Jan 23, 2024, 9:45 am
LAX Terminal Construction and Landside Access Modernization Program
Aug 20, 2023 | 10:18 am
#196
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 15,363
So, I just did a trip LAX<->SFO by myself, which meant I could spend some time walking around. It feels like LAX, particularly T1-3, has "grown up." It definitely feels more efficient and more modern than it ever has. Gone are the days where each terminal is its own little world.
I used the Economy Parking structure because I was last minute. Surprisingly, it was almost at capacity. I hope there are plans for another one. If you prebook, the gate opens for you automatically, which is neat, and there are signs and lights indicating full aisles and where spaces are available. Exiting is a bit silly though. It doesn't scan your license plate like when entering. You have to then scan the prepaid QR code to exit. Several of us couldn't figure it out until the employee helped us. There is a cute robot that wanders each aisle to track vehicles. Access is quick from La Tijera Ave which helps avoid the traffic on Century. The shuttle ride between the structure and Skyway feels so long though. I look forward to the people mover.
T1 hasn't really changed, and I loved how much seating there was, and it was pretty quiet compared to BUR at 7am. Walking towards T2 is the new checkpoint between T1 and T2, and a somewhat annoying group of employees that are essentially asking you what you are doing. Their goal is to get Delta customers into the proper lines to take the shuttle to TBIT, but they seemed to double as security where I didn't feel comfortable saying "I am just walking to T3."
T2 made me a bit sad. The old security foyer had a nice architecture and that's either gone, or is strictly landside now. The concourse itself remains the same. It looks like the FIS corridors are still there, so I hope it starts operating again. At 10pm, it was a complete mad house compared to T1.
Then was the long walk to T3. Another checkpoint on the left before turning right. It feels like the gate 30/31 area is from the old terminal and was quite underwhelming. Surprisingly, the end of the concourse feels the same as the old T3! Terribly cramped, and even the ceiling looks similar. Again, it was a complete mad house at 10pm. Aside from the Delta Sky Club which looks really nice, T3 was kind of disappointing. It was nice not seeing the old bazaar of random concession stands, the weird smoking garden area and rusted NOAA sign, and the old food court.
It's convenient that everything is on the north side is connected, but the construction lacks character. It's very sterile and white, white and more white. It looks like much of it is temporary as stores and restaurants take up leases. I hope over time it reflects more of an LA vibe. It could also use moving walkways, at least for people connecting flights between T2 and T3.
The number of checkpoints and exits feels efficient. There were a few weird things introduced though. In T1, just to the right of the main exit under Urtth Cafe, there is a second exit, with shut doors, that is manned by a TSA agent. This never used to be there and seems pointless. One woman went through the doors, but the others were shooed towards the main exit. The T1/T2 corridor also has this bizarre exit that goes up a long ramp, almost to a third level. I am not sure what that's about.
Security seems tighter than it used to be. There are tons of contractors around asking people questions about where they are going, and the ominous PA about "Closed to the public 24 hours a day... everyone else must exit."
It wouldn't surprise me, when all is said and done, that T0,1,2,3 are renamed "Terminal 1" or "North Terminal" with concourses A, B, C and D, but I suppose that would cause a lot of confusion with roadways, and baggage claims.
I used the Economy Parking structure because I was last minute. Surprisingly, it was almost at capacity. I hope there are plans for another one. If you prebook, the gate opens for you automatically, which is neat, and there are signs and lights indicating full aisles and where spaces are available. Exiting is a bit silly though. It doesn't scan your license plate like when entering. You have to then scan the prepaid QR code to exit. Several of us couldn't figure it out until the employee helped us. There is a cute robot that wanders each aisle to track vehicles. Access is quick from La Tijera Ave which helps avoid the traffic on Century. The shuttle ride between the structure and Skyway feels so long though. I look forward to the people mover.
T1 hasn't really changed, and I loved how much seating there was, and it was pretty quiet compared to BUR at 7am. Walking towards T2 is the new checkpoint between T1 and T2, and a somewhat annoying group of employees that are essentially asking you what you are doing. Their goal is to get Delta customers into the proper lines to take the shuttle to TBIT, but they seemed to double as security where I didn't feel comfortable saying "I am just walking to T3."
T2 made me a bit sad. The old security foyer had a nice architecture and that's either gone, or is strictly landside now. The concourse itself remains the same. It looks like the FIS corridors are still there, so I hope it starts operating again. At 10pm, it was a complete mad house compared to T1.
Then was the long walk to T3. Another checkpoint on the left before turning right. It feels like the gate 30/31 area is from the old terminal and was quite underwhelming. Surprisingly, the end of the concourse feels the same as the old T3! Terribly cramped, and even the ceiling looks similar. Again, it was a complete mad house at 10pm. Aside from the Delta Sky Club which looks really nice, T3 was kind of disappointing. It was nice not seeing the old bazaar of random concession stands, the weird smoking garden area and rusted NOAA sign, and the old food court.
It's convenient that everything is on the north side is connected, but the construction lacks character. It's very sterile and white, white and more white. It looks like much of it is temporary as stores and restaurants take up leases. I hope over time it reflects more of an LA vibe. It could also use moving walkways, at least for people connecting flights between T2 and T3.
The number of checkpoints and exits feels efficient. There were a few weird things introduced though. In T1, just to the right of the main exit under Urtth Cafe, there is a second exit, with shut doors, that is manned by a TSA agent. This never used to be there and seems pointless. One woman went through the doors, but the others were shooed towards the main exit. The T1/T2 corridor also has this bizarre exit that goes up a long ramp, almost to a third level. I am not sure what that's about.
Security seems tighter than it used to be. There are tons of contractors around asking people questions about where they are going, and the ominous PA about "Closed to the public 24 hours a day... everyone else must exit."
It wouldn't surprise me, when all is said and done, that T0,1,2,3 are renamed "Terminal 1" or "North Terminal" with concourses A, B, C and D, but I suppose that would cause a lot of confusion with roadways, and baggage claims.
FWIW, the Economy Lot usually does read your plate and open the gate on the way out - I usually pull up to an empty one and am out the gate while the cars that got to the others before me are still fumbling for tickets and credit cards. And agreed that the people mover has the potential to be a vast improvement. The station at the Economy Lot looks like it's finally nearly finished. The interior floors were nearly full when I arrived to park thursday afternoon, so my car is on the roof getting rinsed off by the tropical depression. I've been impressed that the status indicator system for the individual spots seems to still be working reliably this long after the lot opened.
Aug 20, 2023 | 1:07 pm
#197
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 24,795
That's consistent with my experience. I can recall only one time when the exit gate did not open when I approached it and I had to find the email with the QR code in order for the gate to open.
Aug 20, 2023 | 5:54 pm
#198
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
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Posts: 47,213
Ill be more excited when the economy lot starts actually enforcing the EV parking spots and either tows or heavily fines non EV cars parked there. I think a $500 fine automatically added to the parking charge at check out should do the trick.
Aug 20, 2023 | 6:12 pm
#199
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Upper Sternistan
Posts: 10,686
It's way more expensive than charging at home for me, so while I'll take the EV spot if it's cheaper, I really don't want to fill up there.
Aug 20, 2023 | 7:47 pm
#200
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
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Question is, will EVs have to actually pay for a fill up, or just be parked in the spot? Will there be a minimum amount of kWh that will need to be added to legitimately use a spot?
It's way more expensive than charging at home for me, so while I'll take the EV spot if it's cheaper, I really don't want to fill up there.
It's way more expensive than charging at home for me, so while I'll take the EV spot if it's cheaper, I really don't want to fill up there.
Aug 20, 2023 | 10:57 pm
#201
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Upper Sternistan
Posts: 10,686
The spots are for parking an EV - giving EV owners rightly deserved priority over non-EVs, and the convenience of charging if needed. I don't believe there is currently a published requirement that anyone needs to charge to park in the spot - but there should be a fine for any non EV that takes an EV spot since those spots are reserved separately when booking online.
Aug 21, 2023 | 7:59 am
#202
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Redondo Beach, CA USA
Programs: UA 1KMM, Bonvoy LTE, HH D, Hertz Plat, Avis PC
Posts: 4,042
The spots are for parking an EV - giving EV owners rightly deserved priority over non-EVs, and the convenience of charging if needed. I don't believe there is currently a published requirement that anyone needs to charge to park in the spot - but there should be a fine for any non EV that takes an EV spot since those spots are reserved separately when booking online.
Aug 22, 2023 | 10:30 am
#203
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,893
The gate usually didn't open for me. I don't know if it is because I got the CA classic black/yellow license plate or the space in my license plate number. I don't have a "heart" or special character, just a space in between. When I created my account for the car in LAX parking, I didn't put in the space. I didn't think it would matter as the space between letter was so tiny anyway, but maybe it does. So, I always printed out the QR code and have it in the car if the gate does not open.
Aug 22, 2023 | 2:29 pm
#204
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 47,213
The gate usually didn't open for me. I don't know if it is because I got the CA classic black/yellow license plate or the space in my license plate number. I don't have a "heart" or special character, just a space in between. When I created my account for the car in LAX parking, I didn't put in the space. I didn't think it would matter as the space between letter was so tiny anyway, but maybe it does. So, I always printed out the QR code and have it in the car if the gate does not open.
Aug 29, 2023 | 3:17 pm
#206
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SoCal
Programs: UA Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 227
LAX People Mover Delay?
According to LA Business Journal:
I wouldnt be surprised if there are further delays.
Completion of the $2 billion automated people mover project at Los Angeles International Airport appears to have been pushed back four months to the fall of next year.
Thats according to a bond rating document released earlier this month from Fitch Rating Service, one of the three major bond rating agencies. In rating $1.2 billion in bonds that had been issued for the project, Fitch said the passenger service availability date has been moved further out by 109 days to Oct. 17 of next year from July 1.
https://labusinessjournal.com/featur...ing%20agencies.I wouldnt be surprised if there are further delays.
Aug 29, 2023 | 3:43 pm
#207
Join Date: Oct 2015
Programs: AA: EXP, 1MM DL: Gold, 1MM Marriott: Ambassador, LTT
Posts: 470
NIce catch LAX2Anywhere ! LAWA used to post a monthly powerpoint document that updated the status and current timeline for every major capital improvement project but stopped doing that a few years ago for now apparent reason so it's pretty hard to track the progress of their major projects now.
Nov 5, 2023 | 8:08 pm
#208
Join Date: May 2006
Location: PMD
Programs: UA*G, NW, AA. WR-G, HH-S, IHG, ALL. TT-GE.
Posts: 3,116
(Not sure if this is the right thread
Looks like "T2" has been officially revived. I'm seeing it on the LAWA interactive maps and airline apps' maps. Did this coincide with the new T3-TBIT airside walkway?
Looks like "T2" has been officially revived. I'm seeing it on the LAWA interactive maps and airline apps' maps. Did this coincide with the new T3-TBIT airside walkway?
Nov 8, 2023 | 12:08 am
#209
Join Date: May 2004
Location: formerly Gold now Diamond, formerly MSY, now LAX, formerly NW, now DL
Programs: Hyatt Plat, Hilton Gold, SPG Gold, Delta Diamond/1MM
Posts: 4,735
There are some limited check in desks in the old T2 and you can exit from the T2 end the takes you out to the old security area with the double down escalators to check in and baggage levels. I do wonder what they'll eventually do with that old now particularly not useful space....anyone know?
Dec 7, 2023 | 2:59 pm
#210
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 60
There are some limited check in desks in the old T2 and you can exit from the T2 end the takes you out to the old security area with the double down escalators to check in and baggage levels. I do wonder what they'll eventually do with that old now particularly not useful space....anyone know?