Los Angeles International Airport’s (LAX) Delta Air Lines facilities are getting a well-deserved makeover, thanks to a $2.3 billion joint project with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) that will upgrade Terminals 2 and 3 into a consolidated 1.2 million-square-foot, 27-gate complex.
Earlier this week, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Delta CEO Ed Bastian, employees of LAWA and LA City Council members, among others, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at T3’s new headhouse to celebrate the completion of the project’s first major phase, which includes the headhouse (opening April 20), 14 widened security screening lanes (seven of which will be open by April 20), a six-carousel baggage claim and a brand-new, 30,000-square-foot Delta Sky Club that will overlook the Hollywood Hills.
It’s a new experience in Los Angeles; it’s not 2019 LAX anymore.
“It’s a new experience in Los Angeles; it’s not 2019 LAX anymore,” said Scott Santoro, Vice President, Los Angeles and Sales-West for Delta, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “The world paused, and our industry was one of the hardest-hit throughout all this. Delta went all in, doubled down and fully accelerated our terminal expansion project, so much so that we're opening up 18 months early.”
Although the entire multi-year project will be wrapped up in 2023 (rather than its original opening date in 2024), passengers can start using some of the new facilities beginning next month. By the project’s end, those traveling with Delta will have access to the entire complex, which will also include post-security connections to both Terminal 2 and Tom Bradley International Terminal. (The upgrades are part of LAX’s larger $15 billion modernization program.)
A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the new Terminal 3 headhouse on March 29.
Credit: 2022 Delta Air Lines“As business travelers are coming back, and as travel advisors are starting to see the airports again, you're starting to see a different experience” Santoro said. “People want space. They want technology, and they want to have exceptional service.”
And that technology is front and center: Upon entering the terminal, Delta passengers will be met with a 250-foot LED display behind the new check-in counters, and they can check their baggage hands-free with facial recognition and through use of their “digital identity” (a combination of their Delta SkyMiles Member number, passport number and Known Traveler ID).
Sustainability is also at the forefront of the experience; the upgraded areas — some of which haven’t seen a facelift since 1961 — feature low-flow plumbing fixtures that will eventually use 100% recycled water, a cool-roof and low-energy-emitting construction materials (to help with overall air quality). Once the project is completed, the new terminal will be LEED Silver Certified.
Additionally, to capitalize on a post-pandemic trend toward premium products, Delta’s Sky Lounge will be one of the largest in the airline’s network; it will include an indoor/outdoor double bar, an outdoor Sky Deck, showers, quiet pods for working or taking calls and more.
For the past decade, Delta has invested more than $12 billion into airport hubs in the United States, and the airline is currently the largest global carrier in Los Angeles, offering 140 flights daily to 53 destinations (including 18 of the top 20 markets for L.A. travelers), including Mexico and Hawaii.
“Los Angeles is our home,” Santoro said. “And we believe this is where business and leisure travelers will depart from or come to as a destination. It is one of the most important cities that we have in the system. Angelenos throughout the area deserve this experience.”
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