Mar 4, 2015, 8:51 am
Last edit by: DWFI
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..
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.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
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
- 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.
- 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 new South Terminals Passenger Bus Port for travel between TBIT and Terminals 5 through 8.
- 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)
- 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.
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.
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.
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).
Related:
Link to LAWA / LAX airport official website
Link to LAWA newsletter re: connector and new TBIT gates
Link to LAWA project description downloadable PDF
LAWA releases details of TBIT-T4 connector (Los Angeles forum)
LAX airside shuttle AA T4 <--> AS T6 inc. A Eagle >=2012 (consolidated)
NEW (12/2014) LAX Bradley International / TBIT oneworld lounge (master thread)
How/Where to get Short Connection Special Treatment at LAX TBIT?
Link to LAWA / LAX airport official website
Link to LAWA newsletter re: connector and new TBIT gates
Link to LAWA project description downloadable PDF
LAWA releases details of TBIT-T4 connector (Los Angeles forum)
LAX airside shuttle AA T4 <--> AS T6 inc. A Eagle >=2012 (consolidated)
NEW (12/2014) LAX Bradley International / TBIT oneworld lounge (master thread)
How/Where to get Short Connection Special Treatment at LAX TBIT?
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
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.
- Departing on a one world flight, having arrived on a qualifying longhaul international flight, or
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.
- Departing on a one world flight, having arrived on a qualifying longhaul international flight, or
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
LAX AA T-4 - TBIT secure airside connector (open Feb 2016)
Apr 8, 2017, 5:19 pm
#317
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The discussion about is about clearing TSA security to go from landside to airside.
Apr 8, 2017, 6:44 pm
#318
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T4
It's a bit messy, in any case you will get bags and clear customs in TBIT if you have bags. If the GRU flight arrives in T4 and you have no bags you can fully clear in T4 and exit there. If you have bags and arrive in T4 you can clear in T4 for JUST immigration and go to TBIT and skip immigration there and just do bags/customs.
Apr 8, 2017, 7:13 pm
#319
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After exiting the Federal Inspection Services (FIS) facility, you must go through TSA security before going airside. That's the standard procedure at every US airport.
Apr 8, 2017, 9:26 pm
#320
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For the T4 no bags and using T4 CBP (assuming no closures for late hours, etc) then you end up right near the T4 domestic bag claim area in the arrivals level. Go up one level to then go through the TSA screening entrances and re-enter T4 airside
Last edited by NickP 1K; Apr 9, 2017 at 10:13 am
Apr 9, 2017, 8:43 am
#321
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I'm not talking about walking freely through TBIT airside, nor am I talking about the new T4-TBIT airside connector. I'm talking about the underground tunnel, connecting the pre-immigration areas of T4 and TBIT, which has been there for ages.
Apr 9, 2017, 2:45 pm
#322
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The tunnel you're talking about closed in 2013 didn't it?
Apr 9, 2017, 3:33 pm
#323
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The sterile underground tunnel from T4 to the TBIT Federal Inspection Services (FIS) facility was temporarily closed during the construction of the the T4 - TBIT connector. It reopened over a year ago.
Apr 9, 2017, 3:39 pm
#324
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The tunnel has been reopened for a long time, and international arrivals from T4 still need to walk to the TBIT FIS to get their bags, as was just being discussed in this thread. Just like natural human conversations, threads frequently deviate from their original topics of discussion, especially megathreads like this one. People were talking about the new T4 international arrivals process, so I chimed in with a related question.
Apr 10, 2017, 5:49 am
#326
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The tunnel has been reopened for a long time, and international arrivals from T4 still need to walk to the TBIT FIS to get their bags, as was just being discussed in this thread. Just like natural human conversations, threads frequently deviate from their original topics of discussion, especially megathreads like this one. People were talking about the new T4 international arrivals process, so I chimed in with a related question.
Thanks, I hadn't noticed that from the TBIT side, though I'm usually focused on getting to the kiosks before the crowds.
Apr 10, 2017, 1:15 pm
#327
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I'm just throwing caution to the wind here... not all int'l arrival to T4 has direct access to T4/TBIT FIS. Only Gate 41 and 43 have direct access.
If you are arriving from GRU, you are probably on a 777 so you will probably use gate 41, 43. If so, then the previous 15 or so post will apply... you can walk to T4 FIS and clear there from 41 or 43, then proceed to TBIT custom area (or T4 landside). If you are arriving from Mexico in a narrow body jet, you may get assigned to a different T4 gate, in which case, you will be bused to TBIT FIS.
So to recap - these are the 4 possible outcome for AA int'l arrival at LAX as of April 2017:
1. T4 gate 41 or 43 arrival - sterile walkway to T4 FIS (or TBIT FIS if arrived at late night or early morning).
1a. If no checked bags, you can exit FIS directly to the T4/TBIT connector and re-clear TSA.
1b. If you have checked bags, you have to proceed to TBIT custom. Before leaving the secured area, there is a luggage re-check station to drop off bags if it is tagged to the final destinaiton. Exit TBIT to landside and turn right to clear TSA to T4 connector, or walk to another terminal.
2. TBIT arrival - sterile walkway to TBIT FIS, then TBIT custom. No way to bypass TBIT custom. Before leaving the secured area, there is a luggage re-check station to drop off bags if it is tagged to the final destinaiton. Exit TBIT to landside and turn right to clear TSA to T4 connector, or walk to another terminal.
3. T4 non-41 or 43 gates arrival - Bus to TBIT FIS, then TBIT custom.
4. Remote hard stand arrival - Bus to TBIT FIS, then TBIT custom.
If you are arriving from GRU, you are probably on a 777 so you will probably use gate 41, 43. If so, then the previous 15 or so post will apply... you can walk to T4 FIS and clear there from 41 or 43, then proceed to TBIT custom area (or T4 landside). If you are arriving from Mexico in a narrow body jet, you may get assigned to a different T4 gate, in which case, you will be bused to TBIT FIS.
So to recap - these are the 4 possible outcome for AA int'l arrival at LAX as of April 2017:
1. T4 gate 41 or 43 arrival - sterile walkway to T4 FIS (or TBIT FIS if arrived at late night or early morning).
1a. If no checked bags, you can exit FIS directly to the T4/TBIT connector and re-clear TSA.
1b. If you have checked bags, you have to proceed to TBIT custom. Before leaving the secured area, there is a luggage re-check station to drop off bags if it is tagged to the final destinaiton. Exit TBIT to landside and turn right to clear TSA to T4 connector, or walk to another terminal.
2. TBIT arrival - sterile walkway to TBIT FIS, then TBIT custom. No way to bypass TBIT custom. Before leaving the secured area, there is a luggage re-check station to drop off bags if it is tagged to the final destinaiton. Exit TBIT to landside and turn right to clear TSA to T4 connector, or walk to another terminal.
3. T4 non-41 or 43 gates arrival - Bus to TBIT FIS, then TBIT custom.
4. Remote hard stand arrival - Bus to TBIT FIS, then TBIT custom.
Last edited by bzcat; Apr 10, 2017 at 1:22 pm
Apr 10, 2017, 8:11 pm
#328
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Apr 10, 2017, 8:33 pm
#329
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Apr 10, 2017, 11:22 pm
#330
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Furthermore, why would you do this? The T4 FIS bunker, last time I was there, in February, had kiosks only and only two agents checking the paperwork. Since you would have to be hand baggage only to exit at T4, you'd be just as fast going through TBIT and exiting there.