When Los Angeles was awarded the 2028 Olympics in 2017, then mayor of LA, Eric Garcetti, knew that billions of dollars needed to be spent to get the country's second most populous city ready. Besides the venues needed for the events, of considerable concern was getting Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) overhauled so that it could handle an influx of visitors from around the world.

Currently, passengers rate LAX as one of the country's worst airports. The complaints are:

• Long waits
• Difficulty in getting between terminals
• A lack of places to eat
• Airport Parking
• A need for good public transportation to and from downtown.
• Traffic congestion around the airport

Modernizing and improving all parts of the airport

To revamp the airport and improve passenger experience, the airport plans to spend $30 billion to get the airport ready for 2028 and beyond. The first step in the overhaul is modernizing and improving the airport's roadway system. The LAX Terminal Roadways Project will include around eight miles of new roads and reconfiguring the airport's main entrance.

One of the first improvements is an automated electric train. The 2.25-mile elevated track will not only link up all of LAXs terminals but also stop at three stops outside the airport:

• Long term parking
• The airport car rental agencies
• A Metro C Line stop

The plan is to electrify the rails this summer and to start testing trains for its opening in 2024.

A car rental hub and smart parking

Next on the agenda is to consolidate a single off-site car rental facility. Passengers can get to the rental hub by taking what LAX calls the "Automated People Mover," the electric train mentioned above. When it opens in 2024, it will be the largest car rental site in the world, with parking for 18,000 cars.

With an estimated completion of late 2023, LAX also looks to revamp parking with an intelligent system, allowing people to reserve a parking spot online. While such a system is already operational at the LAX long-term parking lot on 94th Street, people still must drive around until they find a vacant spot at other parking lots and garages.

Biometric boarding to speed up waiting times

Rather than waiting for a human to check passports and tickets, each passenger's face will be scanned. If the biometric system does not link the person to a known criminal or terrorist, the passenger is free to continue. While no rollout has been announced officially, the facial recognition software is being tested in the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

Common lounge areas

While there are over 20 airline lounges at LAX for people flying first and business class and others who are members of elite frequent flyer programs, there is little for passengers flying economy. To rectify this, LAX has decided to build common-use lounges with comfortable places to sit and relax. The first common-use lounge will be at the west gate of the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

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Developments at LAX's terminals

Terminal 3

LAX is building a bridge between Terminal 3 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal, a new Delta Air Lines check-in desk, and a ninth gate.

Terminal 4

In planning is more accessible access to the American Airlines check-in lobby and baggage claim area, consolidated security screening, and a new ticketing counter and baggage claim.

Terminal 6

Passengers will eventually be able to connect to the Automated People Mover through Terminal 5. Alaska Airlines is also increasing its presence in Terminal 6 with more gates.

Tom Bradley International Terminal

The airport is adding space for new restrooms, offices, and food options. Additionally, more gates and eateries are coming to the Midfield Satellite Concourse South.

Concourse 0

Currently in the design phase for a planned opening before the 2028 Olympic Games is a new terminal that will be incorporated into Terminal 1. It will be home to several domestic and international airlines and have access to the Automated People Mover. LAX also wants the new terminal to have an outdoor lounge space where people can go while waiting for their flights.

Terminal 9

Terminal 9 will be an all-new 1.4 million square foot building on the opposite side of Sepulveda Boulevard. It will have a dedicated stop for the Automated People Mover and access from the highway. The facility will be home to several airlines and feature new shopping and dining options.

• 

  Los Angeles International Airport

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  LAX/KLAX

  Country:

  United States

  CEO:

  Justin Erbacci

  Passenger Count :

  48,007,284 (2021)

  Runways :

  6L/24R - 2,721m (8,926 ft) | 6R/24L - 3,318m (10,885 ft) | 7L/25R - 3,939m (12,923 ft) | 7R/25L - 3,382m (11,095 ft)

  Terminals:

  Terminal 1 | Terminal 2 | Terminal 3 | Tom Bradley International Terminal | Terminal 4 | Terminal 5 | Terminal 6 | Terminal 7 | Terminal 8