Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has a total of 9 terminals in it, consisting of Terminals 1-8 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B). The airport layout is in a horseshoe-shaped design, and this enables the vehicles to move around the airport easily and access any terminal. Each of the terminals contains its check-in counters, baggage collection, dining, and shopping areas. Major airlines are allocated to certain terms, with domestic carriers distributed T1-T8 and most international flights operating at Terminal B.
Terminal-by-Terminal Overview
The following are the nine primary terminals at LAX and the airlines that serve them:
- Terminal 1 is run by Southwest Airlines, which has a large variety of local flights in the United States.
- Terminal 2 serves Delta’s international arrivals along with Air Canada and Aeromexico flights.
- Terminal 3 is the primary Delta hub at LAX and has recently been renovated to have modern facilities.
- Terminal 4 serves American Airlines and includes local and a few international flights.
- JetBlue, Spirit, and Frontier Airlines can be found in Terminal 5 and offer low-cost travel.
- Terminal 6 serves primarily Alaska Airlines while also accommodating flights of Air Canada.
- The bases of United Airlines are Terminal 7 and 8, which handle both national and international flights.
- Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B)accommodates most of the international airlines and includes luxury shopping, dining and high-end lounges.
How to Transfer Between Terminals at LAX?
The following are the three primary methods by which passengers can transfer within the terminals at LAX:
- Airside (Post-Security) Connections are used to enable passengers to walk between some terminals without leaving security. There are secure passageways connecting terminals 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
- Landside Transfers are leaving security and returning at a different terminal. There are free shuttle buses that move every few minutes along the loop of the terminal to facilitate the process of making transfers.
- The walking times are different according to the location. There are those that are connected within 5-10 minutes and those that need 15-20 minutes or the use of the shuttle.
Terminal Maps and Digital Navigation Tools
Here are the two best ways to navigate terminals at LAX with maps and apps:
- The official LAX site also contains Printable and Interactive Maps. Terminal layouts, gates, eating, baggage claim, and stops of the shuttle are demonstrated in these maps. They can be printed by travellers, and interactive versions are available online.
- Mobile Apps such as the official LAX application, Google Maps and airline applications allow tracking flights, locating gates, and finding services. They also offer updates in real time, directions, and notifications to navigate within the airport with ease.
What are the Tips for Smooth Navigation?
Get to the airport early when you want to move between the terminals because walking or shuttles can consume more time. There are colour-coded signs that identify the direction to Terminal Shuttle or to Connecting Flights. Always verify your terminal assignment with your airline, as the gates can change. Use escalators, people movers, and elevators for easier movement, especially if carrying luggage. Planning and being alert make it easy to travel through the busy terminals at LAX.
What are the Services and Amenities by Terminal?
The following are the five major services and amenities offered throughout the LAX terminals:
- Restrooms, lounges, and water refill stations are available in every terminal
- ATMs and mobile charging stations for financial and device needs
- Pet relief areas and family services to support family members with children or pets.
- The smoking area is located outside the designated terminal space
- Religious prayer rooms which have quiet spaces where people can reflect and worship.
FAQs
Can I walk from Terminal 1 to Terminal B at LAX?
Yes, you can walk, but you need several connections to the terminals. The minimum time to expect is 25-30 minutes of walking based on traffic and security lines.
How long does it take to go from T7 to TBIT?
The walk between Terminal 7 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal lasts approximately 20-25 minutes. Shuttle buses are quicker and normally take around 10 minutes.
Is there a train or underground system?
Currently, there is no underground train system between terminals at LAX. Travellers use walkways, shuttles, and people movers to move between terminals. A people mover is under construction and is automated.
What if I miss my connecting flight due to a terminal transfer?
In case you miss your flight due to a delay in terminal transfers, call your airline. They normally reschedule passengers to the nearest flight at no additional cost.
