A major component of the $1.62 billion LAX modernization project at Terminals 4 and 5 is complete with this week’s opening of the Terminal 4.5 Core, which provides a centralized location where passengers can travel between the lower/arrivals and upper/departures levels.
The Terminal 4.5 Core allows passengers to travel between the two levels on the pre-security side using elevators, escalators and stairs. The building also includes direct connectivity to the Terminal 5 baggage claim and check-in lobby.
When the entire Terminal 4/5 modernization project is complete, the Terminal 4.5 Core will provide direct connectivity to the Terminal 4 baggage claim, check-in, and security screening checkpoint, access to the future Automated People Mover train’s West Central Terminal Area station by way of a pedestrian walkway, and a post-security connection between Terminals 4 and 5.
“The opening of the Terminal 4.5 Core is an exciting step toward the complete reimagination of Terminals 4 and 5, and will allow guests to efficiently move through our facilities to help streamline their travel journey,” said Justin Erbacci, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) chief executive officer. “We would like to thank American Airlines for their partnership and investment in the modernization of our airport.”
The next phase of the Terminal 4/5 project is expected to be completed in 2024, and includes the western half of the Terminal 4 headhouse and south concourse. The west headhouse will feature new ticketing counters and baggage claim carousels for American Airlines and a consolidated security screening checkpoint. The south concourse will feature additional space for hold rooms, concessions, restrooms and a bus gate that will service both domestic and international flights, according to LAWA.
LAX, ranked as the fifth-busiest airport in the world in 2021 with 48 million passengers, is in the midst of a capital improvement program that will touch on all nine passenger terminals and build new facilities, including a people mover train, Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility and the West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal.
