Navigating Lax: Elevators And Accessibility For Travelers

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the second busiest airport in the US. It has nine passenger terminals, arranged in a U or horseshoe shape, with 161 gates in total. The airport is currently undergoing a $14 billion modernisation programme, which includes a $737 million renovation of the Tom Bradley International Terminal. As part of this, elevators in all passenger terminal buildings are being modernised, with elevators located near public stairways and escalators. The modernisation programme also includes the construction of an automated people mover, which will connect the terminals and provide access to parking facilities and the LAX/Metro Transit Center station.

Elevator locations in LAX

LAX has elevators in all its passenger terminal buildings. They are located near public stairways and escalators. The multi-level parking structures also have centrally positioned elevators adjacent to the terminals.

In addition to elevators, LAX provides rampways from street to sidewalk level in front of all terminals and other public buildings with stairs. All public telephones at LAX are hearing-aid compatible, and amplified telephones for the hearing-impaired are available in every terminal.

As of 2025, passengers can walk through all the main terminals without exiting the secure area and being re-screened, thanks to the following connections:

• A corridor connecting Terminals 1, 2, and 3
• Skybridges connecting the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) to Terminals 3 and 4
• A tunnel connecting Terminals 4, 5, and 6
• A ground-level walkway connecting Terminals 6, 7, and 8

Accessibility at LAX

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive environment for all passengers. Here are some of the key accessibility features at LAX:

Parking

Wide parking spaces for disabled passengers are available in all LAX parking lots and structures, located near elevators. These handicapped parking spaces are clearly marked with the traditional blue sign or labelled as "Disabled Parking". It is important to note that all cars at LAX, including those with disability placards, must pay the posted parking rates.

Wheelchair Assistance

Many major airlines operating at LAX provide wheelchair assistance upon request. It is recommended to reserve a wheelchair in advance by contacting your specific airline. This ensures that a wheelchair is available at the proper time, whether for departure or arrival.

Shuttle Services

The free LAX Shuttle "A" continuously operates around the Central Terminal loop, providing accessible transportation between terminals. These shuttles are lift-equipped to accommodate wheelchair users. Additionally, the FlyAway Bus Service, connecting LAX to Union Station and Van Nuys, is also wheelchair-accessible, with drivers assisting passengers with baggage.

Terminal Accessibility

LAX is equipped with rampways at all terminal entrances, providing a smooth transition from street to sidewalk level. Elevators are conveniently located near public stairways and escalators in all passenger terminal buildings. These elevators ensure easy navigation between different levels of the airport.

Telephone Booths

LAX prioritises accessibility in its telephone booths, with all terminals providing public phones that are wide enough to accommodate wheelchair users. TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) is available in all terminals near the Travelers Aid public information booths, ensuring effective communication for the deaf or speech-impaired. Amplified telephones are also available in every terminal to assist the hearing-impaired.

Restrooms

All terminals at LAX feature accessible restrooms with extra-wide toilet stalls equipped with side grab bars. These stalls can be easily identified by the disabled symbol. Terminal 2 on the Upper/Departure Level and Terminal 6 on the Lower/Arrival Level offer restrooms equipped for disabled individuals, providing a more inclusive experience.

Dining Options

Coffee shops and snack bars offering fast-food services are wheelchair-accessible across all passenger terminals. These dining facilities are designed to ensure that individuals with disabilities have easy access to food service counters and ample space to dine comfortably while in wheelchairs.

Additional Services

LAX allows entry to airline passengers and those meeting, accompanying, or assisting them. Individuals with special needs can be accompanied by healthcare assistants or guardians to the ticket counter. Friends or family members wishing to accompany an elderly or disabled person to or from the aircraft gate must obtain permission from the respective airline.

LAX terminal layouts

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has 9 passenger terminals, arranged in the shape of a U or a horseshoe. The basic layout of the airport dates back to 1958, when the architecture firm Pereira & Luckman was contracted to redesign the airport.

Each terminal originally had a common design: a satellite building in the middle of the ramp, reached by tunnels from a separate ticketing building. The tunnels were supposed to have moving walkways, but funding cuts meant that these were replaced with mosaics, now known as the LAX colour tunnels.

Terminals 7 and 8 were the first to be completed, followed by Terminals 3, 4, 5, and 2, which opened as the international terminal in December 1961. Terminal 6 was the last to open as a "consolidated" terminal for other domestic carriers.

A significant airport expansion came in the early 1980s, ahead of the 1984 Summer Olympic Games. Terminal 1, which had been planned in the 1958 design, finally opened in January 1984, along with the new Tom Bradley International Terminal. The original terminals were also rebuilt with connector buildings, transforming them into one continuous terminal.

As of 2023, passengers can walk through all the main terminals without exiting the secure area. A corridor connects Terminals 1, 2, and 3, while skybridges connect the Tom Bradley International Terminal to Terminals 3 and 4. A tunnel connects Terminals 4, 5, and 6, and a ground-level walkway connects Terminals 6, 7, and 8.

The Tom Bradley International Terminal (also known as Terminal B) has 40 gates and hosts more than 45 foreign carriers. The terminal is separated into 5 areas: the North Concourse, Bus Gates, South Concourse, West Gates, and the Bus Port.

Terminal 1 has 14 gates and serves as a base for Southwest Airlines, with check-in facilities for several other airlines. Terminal 2 has 13 gates and, along with Terminal 3, serves as a hub for Delta Air Lines. Terminal 3 has 15 gates and was originally built for Trans World Airlines. Terminal 4 has 16 gates and, along with the Regional Terminal and part of Terminal 5, serves as a hub for American Airlines. Terminal 5 has 17 gates and serves as a hub for American Airlines and Spirit Airlines. Terminal 6 has 16 gates and serves as a hub for Alaska Airlines, with several other airlines also using the terminal. Terminal 7 has 13 gates and, along with Terminal 8, serves as a hub for United Airlines. Terminal 8 has 8 gates and does not have its own passenger processing facilities, relying on those located in Terminal 7.

LAX renovation projects

LAX, or Los Angeles International Airport, is currently undergoing a $30 billion Capital Improvement Program to elevate experiences for guests and employees. This includes the construction of the LAX Automated People Mover (APM), a new train system that will provide time-certain access to terminals, parking, pickup and drop-off curbs, the forthcoming LAX Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility, and LA's Metro rail system. The APM is expected to be completed by December 2025.

In addition to the APM, there are several other renovation projects taking place at LAX. Terminals 2 and 3 are being modernised as part of a $2.3 billion investment between LAWA and Delta Air Lines to upgrade one of the airline's busiest global hubs. This project includes the addition of roughly 800,000 square feet of space to the two existing terminals, as well as a terminal core to connect all levels to a nearby APM station. Terminals 4 and 5 are also being modernised, with a complete renewal of Terminal 5 and a refurbishment of Terminal 4. Terminal 6 is undergoing a project that includes a complete overhaul of gate areas, lounges, and passenger boarding bridges to improve the traveller experience. Terminals 7 and 8 were completed in 2018 and feature a modern redesign of nearly all interior public spaces, alongside reconfigured gates and additional improvements.

The West Gates at the Tom Bradley International Terminal, which opened in May 2021, offer cutting-edge technology, stunning architecture, a checked-bag storage system, biometric boarding gates, and the latest amenities for travellers. The Tom Bradley International Terminal itself is also being expanded and modernised in phases, with the third phase, a new midfield concourse, completed in May 2021. This concourse provides nine gates that can accommodate the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8, the largest commercial aircraft.

Other projects include the Airport Metro Connector, which will link the K (Crenshaw-LAX) rail line with the APM, and the Consolidated Rent-A-Car Facility, which will collocate rental car operations into one convenient space, eliminating an estimated 3,200 daily rental car shuttles from the Central Terminal Area. The LAX Economy Parking Facility, a four-level, 1.7 million-square-foot parking structure with smart-parking technology, opened in Fall 2021. The Airport Police Facility, a 160,000-square-foot facility supporting the operations of the Los Angeles Airport Police Division, is also part of the renovation projects at LAX.

Transport options at LAX

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) offers a variety of transport options to suit different needs and preferences.

Within the Airport

There are several ways to get around the airport and between terminals. The LAX Shuttle "A" offers a free, continuous service around the Central Terminal loop, with shuttles equipped with wheelchair lifts. There are also pedestrian corridors that allow passengers to move between terminals on foot without exiting and re-entering security. By 2025, the airport will be served by the LAX Automated People Mover, connecting terminals and providing access to parking facilities and the LAX/Metro Transit Center station.

To and From the Airport

By Bus

The LAX FlyAway Bus provides a nonstop service between LAX and Union Station and Van Nuys. Buses drop off and pick up passengers on the Upper/Departures and Lower/Arrivals levels of each terminal, respectively. A one-way fare costs $9.75.

There are also free shuttle services connecting LAX with the Metro C Line and LAX City Bus Center. Additionally, several public transit providers, including L.A. Metro, Culver City Bus Lines, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, Torrance Transit, and Beach Cities Transit, serve the airport.

By Taxi

Taxis can drop off passengers at their terminals on the Upper/Departures level. Pick-up locations vary depending on the terminal but include LAX-it next to Terminal 1 and inside Parking Structure 3 between the Tom Bradley International Terminal and Terminal 3.

By Ride App

Lyft, Opoli, and Uber are authorised providers for ride apps at LAX. They can drop off passengers directly at their terminals on the Upper/Departures level. Pick-up is at the LAX-it lot next to Terminal 1, which can be accessed on foot or via a free shuttle from the Lower/Arrivals level.

By Rental Car

Rental car offices are located off-airport, and courtesy shuttles are provided to and from the airport. Pick-up and drop-off locations are at the purple "Rental Car Shuttles" signs outside baggage claim on the Lower/Arrivals level.

By Private Vehicle

For those arriving or departing by private vehicle, the Upper/Departures level is for drop-off, while the Lower/Arrivals level is for pick-up outside the baggage claim area. A nearby 24-hour LAX Cell Phone Waiting Lot is available for those waiting to pick up arriving passengers.

Frequently asked questions