Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has been undergoing a modernization for… well, seemingly forever. As one of the biggest phases of that in terms of the impact on passenger experience, we’re now seeing one terminal close entirely, and it won’t fully reopen for more than a couple of years…
In this post:
LAX Terminal 5 being redeveloped, forcing airlines to move
Terminal 5 at LAX will be closing completely, and it’s expected to be demolished and rebuilt, with a full reopening planned ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics (though a possible partial reopening could happen as of mid-2027).
The terminal has started to be vacated as of October 21, 2025, and will be fully vacated within a week. Terminal 5 is used by American, JetBlue, and Spirit, so those airlines will be relocating:
- JetBlue will operate out of Terminal 1 as of October 21, 2025
- Spirit will operate out of Terminal 2 as of October 22, 2025
- American will operate out of Terminal 4 as of October 28, 2025
One thing that stands out to me is that American has an Admirals Club in Terminal 5, so that will obviously be closed. With all American operations moving to Terminal 4, that also means that lounge capacity will be reduced considerably, so expect American lounges in Terminal 4 (the Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge) to be a bit more crowded than usual.
The airport is gaining extra capacity to allow for this terminal closure thanks to the timing coinciding with the opening of the new Midfield Satellite Concourse South, which is an extension of the west gates at Tom Bradly International Terminal (TBIT). This adds eight gates to the airport.
What exactly is changing with LAX Terminal 5?
LAX Terminal 5 is undergoing a $1.7 billion redevelopment. Interestingly, the terminal will maintain 15 gates, so it’s not actually getting bigger, but it’s just supposed to get nicer.
Upgrades to the terminal will include replacing all systems (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing), upgrading ticketing, security, baggage claim, and concessions, improving airside connectivity with other terminals, and more.
The project is described as a demolition, so the terminal will largely be torn down and rebuilt. So this sounds like it’ll be more than just a cosmetic refresh. There are a limited number of renderings of the new terminal so far, though it doesn’t look like it’s going to be anything revolutionary.
Bottom line
LAX Terminal 5 is closing, as it’s expected to be demolished and then rebuilt. This is part of the big infrastructure investments we’re seeing at LAX. When the terminal fully reopens in 2028, it’s expected to have the same number of gates that it currently has, though with upgraded facilities. In the meantime, expect some American flights, plus all JetBlue and Spirit flights, to operate from other terminals.
What do you make of these LAX Terminal 5 changes?
This is my 2nd most frequent airport (I hit it on average twice per month), 3 things:
1. T4 is still half-baked. If you look at it from TBIT, there's a hole where the top-side concourse should be. They're just getting started building the area that used to have the Campanelle cafe. Can they just demolish one AA terminal at a time?
2. Speaking of AA terminals, all this work *not* to add...
This is my 2nd most frequent airport (I hit it on average twice per month), 3 things:
1. T4 is still half-baked. If you look at it from TBIT, there's a hole where the top-side concourse should be. They're just getting started building the area that used to have the Campanelle cafe. Can they just demolish one AA terminal at a time?
2. Speaking of AA terminals, all this work *not* to add new gates, so no retirement date for the abysmal Eagles' nest - which I understand is supposed to be a T9 addition once that's renovated. I haven't flown AA since they missed their 2024 target of retiring that thing. I'm a pure-play AS flyer now.
3. I will miss the AA lounge in T5. It was always quiet, it always had showers available, it had copious regular tables so you could eat like a normal person instead of a Lounge Critter, hunched over your side table.
Everything except defense should be privatized. The City of LA is too corrupt, ideologically driven and incompetent to manage such a large important airport. LAX should be sold and owned by private citizens, not politicians. Look at other world-class private airports around the world that are clean, beautiful and efficiently run. We can have that too.
Do you know how long airport renovations take in Florida where there's less red tape?
Will people be able to get to Tom Bradley via the tunnels for Lounge access such as Star Alliance and Centurion from Terminal 6-8 during the renovations?
AA’s main terminal is T4; they also use TBIT and continue using it; when T5 is finished, AA might have the whole terminal to itself. The new west connector, beyond TBIT is a nightmare to get to; I wonder what kind of engineering school those folks went to, because a kindergartner could do better.
Finally they're getting to the good stuff!
Sadly lowest-bidder architecture still, but having modern internals will make a huge difference.
The airside connectors to the other terminals is a big win, also.
The walk from midfield connector south to T4 is going to be insane. That's probably a 30-40min walk for a slow walker and probably still about 20 minutes if you are walking fast. I wonder if they will run buses from MSC to T4.
The worst work of engineering I’ve seen at an airport and I’ve been to a lot of them.
Trump is not a humam being. It is just a shit. So insulting the shit doesn't make any sense. The shit always farts through its mouth-like ass below its nose. It is disgusting that Turmp's fucking mother didn't have an abortion, pooped the Trump shit, and did not flush the shit. Only bugs worshil the shit.
you need help.
You lost, so get used to it.
Name calling is a tactic used the left. Unreal.
Could Ben show a little respect for the late Mayor Tom Bradley, by spelling his name correctly?
I agree that Bradley deserved respect, but I have to call out that he unintentionally ruined a perfectly good terminal labeling system. "1-2-3-B-4..."
We all know the classic formula for blue state construction estimates is to add two years, minimum. See you in 2030, Terminal 5!
While very crowded T5 is quite nice. Not like what the old T4 was like. The AC there is much nicer than what's in T4. LAX will be a total cluster for year's to come.
The last Olympics brought a new T1 and T5's remodeling
Thank goodness - that terminal needed work desperately. It’s been old since before it was the Delta headhouse, and it’s nice to see LAWA finally get started on some modernization, even if it isn’t the terminal nine and Concourse zero build out that I think we are all waiting to see happen
Oh man, I was looking forward to a drink at Ford’s Filling Station before my flight this weekend.
Good luck getting this done on time. Just look at the PeopleMover or the stalled Palisades rebuilds. Our politicians, especially the mayor, are useless, trapped in a web of bureaucracy. Meanwhile, the homeless can camp by the beach in their tent or RV, steal from our businesses and use or sell drugs openly without consequence. The city leadership have their priorities completely wrong. It's embarrassing. We don't deserve to have the olympics.
People Mover has nothing to do with the mayor(s) of Los Angeles its all LAWA, they effed it up.
As to the Palisades... sure rebuild on toxic waste... they are still cleaning the burn sites, which have a lot of material that has to be disposed of correctly.
Some of those homes were quite old, you know when Asbestos and Lead were still legal in construction. Cars burnt with lithium batteries
Again, not an...
People Mover has nothing to do with the mayor(s) of Los Angeles its all LAWA, they effed it up.
As to the Palisades... sure rebuild on toxic waste... they are still cleaning the burn sites, which have a lot of material that has to be disposed of correctly.
Some of those homes were quite old, you know when Asbestos and Lead were still legal in construction. Cars burnt with lithium batteries
Again, not an issue related to any Los Angeles Mayor, who by the way is largely a figurehead. City Council runs stuff.
Now go shake your fist at clouds or perhaps get a better understanding of government
Surprisingly, LAWA is controlled by the City of LA. (I didn't know this either until recently.)
An empty suit as a figurehead. What could possibly go wrong?
'Abundance!'
In time for the 2028 Olympics? Hahahahahaha
In all renderings for new terminals, there is never a focus on seating. Ever. Sad.
Well, it seems they want you to use your 'booty' and sit on the floor!
Hey Willy - Los Angeles needs to find a solution for its massive homeless problem rather than a remodel job on LAX.
Honolulu says “Hold my Mai Tai”
NYC says 'hold my F train'
LAX is a proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles, and is self funded through revenue from its lucrative (and existential) operations.
Monies spent there don't impact the general fund
Considering that the 2028 Olympics will have thousands of empty stadium seats due to foreign fans not attending (to avoid a US fascist ruling regime that serves only to abuse them), 2028 is just a target date, not really a requirement.
Take your time, LAX, no hurry.
Are you referring to the duly elected President of the United States, whom the majority of people voted for?
If so, then doesn't that make you the real fascist, as you refuse to recognize the democratically elected government?
Don’t bother David he’s already too far gone
@David
it really is amusing when MAGA people accuse others of not recognizing a duly elected government.
TravelinWilly never said Trump wasn't duly elected, you assumed it. Hitler was duly elected too, he was still a fascist.
And no, that's not the definition of a fascist -- thinking Trump is a fascist. The mind games you maga people put yourselves through and the gaslighting from a group of people that often did not recognize the Biden Presidency.
And what's wrong with fascism?
Jim, you can't be serious, but, in case you, succinctly and historically, fascism is bad because it is an anti-democratic, totalitarian ideology that systematically leads to the suppression of individual rights, the persecution of scapegoated groups, and the glorification of violence and war. Of course, if you think you're in the 'in-group' or 'one of the good ones,' you may think it's a good idea, until it isn't.
Comparing the US president to Hitler is insulting and a gross exaggeration on liberal's parts. If Trump was truly a fascist all the people at the "No Kings" rallies last weekend would be on their way to concentration camps.
Just because your side ran a poor candidate that lost, doesn't make Trump a fascist. If you don't agree with his policies that's fine, but use your words, and stop calling names
Calling a fascist and his camp followers and acolytes "fascists" is hardly "calling names," any more than calling a machine with four wheels and a steering wheel a "car" is "calling names."
If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck...
And the Olympics in the USA will be an enormous flop, which is due to the fascist policies of a fascist ruler and his fascist enablers.
David, on the other side, I presume you'd be just 'fine' with calling Mamdani a 'communist,' even when he is objectively not. So, sadly, both sides engage in such hyperbole, and only time will tell who 'over-reaches,' and to what extent. So far, only Trump has abused his powers and the law, such as the illegal extrajudicial renditioning of people from the USA to foreign gulags, as just one simple example, but there are countless...
David, on the other side, I presume you'd be just 'fine' with calling Mamdani a 'communist,' even when he is objectively not. So, sadly, both sides engage in such hyperbole, and only time will tell who 'over-reaches,' and to what extent. So far, only Trump has abused his powers and the law, such as the illegal extrajudicial renditioning of people from the USA to foreign gulags, as just one simple example, but there are countless others, and you'd be disingenuous to suggest that he's done 'nothing wrong.' You likely won't mind such overreach and corruption until it affects you personally...
He's not a communist, but he does admit he's a socialist.
I always doubted Brandon’s election and still do; there you have.
Hitler and Mussolini were duly elected. He’s a fascist.
Trump isn't sending people to concentration camps.
Oh please David, get a grip. Ever heard of a little thing called Jan 6 and the current POTUS’ refusal to accept the 2020 results…which by the way was a fair and democratic process proved over and over again in the courts. What is it with you MAGA? It is okay for enablers Miller and Bannon to promote viscous paranoid and horrible lies but not okay for the rest of us to call a spade...
Oh please David, get a grip. Ever heard of a little thing called Jan 6 and the current POTUS’ refusal to accept the 2020 results…which by the way was a fair and democratic process proved over and over again in the courts. What is it with you MAGA? It is okay for enablers Miller and Bannon to promote viscous paranoid and horrible lies but not okay for the rest of us to call a spade a spade—-the current administration is an absolute threat to the rule of law, democratic values, fairness and decency and those unlucky enough to be on the margins desperately needing federal protections from red state parochial bias against anyone not Christian, white, straight and male. And, oh by the way, many of Miller’s comments frightening echo the Germans from the 1930’s. So, yes it is not too much of a stretch to connect the federal government’s current words and actions to fascist regimes of the 1930’s/40’s
For the record, Trump got 49.8% of the vote.
Fascists sometimes get more votes than opponents, but fascists always lie.
Trump didn’t win a majority of the vote. In fact, he has never hit or exceeded 50% of the vote in any general election.
It’s a pity given LA’s demographics. I doubt Canckles McTacoface would be welcome. A boycott should send a message to White House and not the majority who actually didn’t vote for him.
A majority did vote for him. Now you are just stating non facts.
David, your weak attempt at gaslighting those of us not in the MAGAverse is really pathetic. Fact: Stephen Miller is using language that is directly attributable to the German government of the 1930’s. Fact: the current POTUS refused to accept the 2020 election results simply because he did not win. He was caught on tape “looking” for more votes to change the Georgia election results. These are NOT non facts.
Please give us an example of said language.
FACT: If you want to start on elections, Hillary and the far left dems made up a lie that the 2016 elections weren't legitimate and that somehow Russia interfered in the vote. In fact Hilliary was quoted as saying he wasn't a legitimate president. So I love the double standards here
You have no idea what you’re talking about; just chill.
Better be opened by *early* 2028... feels like they're cutting it close for the Olympics. Knowing how projects tend to go in this country, expect delays, which wouldn't be 'great' with everyone visiting later that year for the games. I mean, we've got the World Cup in 2026, so, won't be ready for that. Oh well.
Oh, and the real question... when is AA gonna finally reopen First Dining... C'MON!!
Likely never due to the limited pool of eligible passengers from LAX, that is only expected to decrease further as AA retires the First class cabin from their A321Ts and 777s.
That being said the Flagship lounge concept is dated and insufficient now. They're really just elevated status lounges, no a la carte dining or anything else in particular to bring it up to Polaris and Delta One lounge level.
The only exception is Chelsea at JFK T8, which, has more of the 'private dining' idea, but is kinda small, and no other amenities, but for a shower. Ironically, that 'top tier' lounge doesn't even have a view (no windows); they got windows Soho (Sapphire, Business), next door.
Will the tunnel remain open so that passengers can get from T6 to T4 airside?
AA will temporarily losing gates, right?
If so, are they cutting any flights?
I take that back. The answer is on the CrankyFlier website
Thanks for the reminder about CrankyFlier. Like a contagion, I will spread over there, too. If only to annoy the few of you who seek to censor others that you disagree with.
AA gets a few gates at TbIT (151-157)
I feel like the T5 AC was often completely empty. I'll miss that, but capacity should be OK.
There is a longer term plan to deal with the U-shaped routing of cars in the terminal area.
AA will operate out of Terminal 4 and TBIT, also a AC is being built near gate 153. Although small its at least something
@ jack -- An Admirals Club near gate 153?! Do you have a link to that, as it's not something I was aware of. Very interesting.
It’s going to be a temp AC- repurposed from the existing gate seating area
There's a firsthand account on the FT thread. Sounds like work is ongoing.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/37352031-post305.html
I'm very surprised that they're rebuilding the terminal with low ceilings. One of the main issues with terminals built pre 2000 is that they can feel dark and cold due to the low ceiling heights and usually a refurb makes it really hard to solve that issue. If they are demolishing it and rebuilding it from scratch I would've hoped they would use the opportunity to build some volume and make the terminal feel more open.
Cold terminals in LAX isn't a problem I've ever experienced. Too warm more often.
High ceilings are energy inefficient, deal with it
Derek, if your concern is energy efficiency, may I advise you to never step foot on a plane ever again. A high ceiling promotes wellness by making tired travelers feel better, meaning less stress, less anxiety, less fighting. All these benefits, including more natural light, are worth using marginally more energy. By the way, energy is abundant, especially as Trump has cut down red tape with "Drill Baby Drill." If you think oil is bad,...
Derek, if your concern is energy efficiency, may I advise you to never step foot on a plane ever again. A high ceiling promotes wellness by making tired travelers feel better, meaning less stress, less anxiety, less fighting. All these benefits, including more natural light, are worth using marginally more energy. By the way, energy is abundant, especially as Trump has cut down red tape with "Drill Baby Drill." If you think oil is bad, that is fine, but we also have unlimited solar we can use, and please remember, China has 100x their energy production while mostly left-leaning liberals here and in Europe have obsessed about cutting down our energy usage. Let's create so much energy that we never have to worry about such a trivial thing as energy efficiency. Thank you for reading
@Ben- additional links with renderings of the terminal.
https://lawa.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=4&clip_id=1189&meta_id=74980
https://lawa.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=4&clip_id=1189&meta_id=75009
The current T5 was built for Western Airlines in 86-87. Structurally, it’s newer than T4.
@Ben- here is a link to a recent presentation with more renderings of the new terminal.
https://lawa.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=4&clip_id=1189&meta_id=75009
It's just nice to see pretty much all of LAXs terminals being rebuilt from the ground up and have a cohesive design unlike JFK, while getting rebuilt just seem to be an afterthought and each terminal seems to be from a different era. JFKs layout is just a mess hence the terminal design just can't seem to blend well together if that makes sense.
It would've been nice if they rebuilt the TBIT headhouse...
It's just nice to see pretty much all of LAXs terminals being rebuilt from the ground up and have a cohesive design unlike JFK, while getting rebuilt just seem to be an afterthought and each terminal seems to be from a different era. JFKs layout is just a mess hence the terminal design just can't seem to blend well together if that makes sense.
It would've been nice if they rebuilt the TBIT headhouse to something more modern to match the terminal, but that's just me.
The TBIT check-in will be undergoing another renovation (albeit cosmetic, but far more extensive than what has been undertaken before).
https://lawa.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=4&clip_id=1189&meta_id=74980