The largest airline terminal relocation in the history of Los Angeles International Airport is off to a pretty smooth start as officials reported the completion of the first major round of moves Saturday with no related flight delays or cancellations.
“LAX on the MOVE” began Friday night, and featured eight airlines moving to different terminals Saturday. When the project is completed next week, 15 airlines will have relocated their operations.
Shuttle buses wrapped in green to match the vests of volunteer wayfinders are running on the upper departure level and the lower arrivals level until midnight to assist travelers who are at the incorrect terminals. The new airline locations have also been updated on the overhead signs throughout the Central Terminal area, according to Los Angeles World Airports spokesman Charles H. Pannunzio.
“Months of planning are beginning to pay off as our airline partners begin transitioning into their new terminals,” said Trevor Daly, LAWA deputy executive officer for external affairs. “We thank our guests for their patience and understanding, and our airline partners and volunteers for their professionalism and dedication. Our Guest Experience Team is ready to help any and all passengers find their way throughout LAX in the coming days.”
Airport officials said some flights to and from New York and New Jersey were delayed Saturday due to weather concerns in the northeast, but no delays were caused by the terminal moves.
The airlines in new locations as of Saturday are Allegiant and Frontier, which have both moved from Terminal 3 to Terminal 5; Boutique Air, which has moved from Terminal 3 to Terminal 6; Sun Country, which has moved from Terminal 2 to Terminal 5; and Virgin America, which has moved from Terminal 3 to Terminal 6.
Virgin Australian will now check-in passengers at Terminal 2, but continue to stage aircraft at the Tom Bradley International Terminal. Volaris will continue to check in passengers at Terminal 2, but will stage its aircraft at the Tom Bradley International Terminal.
Delta is in the midst of a three-night transition from Terminals 5 and 6 to Terminals 2 and 3. Delta flights arrived and departed at Terminals 3, 5 and 6 on Saturday.
Other changes, past and future, include:
— Air Canada, T2 to T6, Wednesday;
— American, T4/T6 to T4/T5, took effect Jan. 31;
— Avianca, T2 to Tom Bradley International Terminal, with T3 check-in and passengers walking from T3 to TBIT, Monday;
— Copa, TBIT (T6 check-in) to TBIT (T3 check-in), with passengers walking from T3 to TBIT, took effect April 7;
— Hainan, T2 to TBIT, took effect April 14;
— Hawaiian, T2 to T5, Wednesday;
— InterJet, T2 to TBIT (T3 check-in), with passengers walking from T3 to TBIT, Monday;
— JetBlue, T3 to T5, Wednesday;
— Qatar, T2 to TBIT, took effect May 1;
— Southwest (International), T2 (T1 check-in) to TBIT (T1 check-in), with passengers bused from T1 to TBIT, Wednesday;
— Spirit, T3 to T5, Monday;
— Thomas Cook, T2 to TBIT, took effect May 1; and
— XL France, T2 to T6, June 4.
Passengers are strongly encouraged to check in, print or download boarding passes before leaving for the airport so they can arrive at the correct terminal for their departure.
They are also encouraged to arrive earlier than usual — three hours for a domestic flight and four hours for an international flight. Passengers should look at new signage that will be updated nightly to reflect the moves and identify the new airline terminal locations.
Travelers are reminded to ask for help if they have problems finding their flights.
More information on the terminal relocation is available at laxishappening.com/laxonthemove.aspx.
—City News Service