LAX: Upgraded Tom Bradley terminal opens to the public Wednesday

The new Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport is scheduled to open to the public Wednesday. The long-awaited terminal, now tricked out with the latest technology, cost $1.9 billion for 18 new gates, a great hall and more than 60 shops and eateries.

But it’s not clear that all amenities and new airline lounges at the LAX terminal will open on time, an airport spokeswoman said. Retail manager Westfield on Thursday was still determining which stores and restaurants would be ready.

The new gates, some of which opened in March, are the stars of the upgrade that was supposed to be rolled out in December. Nine gates are equipped to handle super jumbo jets such as the Airbus 380. (British Airways begins A380 service with an inaugural flight leaving LAX on Sept. 24.)

The terminal’s new features have already gotten notice. The Bradley terminal earlier this month won the 2013 Future Travel Experience Award for “best experience at the gate.” The terminal “boasts a unique new design and a passenger-friendly ambience,” an awards statement says.

Specifically, the group of travel industry experts like the electrical sockets and USB ports for charging electronic devices at the gate and the automated docking systems and boarding bridges that could prevent flight delays.

Some of the features promised in the Antonio Villaraigosa Pavilion:

— New dining options, such as Umami Burger, 800 Degrees, Border Grill and other L.A.-based food stops.
— New retail shops, such as Michael Kors, Kitson and Fred Segal
— A new children’s play area.

The Bradley terminal upgrade is the first phase of a larger $4.1-billion LAX improvement project. The next phase, expected to be completed in 2015, includes upgrading the U.S. Customs area, relocating the security screening area and securing passage with Terminals 3 and 4 for passengers on connecting flights.

Mary.Forgione@latimes.com
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