Meet the pilots of LAX: Brian Beres, Hawaiian Airlines
Change is afoot over at LAX, and who better to shine a light on the airport’s new charms than the pilots that fly to LAX over and over again?
Pilot’s name: Brian Beres, Chief Pilot
Airline: Hawaiian Airlines
Route: HNL-LAX
The best thing about flying with Hawaiian Airlines to LAX is…
From Australia, Hawaiian Airlines flies via Honolulu to Los Angeles. Our passengers are welcomed as our guests and experience the Spirit of Aloha through our warm and friendly inflight service before arriving into LAX. Many travellers take the opportunity to stop over in Hawaii en route to or from mainland USA. Arriving into LAX means you are already in close proximity to L.A.’s West Side and have easy access to some of L.A.’s best entertainment. From the perspective of the flight deck, I’m always awestruck by the vast expanse of the greater Los Angeles area and the surrounding communities.
LAX is going through a modernisation process. What do you think stands out the most, or are you most impressed with?
From an operational standpoint, I’ve been impressed with the safety improvements to LAX’s runways and taxiways, as well as the innovative runway status light system which alerts pilots to whether it is safe to taxi onto the runway and take off.
With respect to the terminal side, what stands out the most is the clean and modern look, as well as the greater availability of amenities that many travellers consider necessities these days (charging stations, WiFi and comfortable seating in the gate areas).
My favourite place to grab a bite/coffee at LAX is…
My favourite place to grab a bite to eat is BUILT Custom Burgers in Terminal Two, where Hawaiian Airlines departs from. I love the fresh salad bowl topped with a freshly grilled protein of choice. It’s healthy food at reasonable price.
My insider tip for a visit to LAX is…
One tip would be to make sure you plan ahead when changing terminals to make a connecting flight. There are a number of transport options to take advantage of at LAX to make your transit stress-free. Even if you’re not in transit, your boarding pass can get you into all of the other Terminals, so that you can enjoy the retail and dining options in other locations.
During your layover in L.A., what are your top 3 favourite things to do or see or stay?
- Having grown up in the South Bay (L.A.’s beach cities, just south of LAX) I always enjoy returning to my hometown and taking in the scenery with a walk or jog on ‘The Strand’, which is a walking/biking path that runs North/South along the beach communities. After taking in the scenery, there are a multitude of great boutiques and restaurants to enjoy. If you’re in the mood for some laughter I recommend The Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach.
- On the cultural side, I really enjoy visiting the Getty Center. The museum offers sweeping views of the L.A. basin. While the grounds and architecture themselves are worth the visit, the collections of art & sculpture on display are not to be missed.
- Everyone is familiar with Hollywood, but there are many great options for live performances of popular Broadway shows at venues like the Los Angeles Theatre in Downtown L.A.
Describe Los Angeles in three words…
Vibrant, surprising and diverse.
Find out more by checking out the LAXisHappening.com website
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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