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)
Apr 22, 2016, 1:45 pm
#121
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If AA re-activates T4 FIS then I would assume they will funnel the AA passengers from TBIT to use the exclusive T4 FIS.
Apr 22, 2016, 9:04 pm
#122
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I cannot find anything on this problem in the forums.
AA's website is having problems (again) and I cannot check in on line for my international flight tomorrow.
I have a flight from LAX to LHR. The flight leaves from a different terminal than where AA has its check in and its gates (terminal 4).
I called AA EXP two different times but the answers I got do not seem logical. I was told to go directly to the gate at TBIT (a completely different building from terminal 4).
To my knowledge, AA does not have any check in counters at TBIT.
What about check in and security?
Two AA representatives insisted that I go directly to the gate "because that is what is written in our instructions"
Does anyone out here have actual experience flying AA from LAX but leaving from TBIT instead of from the AA gates?
I assume that I should check in at the AA terminal then walk to TBIT for the security and gate.
Is there TSA precheck at TBIT for AA customers?
My flight is tomorrow. I hope I get lucky with an answer soon. Thanks
AA's website is having problems (again) and I cannot check in on line for my international flight tomorrow.
I have a flight from LAX to LHR. The flight leaves from a different terminal than where AA has its check in and its gates (terminal 4).
I called AA EXP two different times but the answers I got do not seem logical. I was told to go directly to the gate at TBIT (a completely different building from terminal 4).
To my knowledge, AA does not have any check in counters at TBIT.
What about check in and security?
Two AA representatives insisted that I go directly to the gate "because that is what is written in our instructions"
Does anyone out here have actual experience flying AA from LAX but leaving from TBIT instead of from the AA gates?
I assume that I should check in at the AA terminal then walk to TBIT for the security and gate.
Is there TSA precheck at TBIT for AA customers?
My flight is tomorrow. I hope I get lucky with an answer soon. Thanks
I was once befuddled that an AAgent had no idea the T4-TBIT connector even existed. How do these people even have jobs???
Apr 22, 2016, 11:27 pm
#123
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: PSP
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, United
Posts: 1,081
Does anyone have experience with TBIT security at 6:30am? Is it worth the extra walk from T-4 Pre Check if someone is not interested in exercise at that time of day?
Apr 22, 2016, 11:31 pm
#124
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Boulder
Programs: AA Plat, CX Silver
Posts: 2,361
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.
Apr 23, 2016, 12:02 am
#125
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Apr 23, 2016, 6:55 am
#126
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Apr 23, 2016, 4:06 pm
#127
Join Date: Oct 2007
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If I read the posts on which flights have been departing from TBIT for AA, I have heard about places like MCO and MIA. I don't know how they choose which flights, but that is why I am very surprised about T4 FIS (in the new HND application).
Old thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...l-ongoing.html
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.
Rasheed
Apr 25, 2016, 4:34 am
#128
Join Date: Jul 2011
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Posts: 545
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!
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 25, 2016, 5:04 am
#129
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AS and CX do interline. (They're also codeshare and frequent flyer partners.) AS interlines with pretty much everybody. By definition, you can't have a ticket with two airlines who aren't interline partners unless a third airline (which interlines with both) does the ticketing, as far as I know.
Apr 25, 2016, 12:53 pm
#130
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Plat, DL, AS, UA, IHG Plat
Posts: 2,407
My opinion is no, they will not move passengers from TBIT to T4 FIS (even though they do the vice-versa today). That would require moving baggage AND people unnecessarily (and it has been a very poor experience for a few years now). I think it is possible that they would do T4 arrival then tow the plane to TBIT for departures if they wanted to do TBIT departures, but I doubt that too. 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.
If I read the posts on which flights have been departing from TBIT for AA, I have heard about places like MCO and MIA. I don't know how they choose which flights, but that is why I am very surprised about T4 FIS (in the new HND application).
Old thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...l-ongoing.html
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.
Rasheed
If I read the posts on which flights have been departing from TBIT for AA, I have heard about places like MCO and MIA. I don't know how they choose which flights, but that is why I am very surprised about T4 FIS (in the new HND application).
Old thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...l-ongoing.html
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.
Rasheed
If a flight arrives at TBIT east gates, it can be a shorter walk to T4 FIS than TBIT FIS.
Apr 26, 2016, 10:46 pm
#132
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I even fly out of LAX instead of BUR, even though I drive by BUR on the way to LAX because LAX has Pre-Check and much better schedules, and oh yeah, the Admirals Club! My experience at BUR, they gave me the green card, but the stupid security screener said she didn't care and made me take off my shoes, jacket, belt, everything! Gah, hate dealing with those idiots!
Pre Check just feels so civilized, that I would always always always go for the Pre-Check option, even if it means a longer walk to my gate
Plus, if you get to LAX earlier than 630a, T4 is already open, whereas it's hit or miss if TBIT security is open at that hour.
Apr 29, 2016, 9:44 am
#133
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 392
Just walked it this morning. 8 minutes from the AA main hall near Homeboy to ink.sac.
Alas, ink.sac doesn't open until 9. No killer sandwich for me. But The Larder was open.
Food is getting better in T4, but it's still not as good as TBIT.
And I will definitely be using the Pre-check over here if/when I get it on TBIT flights.
Alas, ink.sac doesn't open until 9. No killer sandwich for me. But The Larder was open.
Food is getting better in T4, but it's still not as good as TBIT.
And I will definitely be using the Pre-check over here if/when I get it on TBIT flights.
Apr 29, 2016, 8:32 pm
#134
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 143
That would be fantastic for my AA SYD-LAX-PHL connection in mid-late June. Here's hoping there aren't going to be any major delays.
EDIT: Just saw the status update as of 2/29 on page 42 from http://www.lawa.org/uploadedFiles/LA...%28Rev0%29.pdf stating the 5/25 date.
EDIT: Just saw the status update as of 2/29 on page 42 from http://www.lawa.org/uploadedFiles/LA...%28Rev0%29.pdf stating the 5/25 date.
Last edited by kanny; Apr 29, 2016 at 8:41 pm
Apr 30, 2016, 1:29 am
#135
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AS and CX do interline. (They're also codeshare and frequent flyer partners.) AS interlines with pretty much everybody. By definition, you can't have a ticket with two airlines who aren't interline partners unless a third airline (which interlines with both) does the ticketing, as far as I know.
...but this is drifting a bit from the connector
