oneworld First Class Lounge operated by Qantas."

You can now process security at TBIT (assuming you have a mobile or printed boarding pass) and walk to T-4:

See Microwave's post #232 for photos and detailed information.

Originally Posted by Microwave
I just used it departing from Los Angeles on Sunday, so it's definitely accessible from landside for local departures. Check in online or on your mobile so you have your BP to hand when you arrive, then have your driver deposit you on the arrivals level, at the far side of TBIT near the Shuttle Express stand. Go in the sliding doors which lead to the international arrivals area and turn immediately left: voila, the secret checkpoint. Once you clear security, take the lift up to level 5 and you can go either direction to T4 or TBIT; if you head toward the latter, you will be rather conveniently deposited directly at the Qantas First lounge entrance without having to fight any crowds.
This thread is about the airside connection walkway between AA Terminal 4 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal / TBIT. For archived posts made prior to the opening, please see here.

NOTE: LAX TBIT oneworld Premium / oneworld Business lounge and oneworld Qantas First lounge and access rules here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...er-thread.html.

NOTE: Shuttle busses connecting Terminal 4 and TBIT are no longer offered, and would take considerably longer than the 4-5 minute walk airside.


The opening date for the airside connector was originally Friday, 4 Dec 2015, March 2016 25 February 2016.

American Airlines has preferential access to four gates at TBIT. Some domestic and international AA flights may depart from TBIT (gates 110-159). Some international AA flights can arrive at TBIT, and occasionally at the remote West 200 jetways to bus islands. Until the airside connector adds security processing for passengers arriving internationally, TBIT to Terminal 4 must be landside. TBIT is now connected airside to the south terminals 4, 6 and 8. TBIT is also connected to north, odd-numbered terminals.

Key components of the project include:
  • A new, behind-the-scene, In-Line Checked-Baggage-Inspection System facility to house new explosive- detection systems. This will enhance security and free up lobby space in T-4 to reduce passenger congestion in the ticketing lobby. (Not open until April 2016.)
    • Secure Passenger Connector between T-4 and TBIT allowing screened passengers to transition between both buildings in both directions without the need for rescreening. (Sic) Now open.
      • Additional Security Screening Checkpoints for arriving international travelers, who have cleared federal immigration and customs inspection and need to catch connecting flights at Terminals 4, 5 6, 7, and 8 on the south side of the LAX Central Terminal Area. (now open)
        • A new South Terminals Passenger Bus Port for travel between TBIT and Terminals 5 through 8.
          • Upper Level World Way Plaza with open and landscaped areas and public seating will replace the open plaza currently on the Lower/ Arrivals Level between TBIT and T-4. Part of the new facility also will be built in this area.
            • A temporary South Interline Baggage Transfer Facility to facilitate checked-bags between TBIT and Terminals 4 through 8 during construction of the new connector building.
              • "According to American, the connector will soon provide a Checked Baggage Inspection System, a five-lane Passenger Security Screening Check Point and a South Matrix Interline Baggage Transfer." - John Nguyen

LAWA news release 18 Mar 2013


Terminal 4 Connector (LAWA)

This $115 million project consists of the design and construction of a multi-use, multi-level facility providing a secure connection between Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) to Terminal 4. Connecting the two terminals will allow passengers easier access to their destination for those needing to reach a connecting flight, with the added convenience of not having to recheck their baggage.

Fact Sheet - Terminal 4 Connector (Link to PDF) says:

This $115 million project consists of the design and construction of a multi-use, multi-level facility providing a secure connection between the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) and Terminal 4. The Terminal 4 Connector will make it easier for passengers to make connecting flights out of different terminals. The new CAL Green Certified space will include a Checked Baggage Inspection System (CBIS), South Matrix Interline Baggage Transfer facility and a five lane Passenger Security Screening Check Point (SSCP). A Passenger Bus Port is also being added for travelers transferring between Terminals 5 through 8 and a Public Plaza will be built for outdoor seating on the upper level.
Link to architectural renderings

LAWA Web Cam Views of the connector: EarthCam Construction Camera - LAX -Los Angeles World Airports

For LAX connections, see: AA Guide to LAX / Los Angeles International Airport, MCT (in use - under construction

See Post #131 for renderings and timetable.


Q. Where do I check in for an AA or Qantas flight?

You can check in at AA Terminal 4 for AA - and there is NO LONGER a Qantas counter in Terminal 4 - you must check I at the Qantas counters in Tom Bradley International Terminal / TBIT.

If checking in with AA but departing from TBIT, you can clear security in Terminal 4 and take the secure airside connector to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT).

If departing on Legacy US or American Eagle flights, those departing from the 60s gates including 60A-J, you will find it more convenient to check in at Terminal 6.

(For other airlines you may be connecting to, if you haven't been checked in previously you must check in at the TBIT (e.g. Air Fiji, Air Nui, airberlin, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Iberia, etc.) or other terminal (e.g. Qatar departs Terminal 2).

Access rules: (v. Feb 25, 2016) See here.

Qantas - oneworld First Lounge

Must be Emerald or First class passenger on a oneworld marketed and operated carrier ("qualifying flight") and
  • Departing on a longhaul international flight, or
    • Departing on a one world flight, having arrived on a qualifying longhaul international flight, or
      • Departing in First on AA to JFK on a 3 cabin A321T.


one world Business Lounge operated by Qantas (not a QANTAS Club)

Must be Sapphire or Business class passenger on a oneworld marketed and operated carrier ("qualifying flight") and
  • Departing on a longhaul international flight, or
    • Departing on a one world flight, having arrived on a qualifying longhaul international flight, or
      • Departing in First or Business on AA to JFK on a 3 cabin A321T.


Updated 19 Aug 2016 by JDiver

updated Oct 4 2016 by QueenOfCoach to include information about the elevator (lift) taking the passenger to and from the T4 concourse level to the tunnel level
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LAX AA T-4 - TBIT secure airside connector (open Feb 2016)

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Old Jun 17, 2016, 12:57 am
  #196  
 
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Anyone know the status of the TBIT baggage re-check / security phase of the project? I thought everything was supposed to have been wrapped up by the end of May, but I've not heard anything.
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Old Jul 5, 2016, 10:11 am
  #197  
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LAX T4 Connector TSA Security Lines Open as of 7/3

Originally Posted by jamespvg
Anyone know the status of the TBIT baggage re-check / security phase of the project? I thought everything was supposed to have been wrapped up by the end of May, but I've not heard anything.
LAX posted a tweet on 7/3 that T4 TSA security lines were now open and in the testing phases of a soft open.

If anyone has a chance to use please post on your experience!
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Old Jul 5, 2016, 10:24 am
  #198  
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Originally Posted by BillBurn
LAX posted a tweet on 7/3 that T4 TSA security lines were now open and in the testing phases of a soft open.

If anyone has a chance to use please post on your experience!
I'll be transiting LAX on an I -> D connection on Saturday, I'll look out for them. Any idea where these checkpoints are located? Dare I ask... PreCheck?
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Old Jul 5, 2016, 10:33 am
  #199  
 
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Flew through yesterday and saw no evidence of it... Hrm.
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Old Jul 5, 2016, 10:37 am
  #200  
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I think you just turn right after exiting TBIT arrivals and there should be a passageway to the connector. There's supposed to be an outside entrance as well. The security checkpoint is supposed to be up one level from the ground floor (with escalator access).

Whether it has TSA Pre or not is the $100,000 FT question. Let us know what you find out!
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Old Jul 5, 2016, 10:39 am
  #201  
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Originally Posted by BillBurn
I think you just turn right after exiting TBIT arrivals and there should be a passageway to the connector. There's supposed to be an outside entrance as well. The security checkpoint is supposed to be up one level from the ground floor (with escalator access).

Whether it has TSA Pre or not is the $100,000 FT question. Let us know what you find out!
I've got GE and 2.5 hours, so will definitely go have a look and report back!
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Old Jul 5, 2016, 12:50 pm
  #202  
 
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Originally Posted by BillBurn
I think you just turn right after exiting TBIT arrivals and there should be a passageway to the connector. There's supposed to be an outside entrance as well. The security checkpoint is supposed to be up one level from the ground floor (with escalator access).

Whether it has TSA Pre or not is the $100,000 FT question. Let us know what you find out!
I am going to guess NO TSA PRE when using the connector checkpoint at LAX for I->D.

Just like in MIA when using the security check right after leaving customs.
However (at least in MIA) I found that that checkpoint is pretty efficient (not sure if more efficient than going out to the regular checkpoints with TSA Pre).
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Old Jul 5, 2016, 3:43 pm
  #203  
 
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Originally Posted by Microwave
I'll be transiting LAX on an I -> D connection on Saturday, I'll look out for them. Any idea where these checkpoints are located? Dare I ask... PreCheck?
According to the original building plan, after you exit the luggage re-check area, there should be a passage way to a set of stairs and escalator that lead up to a mezzanine level where TSA is located.

After passing through TSA, you go up to the air side connector which will lead you to either T4 or TBIT. Alternatively, there is supposed to be a ramp going down to the bus depot. But I don't think the bus depot is opened yet.

Take some photos...
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Old Jul 11, 2016, 8:26 pm
  #204  
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Originally Posted by bzcat
According to the original building plan, after you exit the luggage re-check area, there should be a passage way to a set of stairs and escalator that lead up to a mezzanine level where TSA is located.

After passing through TSA, you go up to the air side connector which will lead you to either T4 or TBIT. Alternatively, there is supposed to be a ramp going down to the bus depot. But I don't think the bus depot is opened yet.

Take some photos...
Made it through on Saturday evening, and it does exist! When you pass out of the luggage re-check area, and before you go outside to the kerb, turn right. On the far wall there's a small sign with an arrow pointing forward for Gates 122-159 and Gates 40-49. Follow the sign and you're taken to a TSA checkpoint (on the same level, in a big open room). I was there with one other person, and we were the only 2 passengers in the entire area. There was no PreCheck per se, though we were given PreCheck lite, with shoes and belts on but laptops and liquids out. There also was nary a NOS to be seen anywhere. Once you're through security there is an escalator or lift to get you up to the airside connector. From there it's left for T4 and right for TBIT, as you'd expect. This is so much better than walking outside and back in for TBIT or outside and right for T4, but surely the empty room won't last long...

I did take pictures but don't have the time to get them uploaded just yet, will get them on later.
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Old Jul 19, 2016, 6:03 pm
  #205  
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Originally Posted by Microwave
Made it through on Saturday evening, and it does exist! When you pass out of the luggage re-check area, and before you go outside to the kerb, turn right. On the far wall there's a small sign with an arrow pointing forward for Gates 122-159 and Gates 40-49. Follow the sign and you're taken to a TSA checkpoint (on the same level, in a big open room). I was there with one other person, and we were the only 2 passengers in the entire area. There was no PreCheck per se, though we were given PreCheck lite, with shoes and belts on but laptops and liquids out. There also was nary a NOS to be seen anywhere. Once you're through security there is an escalator or lift to get you up to the airside connector. From there it's left for T4 and right for TBIT, as you'd expect. This is so much better than walking outside and back in for TBIT or outside and right for T4, but surely the empty room won't last long...

I did take pictures but don't have the time to get them uploaded just yet, will get them on later.
I just did this yesterday, and signage is lacking. Nonetheless, the TSA checkpoint was devoid of passengers and the PreCheck queue was - none!
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Old Jul 26, 2016, 10:37 am
  #206  
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Originally Posted by JDiver
I just did this yesterday, and signage is lacking. Nonetheless, the TSA checkpoint was devoid of passengers and the PreCheck queue was - none!
There is no pre check? So...may not be that much better than the 'old way' to walk to T4?
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Old Jul 26, 2016, 12:28 pm
  #207  
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Originally Posted by G-CIVC
There is no pre check? So...may not be that much better than the 'old way' to walk to T4?
As mentioned by JDiver, there are currently no passengers using the checkpoint... as in, none. You get PreCheck lite, meaning laptops and liquids out but no NOS and shoes / belt stay on. Until this checkpoint gets overrun by people, I'll be using it for all of my T4 and TBIT flights.

As an aside, I did snap some pictures but haven't really been in front of a computer long enough to figure out how to upload them. Will do shortly.
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Old Jul 26, 2016, 1:57 pm
  #208  
 
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Originally Posted by Microwave
As mentioned by JDiver, there are currently no passengers using the checkpoint... as in, none. You get PreCheck lite, meaning laptops and liquids out but no NOS and shoes / belt stay on. Until this checkpoint gets overrun by people, I'll be using it for all of my T4 and TBIT flights.

As an aside, I did snap some pictures but haven't really been in front of a computer long enough to figure out how to upload them. Will do shortly.
This sounds intriguing, but I'm a bit confused... to confirm/clarify: Is this checkpoint accessible from landside, or only if I'm connecting from an international arrival?

If it's accessible for non-connecting flights, where is it in relation to the TBIT departures entrance from outside?

Thanks!
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Old Jul 26, 2016, 4:03 pm
  #209  
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Originally Posted by Microwave
As mentioned by JDiver, there are currently no passengers using the checkpoint... as in, none. You get PreCheck lite, meaning laptops and liquids out but no NOS and shoes / belt stay on. Until this checkpoint gets overrun by people, I'll be using it for all of my T4 and TBIT flights.

As an aside, I did snap some pictures but haven't really been in front of a computer long enough to figure out how to upload them. Will do shortly.
I went through this checkpoint on Monday after my flight from Sydney on AA. However, there was a line of people. Most appeared to be Australian based on the passports they were holding. Appears they were either from my AA flight or the Qantas flight that landed shortly before mine. That might explain one reason for not having TSA Pre at that checkpoint since Qantas and a few other non-US airlines do not participate in that program. After clearing this checkpoint, I took an escalator up and then walked over to terminal 4 where I stayed for a few hours in the AA lounge. Then it was a bus ride over to the remote AA terminal(Eagle's nest). First time in that terminal. The ride over was interesting as large airplanes go whizzing by you on their way to gates. A few times I thought the bus driver was racing with the planes as we paralleled each other No a/c on a crowded bus made it somewhat uncomfortable. Luckily it was only about 10 minutes or so.
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Old Jul 26, 2016, 5:04 pm
  #210  
 
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I just booked a flight SEA-LAX-JFK with SEA-JFK assigned to land at gate 122 in TB terminal and LAX-JFK departing out of T4. It's a tight connection, 39 minutes. I could take an earlier AS flight- it would have too long a layover, but could kill time in the lounge if need be. I still don't understand the airside connector, can I use it to go from TB to T4 so as to avoid exiting and re-clearing security and make this 39 minute connection more relaxed?
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