LAX celebrates opening of Terminal 1

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and Southwest Airlines have unveiled the new Terminal 1 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) following a US$516.7m (£406.1m) curb-to-gate redevelopment project that showcases a new check-in area, enhanced security checkpoint, new area for baggage claim, and exciting new dining and retail destinations.

Completion of the Terminal 1 redevelopment comes as part of LAWA’s multibillion-dollar Capital Improvement Program, the City of Los Angeles’ largest yet public works program.

“Los Angeles is a city of dreamers and doers, and the reimagined Terminal 1 reflects the creativity at the heart of our city,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Working together with Southwest Airlines and our partners, what we have created is more than a terminal that connects passengers to flights – it’s a destination in its own right.”

The four-year project created 3,475 construction jobs and completely refreshed the aging terminal, which was initially constructed in the early 1980s in advance of the 1984 Olympic Games. According to LAWA, the project was completed with minimal impact to customer service and flight operations, keeping approximately 10 million customers moving through the facility each year of the redevelopment.

“The new Terminal 1 reflects Los Angeles World Airports’ commitment to creating exceptional facilities and experiences for our guests,” said Deborah Flint, CEO, LAWA. “The T1 modernization has been a phenomenal effort by all partners at LAWA, Southwest, and [terminal commercial manager]URW, and the results raise the bar for what guests can expect when they come to LAX.”

A major goal of the T1 project was to eliminate lines that crowded the approaches to ticketing, security and at shops and restaurants in previously cramped gate areas. Now the terminal runs efficiently, with a fleet of new self-service check-in stations, the repositioned security checkpoint and additional retail and dining offerings post-security.

The new 13-gate terminal boasts an efficient nine-lane security checkpoint; a fully automated checked-baggage inspection and sortation system; refurbished arrival/baggage claim area; updated and expanded restrooms; and new customer boarding bridges.

“Southwest carries more California travelers to, from and within the Golden State every day than any other airline and is scheduled to offer a record 800 departures a day from California next summer,” said Southwest CEO Gary Kelly. “This redeveloped Terminal 1 facility at LAX will host many of those customers and is the perfect venue for our award-winning people to showcase their world-famous hospitality.”

Southwest worked with LAX partner URW Airports on a new and expanded dining and retail approach that includes celebrated local brands Urth Caffé, Trejo’s Tacos and Cassell’s Hamburgers, among others. With 22 dining and retail destinations covering 23,543ft² (2,187m²), the offerings include 13 brands that are new to LAX and eight that are making their airport debut.