Why this is the airport of the future
It’s no secret that LAX was once not a favourite amongst jetsetters. But that is no longer the case. In fact, the airport has dramatically turned itself around and is being praised as an airport of the future, with technology that rivals the best in the world.
The Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is spending a staggering USD$8.5 billion to rebuild and modernise its terminals at Los Angeles International Airport, significantly enhancing the guest experience. In addition, the major airlines that serve LAX have invested more than USD$1 million to renovate their terminals too.
Managing Director Media and Public Relations for LAWA, Mary Grady describes it as a “pivotal time” for the airport.
“We have an opportunity to change and transform the airport, and bring LAX into the modern era for the modern traveller by providing a world-class experience, in world-class facilities,” she said.
Take Tom Bradley International Terminal as an example – the terminal that the majority of Australians will use.
Following USD$1.9 billion in renovations, this terminal features a central “Great Hall” with premier dining, retail shopping, five new luxurious airline club lounges and a giant integrated media system.
“We are designing, building and renovating facilities with an emphasis on efficiency, sustainability and technology,” Grady said.
“We don’t have the luxury of phasing in improvements over the next 30 years, we have to deliver a transformed LAX while adopting a hospitality mindset, and keep the functionality while operating safely and securely. “
“There is a lot to look forward to.”
Here are five ways LAX is leading airports into the future:
Keeping you connected
Wi-Fi is deemed a lifeline for the majority of travellers making their way around the world whilst still trying to stay connected to life back home.
“The overwhelming majority of passengers desire to be connected throughout their journey, whether it be for managing the trip itself or staying connected with family and friends or conducting business while on the move or simply being entertained,” Grady said.
Thankfully, LAX now offers 45 minutes of free advertising-supported Wi-Fi service at all terminals, with the option to upgrade to premium access for a fee. This new service has been warmly received, with more than 1.2 million passengers accessing the free Wi-Fi every month.
And it just got better. In August, a new contract with Internet company, Boingo enabled connection speeds that were four times faster than the previous system, making it easier than ever to surf the web and check emails.
At Tom Bradley International Terminal, half of the seats in the waiting areas have electrical outlets for charging your devices too. This is great news for anyone that has ever had to spend the duration of a stopover crawling around the floor in search of a plug point.
“Technology has played an integral role in LAX’s recent redevelopment and its importance will only continue to grow as LAX enters its newest development phase,” Grady said.
Automated passport control
Forget standing in seemingly never-ending queues after a long flight to L.A., Aussies can now benefit from expedited entry to the U.S. thanks to the Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks installed at Tom Bradley International Terminal, Terminal 5 and Terminal 6.
All U.S. and Canadian citizens, along with travellers from eligible visa waiver countries (including Australia), can submit their customs declarations and biographic information electronically at the self-service machines. According to officials, individuals can complete the process within 90 seconds and a family of three within four minutes.
“These kiosks will allow passengers to avoid long lines and reduce wait times at customs so they can be out the door faster and on their way to exploring the greatest city in the world,” L.A. mayor, Eric Garcetti said.
Baggage screening revolution
If the thought of time-consuming security scans and bag drop brings you out in a cold sweat, you can now breathe a sigh of relief.
LAX’s new automated In-Line Baggage Handling & Screening System program has enhanced the efficiency of security screening of checked baggage at all terminals, making travel through the airport safer, faster and more convenient, while reducing congestion in the airline ticketing lobbies.
In the Tom Bradley International Terminal, an additional 45,000 square feet of space dedicated to the new In-Line facility cleared away the vast explosive detection systems that used to dominate the space.
Since the renovations, passengers can check-in their luggage at ticketing counters, with it then being carried off by automated conveyor belts for screening before being transported to their awaiting flight.
The addition of larger baggage carousels also means faster luggage retrieval. Stress-free experiences all round.
Transport
Getting travellers to their boarding gates and baggage claim areas as smoothly and efficiently as possible is another important piece of the LAX puzzle. As a result, LAWA is investing heavily in making sure the airport’s overall infrastructure is of the highest quality.
More efficient and reliable escalators, elevators, and moving walkways will speed travellers to their gates and baggage claim areas using cutting edge energy saving, sustainable technology.
The USD$115 million project will also include the construction of a secure connection between the Tom Bradley International Terminal and Terminal 4. The Terminal 4 Connector will make it easier for passengers to transfer between terminals for connecting flights.
The LAX Train will connect passengers to the airline terminals from new facilities at the airport including a Rental Car Centre, multiple locations for passenger pick-up and drop-off, and Metro’s planned Crenshaw Line station at 96th Street/Aviation Boulevard. LAWA plans to relieve congestion in the Central Terminal Area (CTA), as well as on local streets surrounding the airport.
Security
LAX continues to recognise that the welfare and security of their passengers is paramount. As a result, they have improved safety measures across the board.
“The safety of the traveling public is always our first priority. Los Angeles Airport Police deploys resources to manage the tens of thousands of passengers and vehicles that pass through LAX each day,” Grady explained.
“Officers are on high-visibility patrols in police cars, on foot beats, on segways, and bicycles, as well as having explosive-detection canine teams in the terminals provides reassurance to passengers. “
In addition, the recent establishment of the Airport Response Coordination Centre (ARCC) has greatly increased and streamlined the airport’s operational efficiency and crisis management capabilities by providing day-to-day, round-the-clock coordination to manage all of the airport’s operations.
During a major incident or airport emergency, the Departmental Operations Centre (DOC) is activated, functioning as a “nerve centre” by receiving on-the-scene information and allocating critical resources in a timely and efficient manner to reduce any impact on travellers.
Doesn’t get much more reassuring than that.
Find out more by checking out the LAXisHappening.com website
Main image: Theme Building at LAX. Credit: DiscoverL.A.
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