I just flew SAN-LAX-LHR, arriving in T4 and departing from TBIT and the connector was open, and almost empty on Friday evening. A lot easier than having to go out and walk outside and then reclear security at TBIT.

A few questions. Are AA LAX-LHR flights and/or long international now taking off permanently from TBIT?

Will my return trip (LHR-LAX) arrive directly at TBIT? On my last trip using this routing (January), we arrived in T4, got bused to TBIT to go though immigration after which I had to trek back to T4 for my connection to SAN. Arriving directly at TBIT should shave off some time as my connection time is only 1h45m on Sunday.

Another question regarding lounge access for AA long haul from TBIT. Are AA business class customers still supposed to use the Admiral Club in T4, even though many/some (LAX-LHR) depart from TBIT? I went directly to the OW lounges in TBIT due to my status, but a fellow got turned away with his AA ticket for the same flight (LAX-LHR) just as I entered and was directed somewhere that I didn't quite pick up, maybe back to T4? I would have invited him as a guest if he hadn't been on the phone during the whole transaction and ran off immediately.