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Delta’s big move at LAX

The view from Delta's recently revamped Sky Club at LAX (Photo: Chris McGinnis)

The view from Delta’s recently revamped Sky Club at LAX (Photo: Chris McGinnis)

It was just last June that Delta put the finishing touches on a $229 million overhaul of its Terminal 5 home at Los Angeles International Airport. And now it’s planning to move out.

Delta chief executive Richard Anderson told employees that the airline has signed a letter of intent with Los Angeles to relocate its LAX operations to Terminals 2 and 3 after it renovates them. The plan is still subject to approval by directors of Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), the operating authority for LAX.

Terminal 3, which dates back to 1961 and used to be home to TWA, is currently used by Virgin America, Spirit, JetBlue, Frontier and Allegiant. Terminal 2, the airport’s original international terminal, handles Aeromexico, Air Canada, WestJet, Virgin Atlantic, Hawaiian and a few smaller carriers, according to the LAWA website.

Los Angeles International terminal map. (Image: Los Angeles World Airports)

Los Angeles International terminal map. (Image: Los Angeles World Airports)

Delta is the fastest-growing large airline at LAX, and it is straining at the limits of expansion with the 14 gates it currently controls in Terminal 5 (it also has some access to Terminal 6 gates). Terminals 2 and 3 together have 24 gates, although it’s uncertain what the gate count would be if Delta does substantial rebuilding of the facilities.

The airline provided no information on exactly what its plans are for rebuilding the two terminals, or the timetable for its eventual move. LAWA is also building a new midfield satellite concourse west of the Bradley Terminal; the first section is due by 2020, and that could accommodate some carriers affected by Delta’s transition.

See a history of Delta’s moves around LAX here.

What do you think of Delta’s facilities at LAX? Flown to or through there since the latest facelift? Please leave your comments below. 

NOTE: Be sure to click here to see all recent TravelSkills posts about:  United packages Economy Plus with amenities + Ride-sharing firm goes out of business + Bucket list for air travelers + Useless travel gadgets + ‘Uber of the Skies’ dies 

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Delta’s LAX facelift

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Arriving at Delta's exclusive new T5 lobby (Photo: Delta)

Arriving at Delta’s exclusive new T5 lobby at LAX (Photo: Delta)

Delta unveiled the completion of the three-year, $229 million facelift of its Terminal 5 at Los Angeles International Airport today.

While the entire terminal got a nip and tuck, Delta is making the most noise about the addition of a new private check-in lounge for Delta ONE (first class) customers.

Delta says that customers flying Delta ONE will arrive by car at a “dedicated curbside entrance, leading to a private, modern check-in lounge with personalized luggage check, high-design atmosphere, and a refreshment bar. Customers also access a dedicated security checkpoint directly from the Delta ONE at LAX lounge.” See below for details on who gets in…and who does not.

In addition to the new check in area, renovations are finally complete on Delta’s Sky Club– there are 100 new seats, new showers, renovated bathrooms, an updated food area and all new furnishings and fixtures.

Explainer: What in the world is Delta ONE?

The lounge area of Delta One at LAX. - These images are protected by copyright. Delta has acquired permission from the copyright owner to the use the images for specified purposes and in some cases for a limited time. If you have been authorized by Delta to do so, you may use these images to promote Delta, but only as part of Delta-approved marketing and advertising. Further distribution (including proving these images to third parties), reproduction, display, or other use is strictly prohibited.

The lounge area of Delta One at LAX is where you can chill while ticketing details are worked out. (Photo: Delta)

For anyone who is not a Delta ONE customer or a Sky Club member, Delta says that,”new restaurants and shops in Terminal 5 feature celebrity chefs and retail brand names that reflect the cuisine, culture and lifestyle of Los Angeles…Other Terminal 5 enhancements include new jet bridges; a renovated Sky Priority lobby; an expanded ticketing lobby and four additional security screening checkpoints; and new baggage carousels and international baggage recheck facilities.”

This reminds us of: United’s Global Services check in lounge at SFO

Who gets to use that fancy new private Delta ONE entrance, lounge and dedicated security line? Here’s Delta’s fine print:

Access to and use of Delta ONE at LAX are reserved for customers traveling on a nonstop Delta One ticket to New York-JFK; a nonstop Delta One ticket on a long-haul international flight that is 6.5 or more hours; a domestic Delta ticket in any class connecting to a same-day Delta One ticket on a long-haul international Delta flight that is 6.5 or more hours; or travel in international* First/Business Class on a SkyTeam-operated flight. First and/or Business Class tickets on Delta marketed- and operated-flights are not eligible. Customers must be confirmed in Delta One or SkyTeam premium cabin for the international segment of their itinerary. Only companions in the same reservation are eligible to access the Delta ONE at LAX check-in. International travel includes travel between Los Angeles-LAX and Europe, Asia, southern South America and Africa.

Click to read how Delta used an old DC-9 tail to make a check in desk at LAX T5 (Images: Delta blog)

Click to read how Delta used an old DC-9 tail to make a check in desk at LAX T5 (Images: Delta blog)

The refurbishment of Delta’s T5 is part of LA’s much needed $8 billion overhaul of LAX.

More details and Delta’s new LAXtoLUX.com digital campaign about T5 and LAX.

Anyone who has flow through LAX recently has had to deal with the construction noise, dust, tarps and walls. Whaddya think? Please leave your comments below. 

NOTE: Be sure to click here to see all recent TravelSkills posts about: Big red tail back at SFO + Bumped out of first class by air marshall? + Newest Centurion Lounge + My favorite travel pants

 


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