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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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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)

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Old May 23, 2016, 1:04 pm
  #166  
 
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Originally Posted by IceTrojan
In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if they just dropped the entire name and went with "International Terminal"... in fact, I would prefer it
So, I am almost with you, but it seems every terminal can handle outbound international flights and more that just TBIT can handle inbound as well (T2, T5, T7, soon to be T4, soon to be T6).

https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/fi...x-20160523.pdf

Originally Posted by trekker954
First I had no idea they were using TBI for domestics and was told by the rep there, they are using TBIT for 30 domestics now with no plans to use a TSA Precheck. So when I do this flight again on Friday, I'm going to walk from T4. I found the line way too long and too slow and they direct you the opposite end of where the AA gate is. I believe because so many passengers are getting dropped off at the domestic terminal, not realizing they have to walk over.
The latest is that AA is recommending people come through T4 for TBIT AA departures (and use the airside corridor). Using the TBIT entry directly is only meant for advanced LAX flyers who want to avoid T4. The thought was the morning departures of AA might be faster for general security via TBIT than T4, but your experience does not concur with that thinking. Also, I expect AA to have a more broad spectrum of timings of TBIT flights in the very near future.

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Old Jun 1, 2016, 1:55 pm
  #167  
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Is the signage for the secure T4 to TBIT connector obvious? Also it looks like we should expect about 5-10 minute walk to AA domestic gates in TBIT based on other reports?

We're flying RDU - LAX - SFO tomorrow with a 1 hour 20 minute layover and it looks like they've put our LAX - SFO flight in TBIT so seems like the connector is the best way to avoid having to reclear security. I'm also trying to judge if we'll have enough time to stop in the AC in T4 if we land on time or if we'll just need to head straight over to TBIT (have access to AC via Citi Prestige but don't have any way to access OW Lounge in TBIT).
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Old Jun 1, 2016, 2:53 pm
  #168  
 
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Originally Posted by Duke787
Is the signage for the secure T4 to TBIT connector obvious? Also it looks like we should expect about 5-10 minute walk to AA domestic gates in TBIT based on other reports?

We're flying RDU - LAX - SFO tomorrow with a 1 hour 20 minute layover and it looks like they've put our LAX - SFO flight in TBIT so seems like the connector is the best way to avoid having to reclear security. I'm also trying to judge if we'll have enough time to stop in the AC in T4 if we land on time or if we'll just need to head straight over to TBIT (have access to AC via Citi Prestige but don't have any way to access OW Lounge in TBIT).
Yes, it's well-signed. The connector is at the north end of the concourse, right next to the main TSA security checkpoint and the exit to Baggage Claim.

HOWEVER... Are you sure about your LAX-SFO flight leaving from TBIT? I certainly invite correction, but I have never heard of LAX-SFO flights out of TBIT. Please, someone, correct me if I am wrong.

I would imagine that flight would leave from the Eagles Nest, which is out of T6.

If your incoming flight arrives at T4, with an hour 20 minutes connection and your SFO flight leaves from the Eagles Nest, I can't imagine you would have much quality time in the AC. Sure, stop by, but be aware you will have to get on the Terminal Transfer bus in time to get to the Eagles Nest and board your flight.

Personally, I wouldn't do it, but then I'm risk-adverse. YMMV.

(Note that the bus transfer point used to be called Gate 44, but has been renamed Terminal Transfer in T4. It is in the same place, where one might find a Gate 44.)
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Old Jun 1, 2016, 3:08 pm
  #169  
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The T4 end of the connector is right beside Gate 41.

As indicated all Envoy operated SFO LAX flights depart from the Satellite terminal "AeAgle's Nest" and indicated by one of gates 60A-60I, accessed via a bus from T4 (Terminal Transfer) or T6 (Gate 60/62) - would check and continue to check the departure gate for your SFO flight. TBIT gate numbers are three digits.

If your flight does depart from the satellite, there is a small A/C out at the gate 60x's.

Last edited by serfty; Jun 2, 2016 at 4:19 pm Reason: corrections
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Old Jun 1, 2016, 3:43 pm
  #170  
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Originally Posted by QueenOfCoach
Yes, it's well-signed. The connector is at the north end of the concourse, right next to the main TSA security checkpoint and the exit to Baggage Claim.

HOWEVER... Are you sure about your LAX-SFO flight leaving from TBIT? I certainly invite correction, but I have never heard of LAX-SFO flights out of TBIT. Please, someone, correct me if I am wrong.

I would imagine that flight would leave from the Eagles Nest, which is out of T6.

If your incoming flight arrives at T4, with an hour 20 minutes connection and your SFO flight leaves from the Eagles Nest, I can't imagine you would have much quality time in the AC. Sure, stop by, but be aware you will have to get on the Terminal Transfer bus in time to get to the Eagles Nest and board your flight.

Personally, I wouldn't do it, but then I'm risk-adverse. YMMV.

(Note that the bus transfer point used to be called Gate 44, but has been renamed Terminal Transfer in T4. It is in the same place, where one might find a Gate 44.)
Originally Posted by serfty
The T4 end of the connector is right beside G41.

As indicated most SFO LAX flights depart from the Satellite terminal "AeAgle's Nest" and indicated by one of gates 6A-6I, accessed via a bus from T4 (gate 44) or T6 (Gate 66) - would check and continue to check the departure gate for your SFO flight. TBIT gate numbers are three digits.

If your flight does depart from the satellite, there is a small A/C out at the gate 6x's.
Okay cool it looks like we arrive into 46B so we'll head down towards G41/North End of the terminal. Looks like it is actually a 1 hour connection not 1 hour 20 so we'll have to hustle straight there.

In terms of it being in TBIT as of now it's showing as the following on my reservation (both Mobile App and AA.com):

Terminal:TB
Gate:122
This is for AA 2438. It's on an A319 but looks like that A319 is coming from AUS so no obvious reason why it's over in TBIT instead of elsewhere.
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Old Jun 1, 2016, 4:22 pm
  #171  
 
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Okey dokey you've convinced me.

Yes, you'll have to move fast. Skip the lounge.
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Old Jun 1, 2016, 5:09 pm
  #172  
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Originally Posted by serfty
The T4 end of the connector is right beside G41.

As indicated most SFO LAX flights depart from the Satellite terminal "AeAgle's Nest" and indicated by one of gates 6A-6I, accessed via a bus from T4 (gate 44) or T6 (Gate 66) - would check and continue to check the departure gate for your SFO flight. TBIT gate numbers are three digits.

If your flight does depart from the satellite, there is a small A/C out at the gate 6x's.
Several observations/corrections:

Gate 41 is not designated G41.

The eAAgle's nest gates are numbered 60A - 60I, not 6A - 6I.

There is no longer a Gate 44; the terminal connection buses still leave from the same location, however, it is now identified as Terminal Transfer.

The buses from T6 to the eAAgle's nest (and T4) depart from a door located between Gates 60 and 62, not from Gate 66.

Originally Posted by Duke787
In terms of it being in TBIT as of now it's showing as the following on my reservation (both Mobile App and AA.com):

Terminal:TB
Gate:122
This is for AA 2438. It's on an A319 but looks like that A319 is coming from AUS so no obvious reason why it's over in TBIT instead of elsewhere.
Gate 122 is in the last remaining section of the old TBIT concourse. It is at the far north end of TBIT and easily a 20 - 25 minutes walk from Gate 46B.
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Old Jun 1, 2016, 5:52 pm
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Originally Posted by Duke787
I'm also trying to judge if we'll have enough time to stop in the AC in T4 if we land on time or if we'll just need to head straight over to TBIT (have access to AC via Citi Prestige but don't have any way to access OW Lounge in TBIT).
If you do find yourself with time to kill after going over to TBIT (delays do happen, especially into SFO), one option Citi Prestige gives you is the Korean Air Lines lounge in TBIT, which is a Priority Pass lounge. Its food and drink offerings are meager, but you do have access.
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Old Jun 1, 2016, 11:24 pm
  #174  
 
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Minor clarification

Originally Posted by serfty
The T4 end of the connector is right beside G41.

As indicated most SFO LAX flights depart from the Satellite terminal "AeAgle's Nest" and indicated by one of gates 6A-6I, accessed via a bus from T4 (gate 44) or T6 (Gate 66) - would check and continue to check the departure gate for your SFO flight. TBIT gate numbers are three digits.

If your flight does depart from the satellite, there is a small A/C out at the gate 6x's.
I believe only E175 flights operate out of the eagles nest, all mainline 738 and 319 will operate out of T4/TBIT. This week I see 6/13 daily as mainline, 7/13 as RJ.
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Old Jun 1, 2016, 11:43 pm
  #175  
 
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Originally Posted by QueenOfCoach
HOWEVER... Are you sure about your LAX-SFO flight leaving from TBIT? I certainly invite correction, but I have never heard of LAX-SFO flights out of TBIT. Please, someone, correct me if I am wrong.
Yes, it happens occasionally. I took one once, 738 incoming from MEX I think. Fortunately it was after they opened the T4-TBIT connector,

Originally Posted by serfty
As indicated most SFO LAX flights depart from the Satellite terminal "AeAgle's Nest" and indicated by one of gates 6A-6I, accessed via a bus from T4 (gate 44) or T6 (Gate 66) - would check and continue to check the departure gate for your SFO flight. TBIT gate numbers are three digits.

If your flight does depart from the satellite, there is a small A/C out at the gate 6x's.
LAX-SFO is about half eagle (flights numbered 5nnn, satellite terminal) and half 738 (T4, usually).
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Old Jun 2, 2016, 1:30 am
  #176  
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Some posts having nothing at all to do with AA have been split into their own thread and moved to the Los Angeles forum.

Members are reminded to post in the correct forum to avoid extra moderation to move content to the correct home.

~Moderator
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Old Jun 2, 2016, 9:27 am
  #177  
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Originally Posted by Microwave
Some posts having nothing at all to do with AA have been split into their own thread and moved to the Los Angeles forum...

~Moderator
That split thread has now been merged into the 2016 LAX Connecting / Connection / Connections thread. The wikipost in that thread has been updated and is up to date.

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Old Jun 2, 2016, 9:30 am
  #178  
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Originally Posted by TWA884
That split thread has now been merged into the 2016 LAX Connecting / Connection / Connections thread. The wikipost in that thread has been updated and is up to date.

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Thank you!
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Old Jun 2, 2016, 6:47 pm
  #179  
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Originally Posted by fanger
I believe only E175 flights operate out of the eagles nest, all mainline 738 and 319 will operate out of T4/TBIT. This week I see 6/13 daily as mainline, 7/13 as RJ.
You mean only E175 LAX-SFO flights presumably. There are undoubtedly other kinds of RJs that operate out of the Eagle's Nest to other destinations.
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Old Jun 2, 2016, 7:40 pm
  #180  
 
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Originally Posted by Ready2Go
If you do find yourself with time to kill after going over to TBIT (delays do happen, especially into SFO), one option Citi Prestige gives you is the Korean Air Lines lounge in TBIT, which is a Priority Pass lounge. Its food and drink offerings are meager, but you do have access.
Meager is an understatement. The Korean Air lounge is an absolute embarrassment. Makes the AC look like a palace.

No wonder Air France uses the Qantas lounge!
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