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.
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)
#211
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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I just booked a flight SEA-LAX-JFK with SEA-JFK assigned to land at gate 122 in TB terminal and LAX-JFK departing out of T4. It's a tight connection, 39 minutes. I could take an earlier AS flight- it would have too long a layover, but could kill time in the lounge if need be. I still don't understand the airside connector, can I use it to go from TB to T4 so as to avoid exiting and re-clearing security and make this 39 minute connection more relaxed?
#212
Join Date: Sep 2011
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#213
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: LAX
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Posts: 2,407
I just booked a flight SEA-LAX-JFK with SEA-JFK assigned to land at gate 122 in TB terminal and LAX-JFK departing out of T4. It's a tight connection, 39 minutes. I could take an earlier AS flight- it would have too long a layover, but could kill time in the lounge if need be. I still don't understand the airside connector, can I use it to go from TB to T4 so as to avoid exiting and re-clearing security and make this 39 minute connection more relaxed?
But 39 minute connection is crazy. The average taxi time at LAX is something like 30 minutes. And it is a pretty long walk from 122 (on the north side of TBIT) to T4. Your SEA-LAX flight will get to the gate right around the time AA shut the door on your LAX-JFK flight.
#214
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Signatures
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This sounds intriguing, but I'm a bit confused... to confirm/clarify: Is this checkpoint accessible from landside, or only if I'm connecting from an international arrival?
If it's accessible for non-connecting flights, where is it in relation to the TBIT departures entrance from outside?
If it's accessible for non-connecting flights, where is it in relation to the TBIT departures entrance from outside?
#215
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Manhattan Beach, California
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Posts: 6,367
Best to just think of T4 and TBIT as two concourses in the same terminal now.
But 39 minute connection is crazy. The average taxi time at LAX is something like 30 minutes. And it is a pretty long walk from 122 (on the north side of TBIT) to T4. Your SEA-LAX flight will get to the gate right around the time AA shut the door on your LAX-JFK flight.
But 39 minute connection is crazy. The average taxi time at LAX is something like 30 minutes. And it is a pretty long walk from 122 (on the north side of TBIT) to T4. Your SEA-LAX flight will get to the gate right around the time AA shut the door on your LAX-JFK flight.
#216
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: LAX
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 12
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.
Last edited by jblv; Jul 27, 2016 at 3:37 pm
#217
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: san clemente ca
Programs: AA,DL
Posts: 374
Best to just think of T4 and TBIT as two concourses in the same terminal now.
But 39 minute connection is crazy. The average taxi time at LAX is something like 30 minutes. And it is a pretty long walk from 122 (on the north side of TBIT) to T4. Your SEA-LAX flight will get to the gate right around the time AA shut the door on your LAX-JFK flight.
But 39 minute connection is crazy. The average taxi time at LAX is something like 30 minutes. And it is a pretty long walk from 122 (on the north side of TBIT) to T4. Your SEA-LAX flight will get to the gate right around the time AA shut the door on your LAX-JFK flight.
Last edited by JDiver; Jul 27, 2016 at 4:51 pm Reason: Close quote
#218
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: san clemente ca
Programs: AA,DL
Posts: 374
Thanks, AA is insisting it is legal and doable, but also saying they will protect me on the next flight. That next flight is the following morning and the whole reason I was taking this in F was to get a decent bed for a few hours of sleep on the overnight flight. If I fly during the day I don't need to splurge on F.
#219
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
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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.
#220
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Plat, DL, AS, UA, IHG Plat
Posts: 2,407
Thanks, AA is insisting it is legal and doable, but also saying they will protect me on the next flight. That next flight is the following morning and the whole reason I was taking this in F was to get a decent bed for a few hours of sleep on the overnight flight. If I fly during the day I don't need to splurge on F.
But since you mention this is the last JFK redeye flight for the day (AA30?), I'd venture a guess and say that AA will hold the departure until your show up. You have a paid F reservation and would have been checked in your seats already at SEA.
A quick scan of flightware shows AA30 has pushed back within 15 minutes of schedule time twice in the last 2 weeks so delays on this last departure to JFK is quite normal. They probably will wait for you. Good luck...
#221
Join Date: Aug 2004
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Aeromexico, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, Cape Air, Delta Air Lines, Etihad Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Seaborne Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin America and WestJet.
But since you mention this is the last JFK redeye flight for the day (AA30?), I'd venture a guess and say that AA will hold the departure until your show up. You have a paid F reservation and would have been checked in your seats already at SEA.
A quick scan of flightware shows AA30 has pushed back within 15 minutes of schedule time twice in the last 2 weeks so delays on this last departure to JFK is quite normal. They probably will wait for you. Good luck...
A quick scan of flightware shows AA30 has pushed back within 15 minutes of schedule time twice in the last 2 weeks so delays on this last departure to JFK is quite normal. They probably will wait for you. Good luck...
#222
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: home = LAX
Posts: 25,934
Very minor quibble: to my knowledge, almost no non-US airlines participate in Pre-Check. I think Aeromexico, Air Canada, and Etihad are the only ones. I think the full list (as of May) is:
Aeromexico, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, Cape Air, Delta Air Lines, Etihad Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Seaborne Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin America and WestJet.
But perhaps a simpler list would non-North-American airlines: That list would include Etihad and no one else.
In any case, Air Canada, WestJet, and Aeromexico all operate out of T2. Only Etihad (plus, of course, sometimes AA!) operates out of TBIT.
#223
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
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Very minor quibble: to my knowledge, almost no non-US airlines participate in Pre-Check. I think Aeromexico, Air Canada, and Etihad are the only ones. I think the full list (as of May) is:
Aeromexico, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, Cape Air, Delta Air Lines, Etihad Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Seaborne Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin America and WestJet.
#224
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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"Today’s announcement makes a total of 16 carriers that participate in TSA Pre✓®: Aeromexico, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, Cape Air, Delta Air Lines, Etihad Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Seaborne Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin America and WestJet." TSA, 20 May 2016 Link
How about other OW carriers? LA and BA and CX and QF would be lovely!
#225
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
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