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 25, 2016, 8:20 pm
#31
Join Date: Apr 2009
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Yep, you can walk airside all the way through from TBIT to what was formerly known as T8.
Feb 25, 2016, 8:33 pm
#32
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It's the most logical step for sure, but the unknown is what contracts are in place for the shuttle service, and when it can be ended.
This piqued my interest... where's the new bus gate located? I didn't recall anything on the half towards T4 that would indicate a bus gate (e.g., escalators going down).
This piqued my interest... where's the new bus gate located? I didn't recall anything on the half towards T4 that would indicate a bus gate (e.g., escalators going down).
Feb 25, 2016, 8:57 pm
#34
Join Date: May 2010
Programs: BA SILVER, AA EXEC PLAT
Posts: 50
I'm confused, if flying AA out of T4 and already airside in T4, will there be additional check points to access TBIT via the connector? Or is this checkpoint for something else? This is for the example of using the QF lounge and returning back to T4
Feb 25, 2016, 9:09 pm
#35
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Did you watch the video (in IceTrojan's post #16 above)? It shows the walk from T4 to the lounge. I didn't see any checkpoints in the video.
Feb 25, 2016, 9:09 pm
#36
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
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The aforementioned checkpoint opening in the spring will be for international arriving passengers who have to reclear security to make their connections and recheck their luggage after going through customs.
Feb 25, 2016, 9:09 pm
#37
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The connector checkpoint is for those who just arrived off an international flight, got processed (and thus now landside) and have to reclear security for a connecting flight.
Feb 25, 2016, 9:21 pm
#39
Join Date: Aug 2015
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From what I saw on the video, it appears to go something like this:
A) Already airside in T4 (either via plane arrival or via T4 security) - Able to walk straight over to TBIT with no extra checkpoint. This provides an easy option for connections or checking out the FL before a int'l flight.
B) Already airside in TBIT (via TBIT security) - Able to walk straight over to T4 (and beyond) with no additional security. This will be helpful if flying out of LAX on a domestic flight but being able to access TBIT lounge due to int'l itinerary or QF status.
C) Arrived on int'l flight into TBIT, cleared customs/immigration - This is the one I'm hazy on. I believe in the future we will be able to walk through the connector to T4 after clearing a security checkpoint, instead of going outside and clearing security at T4. It seems like the escalators that are blocked off in the video are "up" escalators would be coming from the arrivals level (after clearing a TSA checkpoint), but it's labeled "escalators to departures level" in the video.
Perhaps someone knowledgeable about the situation can answer this:
Will the international arriving passengers that use the new (not yet in place) TSA checkpoint be funneled into the new connector? In other words, steps would be arrive-immigration/customs-bag drop-TSA checkpoint-T4 connector? Or will there be a different level of connector for them with a TSA checkpoint at the end?
A) Already airside in T4 (either via plane arrival or via T4 security) - Able to walk straight over to TBIT with no extra checkpoint. This provides an easy option for connections or checking out the FL before a int'l flight.
B) Already airside in TBIT (via TBIT security) - Able to walk straight over to T4 (and beyond) with no additional security. This will be helpful if flying out of LAX on a domestic flight but being able to access TBIT lounge due to int'l itinerary or QF status.
C) Arrived on int'l flight into TBIT, cleared customs/immigration - This is the one I'm hazy on. I believe in the future we will be able to walk through the connector to T4 after clearing a security checkpoint, instead of going outside and clearing security at T4. It seems like the escalators that are blocked off in the video are "up" escalators would be coming from the arrivals level (after clearing a TSA checkpoint), but it's labeled "escalators to departures level" in the video.
Perhaps someone knowledgeable about the situation can answer this:
Will the international arriving passengers that use the new (not yet in place) TSA checkpoint be funneled into the new connector? In other words, steps would be arrive-immigration/customs-bag drop-TSA checkpoint-T4 connector? Or will there be a different level of connector for them with a TSA checkpoint at the end?
Feb 25, 2016, 10:43 pm
#40
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From what I saw on the video, it appears to go something like this:
A) Already airside in T4 (either via plane arrival or via T4 security) - Able to walk straight over to TBIT with no extra checkpoint. This provides an easy option for connections or checking out the FL before a int'l flight.
B) Already airside in TBIT (via TBIT security) - Able to walk straight over to T4 (and beyond) with no additional security. This will be helpful if flying out of LAX on a domestic flight but being able to access TBIT lounge due to int'l itinerary or QF status.
A) Already airside in T4 (either via plane arrival or via T4 security) - Able to walk straight over to TBIT with no extra checkpoint. This provides an easy option for connections or checking out the FL before a int'l flight.
B) Already airside in TBIT (via TBIT security) - Able to walk straight over to T4 (and beyond) with no additional security. This will be helpful if flying out of LAX on a domestic flight but being able to access TBIT lounge due to int'l itinerary or QF status.
C) Arrived on int'l flight into TBIT, cleared customs/immigration - This is the one I'm hazy on. I believe in the future we will be able to walk through the connector to T4 after clearing a security checkpoint, instead of going outside and clearing security at T4. It seems like the escalators that are blocked off in the video are "up" escalators would be coming from the arrivals level (after clearing a TSA checkpoint), but it's labeled "escalators to departures level" in the video.
Perhaps someone knowledgeable about the situation can answer this:
Will the international arriving passengers that use the new (not yet in place) TSA checkpoint be funneled into the new connector? In other words, steps would be arrive-immigration/customs-bag drop-TSA checkpoint-T4 connector? Or will there be a different level of connector for them with a TSA checkpoint at the end?
Feb 26, 2016, 12:05 am
#41
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Ok, I'm arriving at LAX on a BA flight next week before an onwards connection on AA from T4. Have a couple of hours and was planning to be in the Flagship lounge but if I am reading all of this correctly I shouldn't have any problems hopping back to TBIT after I have cleared security and heading to the other OW lounges. If so, excellent news!
Feb 26, 2016, 12:11 am
#42
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Ok, I'm arriving at LAX on a BA flight next week before an onwards connection on AA from T4. Have a couple of hours and was planning to be in the Flagship lounge but if I am reading all of this correctly I shouldn't have any problems hopping back to TBIT after I have cleared security and heading to the other OW lounges. If so, excellent news!
Feb 26, 2016, 12:46 am
#43
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 8,634
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.
Feb 26, 2016, 6:55 am
#45
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: LA
Programs: AA, DL, UA
Posts: 543
T4-TBIT Connector Update with Pictures
Update! Went from T4 to TBIT yesterday with ease. Moving walkways already installed. No signs of construction at least when I went around 9PM on the 25th.
This security experience was much better thanks to TSA Precheck (line was nonexistent and it all took about 2 minutes) which is not available at TBIT.
The walk wasn't too bad and took 3-5 minutes. As you pass security and head over to the shops of T4, instead of going straight you turn right.
The walk was pretty empty as today (Feb 25th 2016) was the first day it opened plus T4 was really empty as not many flights departed around 9PM.
View of TBIT security (no Pre Check) from the connector -- so glad I didn't have to go through that -- yikes!
All the moving walkways were functional!
All in all, worth the pilgrimage to get the food at Qantas First lounge!
This security experience was much better thanks to TSA Precheck (line was nonexistent and it all took about 2 minutes) which is not available at TBIT.
The walk wasn't too bad and took 3-5 minutes. As you pass security and head over to the shops of T4, instead of going straight you turn right.
The walk was pretty empty as today (Feb 25th 2016) was the first day it opened plus T4 was really empty as not many flights departed around 9PM.
View of TBIT security (no Pre Check) from the connector -- so glad I didn't have to go through that -- yikes!
All the moving walkways were functional!
All in all, worth the pilgrimage to get the food at Qantas First lounge!