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

Old Mar 4, 2015, 8:51 am
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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..

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)

Old Apr 30, 2016, 3:38 am
  #136  
 
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Originally Posted by matrixwalker2012
It was last week, the problem I had was the AAgent was unaware that the connector was even being built. I guess ignorance is pretty expensive...
How could they have missed it?

Originally Posted by rasheed
Further, I think AA wants to avoid cost/use of the OW TBIT lounge (which would primarily be elites on international routes). After all, there is a FL in T4.
AA lounge access rules and AA's willingness to pay for using the QF lounges in TBIT are a large part of the reason there has been lounge access issues over the past year at the QF lounges.

Summarizing, AA (and its partners like QF) need to move its arrival flights to T4. Don't be surprised if EY moves it flight over too.
Why would QF do that? They have all their ops in TBIT now, after having moved out of T4.
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Old May 2, 2016, 10:25 am
  #137  
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I've moved a recent post that's totally unrelated to the T4-TBIT connector to the LAX master thread here.

Please keep this thread confined to the connector and directly related topics. Other LAX discussion points should go to the general thread above.

~Moderator
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Old May 2, 2016, 4:04 pm
  #138  
 
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Originally Posted by Himeno
Why would QF do that? They have all their ops in TBIT now, after having moved out of T4.
Well, I think we have to let the FIS open first to see the results. If a strong partner like QF can use an easier/faster FIS and can get some combined operational support from AA (which can reduce cost), this may benefit even with the lounge still at TBIT (since we have the connector).

I am somewhat stating that AA would need to keep FIS demand rather strong at T4 to make it work (with a full expectation that authorities are going to take some existing staff from TBIT FIS/CB to initially make this happen).

Some people felt similarly on why DL would move to the other side of LAX after T5 improvements. Well, it is a done deal.

Rasheed
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Old May 2, 2016, 6:00 pm
  #139  
 
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Originally Posted by txflyer77
TBIT is at its worst midday when the Asia flights depart and again late afternoon/evening when the Europe flights depart. Mornings are generally calm *but* sometimes there are so few TSA smurfs that the line still backs up.
I'd say that's an understatement, there are literally two morning departures, CX to Hong Kong and QF's connector tag to JFK. It is otherwise empty except for AA domestic departures until around 11ish.
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Old May 4, 2016, 5:07 pm
  #140  
 
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Just used the connector bridge and imho best improvement ever at lax...so convenient, like a 5 minutes walk. Wish i knew how to attach a pic to the post using my cellphone security at TB looked horrible...
At Qantas lounge at the moment. Imho not anything special if like me you dint like to have an a la cart service. And had no issues entering the lounge. Flying business on AA
Headed to oneworld lounge and actually at the entrance the guy who checked me in said " u can actually go to out first class lounge if u want" and was very surprised to here i came here from there lol

Last edited by cemoktaysd; May 4, 2016 at 5:23 pm
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Old May 8, 2016, 6:42 pm
  #141  
 
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Originally Posted by cemoktaysd
Just used the connector bridge and imho best improvement ever at lax...so convenient, like a 5 minutes walk. Wish i knew how to attach a pic to the post using my cellphone security at TB looked horrible...
At Qantas lounge at the moment. Imho not anything special if like me you dint like to have an a la cart service. And had no issues entering the lounge. Flying business on AA
Headed to oneworld lounge and actually at the entrance the guy who checked me in said " u can actually go to out first class lounge if u want" and was very surprised to here i came here from there lol
It is kinda nice to walk over and see that TBIT security line that you're avoiding down to your right.
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Old May 9, 2016, 12:42 am
  #142  
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Some recent posts about lounge access have been moved to the lounge access help desk here. Please keep this thread on topic.

~Moderator
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Old May 9, 2016, 1:42 am
  #143  
 
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Originally Posted by SNA_Flyer
The new FIS won't even matter if they cant get CBP to staff it. That was a big problem before.
The issue then is how much AA wants to pay.
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Old May 9, 2016, 11:20 pm
  #144  
 
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The connector is awesome going domestic to international (or to take advantage of the Qantas F lounge). But what about connecting to T4 after an international flight into TBIT? After collecting bags, clearing immigration, and redepositing bags (that have been tagged to final destination), is there a way to stay airside rather than exiting to the outside and having to clear TSA?
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Old May 9, 2016, 11:28 pm
  #145  
 
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Originally Posted by thecurtisw
The connector is awesome going domestic to international (or to take advantage of the Qantas F lounge). But what about connecting to T4 after an international flight into TBIT? After collecting bags, clearing immigration, and redepositing bags (that have been tagged to final destination), is there a way to stay airside rather than exiting to the outside and having to clear TSA?
You have to reclear TSA no matter which airport in the US if intl to dom.
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Old May 10, 2016, 1:03 am
  #146  
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Originally Posted by thecurtisw
The connector is awesome going domestic to international (or to take advantage of the Qantas F lounge). But what about connecting to T4 after an international flight into TBIT? After collecting bags, clearing immigration, and redepositing bags (that have been tagged to final destination), is there a way to stay airside rather than exiting to the outside and having to clear TSA?
Apparently there's another phase to the T4-TBIT connector that will allow easier transit from inbound international passengers at TBIT to clear security and come to T4 for a domestic connection. Others here will know more about that.

Originally Posted by hiima
You have to reclear TSA no matter which airport in the US if intl to dom.
This is true unless you've gone through US customs and immigration pre-clearance.
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Old May 10, 2016, 2:31 am
  #147  
 
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Originally Posted by thecurtisw
After collecting bags, clearing immigration, and redepositing bags (that have been tagged to final destination), is there a way to stay airside rather than exiting to the outside and having to clear TSA?
Originally Posted by hiima
You have to reclear TSA no matter which airport in the US if intl to dom.
This has nothing to do with airport design; it's because you've been in contact with checked bags, which may contain many types of items that aren't allowed in cabins. You have to be screened in order to ensure you aren't carrying any such items.
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Old May 10, 2016, 3:37 am
  #148  
 
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Originally Posted by thecurtisw
The connector is awesome going domestic to international (or to take advantage of the Qantas F lounge). But what about connecting to T4 after an international flight into TBIT? After collecting bags, clearing immigration, and redepositing bags (that have been tagged to final destination), is there a way to stay airside rather than exiting to the outside and having to clear TSA?
As of April 30, an arrival at TBIT followed by a domestic connection at T4 requires you to exit the airport and going through the TSA process once you are at T4.
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Old May 10, 2016, 1:41 pm
  #149  
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Originally Posted by Ready2Go
This has nothing to do with airport design; it's because you've been in contact with checked bags, which may contain many types of items that aren't allowed in cabins. You have to be screened in order to ensure you aren't carrying any such items.
Actually, it does have a bit to do with airport design. If you were carry-on only, you wouldn't have to be able to come in contact with any checked bags if there were a separate routing through Immigration/customs for you (which didn't allow access to the checked bag area), but I've not seen such a separate Immigration routing for carry-on-only passengers at any airport in the USA.

It's only because they lump carry-only people with people who check bags that you're not "sterile" after going through USA immigration on USA soil.

There are ways to clear immigration and stay airside, if you're carry-on only, in some airports overseas.
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Old May 10, 2016, 3:14 pm
  #150  
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Originally Posted by sdsearch
It's only because they lump carry-only people with people who check bags that you're not "sterile" after going through USA immigration on USA soil.

There are ways to clear immigration and stay airside, if you're carry-on only, in some airports overseas.
Is there any country that does not require passengers connecting between international flights to pass security screening? On more than one occasion when transferring at LHR, I had to undergo TSA style security screening even though I did not have any checked bags and did not go through immigration and customs.
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