Mar 4, 2015, 8:51 am

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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

Quote:

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.

Quote:

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.

Quote:

Key components of the project include:

Quote:

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

Quote:

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.

Quote:

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).

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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?

Quote:

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

Quote:

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

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

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Apr 18, 2016, 7:03 am

#106

aztimm

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Quote:

Originally Posted by beachfan

which seems far from the connector.

I flew LAX-AUS on Saturday night. Got dropped off at T4. There were 2-3 agents doing preferred check-in (one was tied up with the same customer for at least 10 min). Probably waited for at least 15 min.

When the agent printed my bp, he seemed surprised that I was leaving from gate 122. He said, "I think that is in the Bradley terminal." I said, "should I go outside and walk over?" He said, "go upstairs and I think there's a way to walk through."

There was a pre-check security just above the preferred check-in, and it was rather efficient, 2 or 3 stations. I kept following the signs for my gate, and I'd guess it was a solid 15 min brisk walk. There was some sort of bridge, then I went past many international gates (I noticed Turkish, probably others). Eventually I found my gate, which was way on the other side of the Bradley terminal, possibly even in the next building. I could see Sun Country aircraft out at nearby gates.

Thankfully I was early and still had plenty of time. I couldn't imagine having to rush in just a few minutes.

Apr 18, 2016, 2:00 pm

#107

bzcat

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Quote:

Originally Posted by beachfan

I also have an LAX-MIA flight and it's at gate 159, which seems far from the connector.

I assume it isn't only the lack of AA agents that requires you to go to T4 - is there access to the domestic gates from the international area?

I am not continuing onward. Seems like either the Admirals Club lounge back in T-4 or the KAL lounge in TBIT (via Priority Club).

Have I missed any options?

Thanks

There is no such thing as "domestic gates". All US airport departure areas are the same... we don't have exit immigration control so there are no domestic or international departure gates. Just "gates".

LAX-MIA and LAX-JFK in business or first class will have access to either the T4 AA lounge or the TBIT OneWorld lounge.

Of course you can also use the TBIT KAL lounge if you have priority pass.

Apr 20, 2016, 6:46 pm

#108

anabolism

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Quote:

Originally Posted by aztimm

When the agent printed my bp, he seemed surprised that I was leaving from gate 122. He said, "I think that is in the Bradley terminal." I said, "should I go outside and walk over?" He said, "go upstairs and I think there's a way to walk through."

Surprising that the agent wasn't yet familiar with the tBIT gates and the connector.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aztimm

There was a pre-check security just above the preferred check-in, and it was rather efficient, 2 or 3 stations.

There are two ID checkers are two security lanes at that particular checkpoint, one for Pre-Check and one not. A bit further down the hall there is a larger Priority security screening area, and at the other end of the hall there is the main security screening area.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aztimm

I kept following the signs for my gate, and I'd guess it was a solid 15 min brisk walk. There was some sort of bridge, then I went past many international gates (I noticed Turkish, probably others). Eventually I found my gate, which was way on the other side of the Bradley terminal, possibly even in the next building.

That's the TBIT. It's all one building, but it is big.

Apr 20, 2016, 7:07 pm

#109

TWA884

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Quote:

Originally Posted by anabolism

Quote:

Originally Posted by aztimm

That's the TBIT. It's all one building, but it is big.

Gate 122 is located in the last remaining section of the original TBIT concourse, at the very north end of the terminal and about as far away as possible - in that terminal - from T4.

Here's a link to a Google Maps image.

Apr 21, 2016, 1:21 am

#110

Microwave

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Quote:

Originally Posted by TWA884

Gate 122 is located in the last remaining section of the original TBIT concourse, at the very north end of the terminal and about as far away as possible - in that terminal - from T4.

Is that part of TBIT going to be demolished and rebuilt or is this how it will be?

Apr 21, 2016, 9:49 am

#111

TWA884

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Microwave

Is that part of TBIT going to be demolished and rebuilt or is this how it will be?

The official LAX TBIT map, does not even show the old concourse with the 12X gates; I suspect that it will be demolished upon completion of the Midfield Satellite Concourse (there is a cap on the number of gates at LAX).

An older version of the TBIT map, shows the old north concourse, however, my recollection is that the area with gates 119, 120 and 121 has already been demolished, to enable the use of gates 131 and 133, and a connector was built at the northeast corner of the new concourse to access to gates 122 and 123. I'll take a closer look when I'm at LAX next week.

Apr 21, 2016, 12:48 pm

#112

bzcat

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Microwave

Is that part of TBIT going to be demolished and rebuilt or is this how it will be?

No... not for a while. The 122/123/bus gates will remain for Delta to use after it moves to T3.

Here is a "vintage" map from 2012 to show you how far we've come...

The new TBIT (west) didn't extend as far north as the old one (east) because there was a plan to move runway 24L closer to the terminals to make room for a center taxiway. That plan would have also resulted in T1, T2 and T3 tear down and replacing them with a long linear terminal. So in the interim, it was decided that the northern most TBIT east gates (122 and 123) would remain in use rather than being demolished until decision about runway 24L are final.

It appears now that 24L will not be moved closer to the terminals and T1, T2, and T3 will not be replaced with a linear terminal. And in fact, Delta will move to T2 and T3 with a rebuilt of T3 over existing footprint. So that means there is a good possibility that 122 and 123 will remain indefinitely.

Last edited by bzcat; Apr 21, 2016 at 1:06 pm

Apr 21, 2016, 1:13 pm

#113

bzcat

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Quote:

Originally Posted by TWA884

This PDF explains how the two buildings are connected: http://www.lawa.org/uploadedFiles/LA...Newsletter.pdf

And you are right that 119, 120, and 121 have been demolished.

Apr 21, 2016, 4:09 pm

#114

SNA_Flyer

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T4 FIS to reopen...

According to this http://www.star-telegram.com/news/bu...Haneda%20route AA intends to re-open the T4 FIS facility:

Quote:

and a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection FIS Facility will open later in 2016 in American’s main terminal at LAX, all of which will elevate the travel experience of American’s U.S.-Asia passengers

This will be great if they open it, but we all know the history on the government's inability to staff it for all flights...

Apr 21, 2016, 5:47 pm

#115

ashill

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Quote:

Originally Posted by SNA_Flyer

According to this http://www.star-telegram.com/news/bu...Haneda%20route AA intends to re-open the T4 FIS facility:

This will be great if they open it, but we all know the history on the government's inability to staff it for all flights...

That's a bit odd. I thought AA was moving most or all wide body ops to TBIT so they can reconfigure the T4 wide body gates to get an extra narrow body hate or two in.

Apr 21, 2016, 6:11 pm

#116

rasheed

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Quote:

Originally Posted by SNA_Flyer

Whoa. This is a big deal that I don't think has been noted elsewhere. So, this seems to indicate that AA plans to run its international flights from T4 and not from TBIT. Doesn't maybe make a lot of sense now that they have TBIT gates for use, but I would definitely dislike seeing AA have both TBIT and T4 arriving international flights. There are also numerous Mexico flights to consider.

I think AA could definitely support a rather full time operation of FIS on its own.

Maybe QR should run its daily flight from T4, oh wait...

Rasheed

Apr 22, 2016, 12:43 am

#117

Microwave

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For some reason I had it in my head that the TBIT connector was both an airside departures connection as well as a pathway from T4 inbound international flights to reach TBIT FIS formalities... Did I just make that up?

Apr 22, 2016, 3:32 am

#118

beckoa

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Quote:

Originally Posted by hiima

You can go straight to the gate and get a bp printed.

In fact that seems to be the only option.

The QF/OW F lounge @ LAX was unable to reprint my BP nor check my docs (left my AS issued one in the LAX BR

) so I got to waltz to the gate last month and wait in the line.

The connector was amazing to use however- was able to stop @ the AA FL in T4 after my flight into T6. ^

Sure beats exiting and waiting for security @ TBIT!

Apr 22, 2016, 10:28 am

#119

TWA884

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Microwave

There is an existing tunnel for arriving international passengers to walk from T4 to the Federal Inspection Facility in TBIT. I believe that it was reopened last year after having been closed for a while. The new above ground connector building does not have a sterile corridor to separate international arrivals on their way to customs and immigration from other passengers.

Apr 22, 2016, 1:33 pm

#120

bzcat

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Microwave

There are "3 connectors" if you will... perhaps we should put this in the wiki because I think I explained it 3 or 4 times already

1. Existing underground sterile tunnel from T4 to TBIT to facilitate int'l arrivals at T4 using TBIT immigration and custom. This tunnel was temporarily closed while the T4-TBIT connector building was under construction.

2. T4-TBIT secured (i.e. airside) passage in the upper floor of the connector building. This allows free passage between T4 and TBIT behind security.

3. T4-TBIT "non-secured" (i.e. landside) area in the lower floor of the connector building. This allows arriving TBIT int'l passengers to re-enter secured area to access T4 or the bus gates.

#1 is opened again now construction above it is completed.

#2 is open for business.

#3 is not yet open.