Airline Signs at LAX

The Times’ editorial (May 2) suggestion that large signs listing airlines and terminal locations be installed at the entrances to Los Angeles International Airport is one that has been given serious consideration over the years, and one the Department of Airports would have implemented were there any assurance that signs would not create more problems than they solve.

The major obstacle to such a program is the fact that there are 70 airlines currently operating at LAX. Obviously, a series of signs, with either alphabetical or terminal by terminal listings, would be required. This Burma Shave sign system could work if the airport approaches were long enough.

Unfortunately, that is not the case. The last mile of Century Boulevard contains a narrow median strip, landscaped with large trees and frequently broken by left-turn lanes, leaving 1,000 feet inside the airport where signs could be installed. One shudders to envision the resulting bottleneck, or even chain-reaction pileups, as motorists slow down to read the signs.

Within the terminal area, a similar dilemma is encountered, as there is little distance between terminals. Advance notification of airlines in Terminal 2, for example, would require a sign in front of Terminal 1, which adds more confusion; hence the hanging airline signs mentioned in the editorial.

Parking structure signs on the left side of the roadway list airlines located in the opposite terminals, and a program is under way to add airline names to the number identification signs in front of each terminal, positioned at a height to prevent obstruction by buses.

In addition, airlines and travel agencies generally inform passengers of terminal locations, which are also available by telephoning (213) 646-5252. However, the best bet remains dialing 530 on your car radio.

Please be assured the Department of Airports will continue in its effort to provide the most informative signing possible.

JOHNNIE L. COCHRAN JR.

President

Board of Airport Commissioners

Los Angeles