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)
Feb 26, 2016, 7:46 am
#46
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Cheers.
Feb 26, 2016, 7:46 am
#47
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I can't seem to find a good map of the lounges at LAX and am wondering, where is the star alliance lounge in relation to the Qantas lounge that appears to be right at the end of the new connector?
I'm arriving into T8 in a couple of days with a long layover and just for kicks I'm thinking about doing the walk from the end of the T8 pier to the star alliance lounge to see how long it takes airside. If my connection doesn't get shortened, I'll post my results.
I'm arriving into T8 in a couple of days with a long layover and just for kicks I'm thinking about doing the walk from the end of the T8 pier to the star alliance lounge to see how long it takes airside. If my connection doesn't get shortened, I'll post my results.
Feb 26, 2016, 9:13 am
#48
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Feb 26, 2016, 10:42 am
#49
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We did the T4->TBIT trek a few weeks ago before the connector was open. When we went through security at TBIT, they did, in fact, have Pre-Check. It was the semi Pre-Check where laptops have to come out. But shoes, jackets on and standard metal detector. I would assume that that is still in place.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Feb 26, 2016, 11:32 am
#50
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I do mean the checkpoint. It's definitely supposed to be for originating passengers, but it's a bit odd if its so close to an airside entrance but dedicated entirely to international passengers with no access route for originating passengers (a la the IAD midfield security). They would have to put a one-way-human-valve situation after the entrance to the new checkpoint.
My fantasy was that it would have PreCheck and would make for a good entrance point to go through security and then access the lounges, before taking the new connector back through to T4 and beyond.
My fantasy was that it would have PreCheck and would make for a good entrance point to go through security and then access the lounges, before taking the new connector back through to T4 and beyond.
From the arrival level, you have to take an escalator up the TSA check point. Once you clear TSA, you can walk up the ramp to departure level, take escalator down to bus depot (to T5, T6, T7 and perhaps T2) or take escalator to the top level to lounges and T4 passage.
Feb 26, 2016, 11:40 am
#51
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As I understand it, the TSA checkpoint located on the 1st level of connector building will be available for originating passengers. It is located after you exit customs and past the re-check area. However, since it will be accessed from the first level (i.e. the "arrival" level), it is likely that most originating passengers will not go out of their way to use it.
From the arrival level, you have to take an escalator up the TSA check point. Once you clear TSA, you can walk up the ramp to departure level, take escalator down to bus depot (to T5, T6, T7 and perhaps T2) or take escalator to the top level to lounges and T4 passage.
From the arrival level, you have to take an escalator up the TSA check point. Once you clear TSA, you can walk up the ramp to departure level, take escalator down to bus depot (to T5, T6, T7 and perhaps T2) or take escalator to the top level to lounges and T4 passage.
Feb 26, 2016, 4:02 pm
#52
Join Date: Aug 2011
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As I understand it, the TSA checkpoint located on the 1st level of connector building will be available for originating passengers. It is located after you exit customs and past the re-check area. However, since it will be accessed from the first level (i.e. the "arrival" level), it is likely that most originating passengers will not go out of their way to use it.
From the arrival level, you have to take an escalator up the TSA check point. Once you clear TSA, you can walk up the ramp to departure level, take escalator down to bus depot (to T5, T6, T7 and perhaps T2) or take escalator to the top level to lounges and T4 passage.
From the arrival level, you have to take an escalator up the TSA check point. Once you clear TSA, you can walk up the ramp to departure level, take escalator down to bus depot (to T5, T6, T7 and perhaps T2) or take escalator to the top level to lounges and T4 passage.
Reminds me of the old black diamond checkpoint at IAD.
Feb 26, 2016, 4:23 pm
#53
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Hi, fellow members,
Please feel free to discuss the 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.
Discussing these here is taking this thread off topic and contributes to information fragmentation. (Posts have been moved.)
Thank you for your understanding.
/Moderator
Please feel free to discuss the 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.
Discussing these here is taking this thread off topic and contributes to information fragmentation. (Posts have been moved.)
Thank you for your understanding.
/Moderator
Last edited by JDiver; Mar 2, 2016 at 1:40 pm
Feb 26, 2016, 8:40 pm
#54
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I wouldn't be so sure on the delay. It's amazing how much gets done on the last 2 days of a construction project. Also, what looks like a mess is frequently easy to clean up rather quickly.
AC staff told me the connector will open prior to all the finishes/trim being complete.
I am guessing both the contractor and LAWA managers had big bonuses riding on getting the connector open by end of the month
Feb 27, 2016, 11:59 am
#55
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We did the T4->TBIT trek a few weeks ago before the connector was open. When we went through security at TBIT, they did, in fact, have Pre-Check. It was the semi Pre-Check where laptops have to come out. But shoes, jackets on and standard metal detector. I would assume that that is still in place.
Of significant note: There's no separate (faster) PreCheck line. It's just a pass you get handed in the regular line which means you get no PreCheck for your baggage but you get PreCheck type screening of you the person only.
So no faster line (except at the metal detector perhaps), no elimination of need to take stuff out of your baggage, it's only 1/3 PreCheck by my count.
Feb 28, 2016, 8:40 pm
#56
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That's the case at essentially every airport I've been to in the US. If you have pre check and go to a non-pre check line (whether because pre check isn't open, there isn't pre check at the checkpoint you're using, or the airport doesn't have pre check at all), you get the non-pre check x Ray process (presumably since it's very difficult to separate pre check bags on an x Ray machine which has regular bags as well) but the pre check metal detector process (since it's easy to give a pre check eligible person the card that says pre check eligible).
No, as you more correctly said in the next sentence, it was semi PreCheck, not real PreChheck.
Of significant note: There's no separate (faster) PreCheck line. It's just a pass you get handed in the regular line which means you get no PreCheck for your baggage but you get PreCheck type screening of you the person only.
So no faster line (except at the metal detector perhaps), no elimination of need to take stuff out of your baggage, it's only 1/3 PreCheck by my count.
Of significant note: There's no separate (faster) PreCheck line. It's just a pass you get handed in the regular line which means you get no PreCheck for your baggage but you get PreCheck type screening of you the person only.
So no faster line (except at the metal detector perhaps), no elimination of need to take stuff out of your baggage, it's only 1/3 PreCheck by my count.
But, it was a separate like. While it was only partial Pre-Check was not clear, but I just didn't care enough to ask.
So, yes, I'm familiar with the scenario you guys are presenting. This was not that.
Oh,and computer only. No mention of liquids out.
Cheers.
Feb 28, 2016, 9:03 pm
#57
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Yes, we've had this experience at airports that don't support Pre-Check. That was not the case here. They had a dedicated Pre-Check line (with the placard and all) that only allowed in Pre-Check people, so it would have been a separate, faster line had there been any people there to be faster than
But, it was a separate like. While it was only partial Pre-Check was not clear, but I just didn't care enough to ask.
So, yes, I'm familiar with the scenario you guys are presenting. This was not that.
Oh,and computer only. No mention of liquids out.
Cheers.
But, it was a separate like. While it was only partial Pre-Check was not clear, but I just didn't care enough to ask.
So, yes, I'm familiar with the scenario you guys are presenting. This was not that.
Oh,and computer only. No mention of liquids out.
Cheers.
Feb 28, 2016, 9:41 pm
#58
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I've seen this before at airports that have real Precheck lines, but where they're currently closed. They leave up the signage for Precheck that funnels you more quickly to the ID checker who then hands you the card for the "light" treatment.
Feb 28, 2016, 10:16 pm
#59
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Yep. I've experienced that when the actual PreCheck queue is closed. I show my Global Entry card, they tell the screener and I don't have to remove shoes etc.
Feb 28, 2016, 10:43 pm
#60
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I *think* this is new news, but I spoke with someone from LAWA who said that, along with the new shuttle bus stop built as part of the connector, there will be airside buses that will also run to T1/T2/T3 as well as T5/T6/T7, for those who don't want to walk. Operation should begin this summer, when the connector is in full operation.