LAX is one of those airports that feels like it’s been around forever. A little bit like your grandma.

But it’s not just another airport anymore – there are changes going on – lots of changes. It’s the true gateway into the States, after all!

So to fill you in and make sure you’re ahead of the game when it comes to client bookings, we’ve got six fast, red hot tips on the fresh faced LAX.

Here they are:

1. Stay connected

Bell Tower by Mark Bradford. Image credit: Kelly Barrie, PanicStudio L.A.

A USD $115 million project is taking Terminal 4 and keeping it connected. Creating a multi-use, multi-level facility by providing a secure connection between the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) and Terminal 4.

Good news for Qantas passengers looking to transfer to American Airlines, the Terminal 4 Connector will make it quicker and more efficient to make connecting flights out of different terminals. The new CAL Green Certified space will include a Checked Baggage Inspection System, South Matrix Interline Baggage Transfer facility and a five lane Passenger Security Screening Check Point.

A Passenger Bus Port is also being added for travellers transferring between Terminals 5 through 8 and a Public Plaza will be built for outdoor seating on the upper level. For your clients, their experience will be greatly improved, reducing the walking distance between terminals and making things easier for passengers with checked baggage.

2. Rail link

Image credit: Kelly Barrie, PanicStudio L.A.

The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners has approved a USD$4 billion plan to transform LAX’s ground transportation and arrival and departure experience.

The future Landside Access Modernisation Program includes a new automated LAX Train that 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.

The plan is designed to relieve congestion in the Central Terminal Area (CTA) as well as on local streets surrounding the airport. Construction is expected to begin in 2017. Once completed, it will provide free, fast, reliable and convenient access to terminals for passengers and visitors to LAX 24/7, 365 days a year.

3. Aloft crops up near LAX

Dodger Stadium and Downtown L.A.. Image: L.A. Tourism

The Aloft El Segundo – Los Angeles Airport is the hot new hotel coming to the LAX surrounds, ideally located less than a mile from the buzzing airport hub. Now accepting reservations on or after March 1 2016, the hotel boasts design-forward guest rooms with ultra-comfortable signature beds, fast & free WiFi, plug & play connectivity stations, and Bliss® Spa amenities.

The hotel also offers a free 24-hour shuttle to ensure you’re on time for your flight, and also has the best of Los Angeles and Southern California right outside your door, including popular sites like Manhattan and Hermosa Beach just a few miles away, as are Dodger Stadium and the Staples Centre.

A number of corporate offices are minutes from the hotel as well, including Mattel, Boeing and Accenture.

4. Single rent-a-car centre

Image credit: L.A. Tourism

Hate the idea of traversing around looking for your car rental place? LAX knows the feeling. That’s why as part of their Modernisation Program, they will create one single Rent-A-Car Centre that will consolidate all rental car companies into one convenient location, connected to the airport by the LAX train.

This essentially improves the customer experience for visitors renting cars from LAX, eliminates the need for rental car shuttles, and provides rental car customers direct access to major freeways.

5. Kick it to the curb

Image: Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)

The Curbside Appeal and Roadway Improvement Project will provide a new, dramatically upgraded look for LAX with the installation of modern LED street lighting, wayfinding components and a new canopy for Terminal 4.

The project will also include traffic safety and roadway improvement measures including a second level (departures) retrofit and traffic improvements to World Way South and Centre Way. Project components expand to incorporate things like the installation of custom-made sculptural LED light poles, sleek, metallic silver canopies in front of terminal facades evoking the glory days of aviation and an LED light band running the length of the Central Terminal Area.

Practical benefits include better lighting for pedestrians and motorists, a revitalised look and feel of LAX, and enhanced circulation and access infrastructure throughout the airport.

6. You don’t need to be VIP for first class tips

Image credit: Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)

The www.LAXisHappening.com website has all the goods to ensure LAX continues to be the gateway to America, and not just a pretty face. On the website you’ll find tips for travelling to LAX, getting around LAX, maps for once you’re inside, and tricks to get out of LAX.

Whether you’re coming from the north, south or elsewhere to the airport, there are insider traffic shortcuts, plus traveller guides in English, Spanish, Japanese, Korean and Chinese.

You can even get a head-start on your journey to LAX by watching video tips on the LAX project highlights and various changes.

For more information on LAX, please visit www.LAXisHappening.com. 

Main image credit: Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)