LAX $508 Million Terminal 1 Renovation Underway

Los Angeles city leaders and officials broke ground last Tuesday at LAX’s Terminal 1 to signify the start of a $508 million modernization project. The thirty year-old terminal is the busiest terminal at the airport as it handled 9.65 million travelers in 2013. In addition to renovating Terminal 1, LAX has also been upgrading other parts of the airport including the new $1.9 billion Tom Bradley International Airport, Terminal 6, and parts of the airfield to accommodate larger planes. The projects are expected to create 4,000 construction jobs as well as 2,000 new concession jobs at the airport.

The modernization of the aging terminal, built in the early 1980s, is expected to transform the entire Passenger experience from the moment they arrive to the moment they depart. According to eturbonews, the new terminal will include a 12-lane security screening checkpoint; a fully automated checked-baggage inspection and sortation system; a new and expanded dining and retail collection featuring activated gate hold rooms with lounge-style seating; refurbished arrival/baggage claim area; replacement of the passenger boarding bridges; renovations to airline support office space; modernized aircraft parking/apron pavement and hydrant fueling system; improvements to the building facade; and relocation of the main terminal entrances to the west end of the building to ease traffic congestion.

The renovation is scheduled to be completed in 2018. Southwest Airlines, the only carrier operating from Terminal 1, is paying for the renovation with the understanding that they will eventually be reimbursed for the improvements by Los Angeles World Airports, the operator of LAX.  Southwest will continue to fly from Terminal 1 during the project. Southwest is hoping the newly renovated terminal will enhance their customers' experience and allow them to expand their network options.