- Introduction: Two Trips To The Southern Hemisphere
- Review: Copa Airlines Business Class 737 (MIA-PTY)
- Review: Crowne Plaza Panama Airport
- New Panama Airport Terminal 2: Impressive(ish)
- Review: Copa Club Panama Airport Terminal 2
- Review: Copa Business Class 737-800 (PTY-LIM)
- Review: Sumaq Lounge Lima Airport (LIM)
- Review: Priority Pass Restaurants Lima Airport
- Review: LATAM Business Class 767 (LIM-MIA)
- Review: Hyatt House & Hyatt Place LAX
- Review: Qantas First Lounge Los Angeles (LAX)
- Review: Oneworld Lounge Los Angeles (LAX)
- Review: Alaska Lounge Los Angeles (LAX)
- Review: Amex Centurion Lounge Los Angeles (LAX)
- Gorgeous: LAX Midfield Satellite Concourse
- Review: Fiji Airways Business Class A350 (LAX-NAN)
- Review: Fiji Airways Lounge Nadi Airport (NAN)
- Review: Fiji Airways Business Class A330 (NAN-AKL)
- Review: Park Hyatt Auckland, New Zealand
- Review: Air New Zealand Lounge Auckland (AKL)
- Review: Strata Lounge Auckland (AKL)
- Review: Air New Zealand Business Class 787-9 (AKL-LAX)
On my current review trip, I had the chance to finally check out a couple of terminals that have been on my radar. In addition to experiencing Panama Airport’s new Terminal 2, I also had the chance to check out LAX’s new Midfield Satellite Concourse. I was really impressed, and wanted to report back.
In this post:
LAX TBIT is my favorite terminal in the US
The United States isn’t exactly known for having world class airports, though personally Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at LAX is my single favorite airport terminal in the United States.
While the security lines can be a mess (fortunately you can clear security in another terminal if you want), there’s a lot to love about the terminal. The architecture is beautiful, it has such a buzzing energy with people traveling to every part of the globe, and as an avgeek I love the great plane spotting, as the terminal has huge floor-to-ceiling windows with great plane views.
While the terminal has some great lounges, one thing I find frustrating about the terminal is the lack of natural light. There’s not a single lounge with windows directly outside (at least as far as I know).
The basics of the LAX Midfield Satellite Concourse
LAX is undergoing a significant redevelopment, and part of that includes a new Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC). This is an expansion to TBIT, and the MSC North opened in 2021. Previously many airlines had to use awful bus gates at TBIT that took you to these bizarre semi-permanent ramps, so the MSC is supposed to help with that.
MSC North is the first phase of this, and it adds 15 gates to TBIT, including 12 wide body gates and three narrow body gates. The five level concourse adds a total of 1.7 million square feet to the terminal, and the terminal is accessible exclusively from TBIT via underground tunnels.
Note that in a second phase there will be the MSC South, which is expected to open in 2025. This will add an additional eight narrow body gates to TBIT.
Touring the LAX Midfield Satellite Concourse
So, what’s the LAX Midfield Satellite Concourse like? Let’s take a look. When you’re in Tom Bradley International Terminal, just walk straight ahead rather than left or right (where the main concourse’s gates are), and you’ll see the entrance to gates 201-225 (all gates in the 2XX range are the Midfield Satellite Concourse).
Just walk a bit further, and you’ll be at a really long escalator, or alternatively you can take an elevator.
The tunnel is allegedly 1,000 feet long, and has really cool lighting. There are two sets of moving sidewalks, to help get through the terminal more quickly.
For those with mobility issues, there are courtesy carts constantly running from one end to the other, and they’re available to anyone. These carts are really compact and have tiny wheels. When they’re full, they just “bump” up and down significantly, like something you’d see on “Pimp My Ride.”
Ideally there would be a train system connecting the two concourses, since it is quite a trek. However, I can only imagine how many hundreds of millions of dollars that would cost to construct.
On the other end of the tunnel, there’s not a single long escalator, but rather three separate sets of smaller escalators.
After the first set of escalators are some areas where buses depart from. This is seemingly for domestic flights that arrive here, since the baggage claim facility at TBIT is primarily for international flights. For example, Allegiant had a bus to baggage claim at Terminal 1.
After you go up another couple of sets of escalators, you’ll find yourself in the main part of the Midfield Satellite Concourse.
Just for context, below is the view of the main part of Tom Bradley International Terminal from the Midfield Satellite Concourse.
There’s plenty of seating right near the escalators, with lots of natural light.
If you turn around, you’ll see an atrium, as this part of the terminal has three floors (with the top floors being lounges and offices — more on that in a bit).
From the center part of the terminal, gates 201 to 210 are in one direction, while gates 221 to 225 are in the other direction.
This is a seriously pretty terminal, in terms of the architecture, the amount of natural light, and even the variety of seating options.
The other side of the terminal faces American Airlines’ maintenance facility.
Here’s a question, since OMAAT readers collectively know just about everything, and I think details of these contracts are public. I couldn’t help but feel a bit bad for the concessions at the very far end of the Midfield Satellite Concourse.
They get almost zero foot traffic, since no one comes over here unless their flight departs from the area. Does anyone know how much lower their rent is than in the main terminal? I hope it’s a small fraction, because otherwise they’re in trouble.
Lounges coming to the LAX Midfield Satellite Concourse
When I walked into the Midfield Satellite Concourse, I couldn’t help but notice all the space in the two levels above the terminal, looking out over the central part of the terminal.
I tried to see if there was any way to check it out. While the elevators wouldn’t go to higher floors without scanning an ID, I did notice that Level 6 was marked as being for “Premier Lounges.”
It sounds like there are lounges coming to the Midfield Satellite Concourse, which would be awesome. However, does anyone know more specifically what the plans are? I’ve seen some mentions of a contract lounge opening in the terminal, though nothing beyond that.
Here are some thoughts and speculation:
- Maybe I’m just taking things too literally, but the sign says “premium lounges,” so does that mean there’s more than one lounge coming to the terminal?
- SkyTeam has by far the weakest lounge situation at LAX, so my first thought is that maybe Air France-KLM will open a lounge; this could be monetized with Priority Pass, and for that matter Air France could have a dedicated space for La Premiere customers (historically the airline has sent La Premiere passengers to the Qantas First Lounge, because the airline was too embarrassed by the Korean Air Lounge)
- I could see merit to a Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse opening here, as these lounges are managed by Plaza Premium in the United States, and are therefore well monetized; that being said, I’m not sure if Virgin Atlantic eventually plans to move back to Delta’s terminal?
- Otherwise I imagine we’ll probably just see a generic contract lounge, from Plaza Premium, The Club, etc.; the terminal (or airport overall, for that matter) sure could use a Priority Pass lounge
So if anyone has any insights, I’d love to hear them!
Bottom line
I’m happy I had the chance to finally check out LAX’s new Midfield Satellite Concourse extension of Tom Bradley International Terminal. It’s a gorgeous facility, with great architecture, lots of natural light, and very nice seating options. Furthermore, since not many people trek over to this area of the terminal, it’s generally quieter.
Now I’m curious to see what lounges end up opening in the terminal.
What do you make of LAX’s new Midfield Satellite Concourse?
Is the MSC permanent or temporary for something like Bradley to replace it?
Any updates on the lounges? I wouldn't be surprised if we saw either a contract lounge or alliance lounge here. Frankly, an Admiral's club wouldn't be out of the question either if AA were to increase their presence in the south concourse with the coming Eagles Nest demo (I believe they got TBIT gates as part of the deal?)
What airlines use the MSC?
Is it luck if the draw to get TBIT proper and avoid the MSC? Or do all airlines have a turn in the barrel at LAX?
The MSC is not a terminal of its own. It’s a concourse add-on for Bradley. Is it managed well, no. But there have been steps made to make it more tolerable. Complaining of walking is a first world problem, not preparing for your flight before you arrive to the airport is a personal problem. I have seen countless people approach LAX as they would any other airport. Sadly, this is a poor approach. LAX is...
The MSC is not a terminal of its own. It’s a concourse add-on for Bradley. Is it managed well, no. But there have been steps made to make it more tolerable. Complaining of walking is a first world problem, not preparing for your flight before you arrive to the airport is a personal problem. I have seen countless people approach LAX as they would any other airport. Sadly, this is a poor approach. LAX is located deep into some of the most expensive land in America; it’s very small compared to other airfields. Should there be more food and lounge options, yes, but COVID did it’s number on everything here. Is the building modern, yes, but it’s not revolutionary. SFO opened a new Terminal 1 and surpassed MSC in all categories. The city is to blame just as much as the architect. However, there are financial reason for the way it’s designed and it’s here to stay. Just wait for the south MSC add on in 2025 with prefabricated hold rooms…cheap, cheap, cheap!
On my Apple Watch it shows over a mile from curb to the 200 gates. It’s a real cluster to get your bags if you fly Hawaiian. And yes there are really no place to eat there.
Oh My Freaking Garwsh!! Are you for real?! Not the response but the person writing this article.
It’s over a gosh darn mile! I have mobility issues but no carts available. It took over 45’ to go through that Cluster Freak!!!!
What a freaking nightmare.
What the heck happened to walking 1/16th of a mile straight out to the curb?!!
No thanks. This author could not possibly be an aviation geek bc aviation personnel only like to go DIRECT!!!
Phhhhfffft!! Ughhh
Is there still talk of American picking up more TBIT gates when the eagles nest gets demolished to build T9? If so I’d expect them to put a lounge somewhere (maybe not MSC though)
I flew out the new concourse a few months ago. It wasn’t such a great experience. I was particularly disappointed with the dismal choice of places to eat. I was hungry because it was close to lunch time, especially after walking such a long distance through the tunnel connecting from the older concourse. To my amazement, all I could get were pre-packaged cold sandwiches and snacks. This, in contrast with the large choice of restaurants...
I flew out the new concourse a few months ago. It wasn’t such a great experience. I was particularly disappointed with the dismal choice of places to eat. I was hungry because it was close to lunch time, especially after walking such a long distance through the tunnel connecting from the older concourse. To my amazement, all I could get were pre-packaged cold sandwiches and snacks. This, in contrast with the large choice of restaurants in the older concourse. I felt like I was being penalized for flying from a brand-new terminal.
Sorry Ben, but I agree with the majority in the comments about not liking the MCT. That connector was really poorly designed, as it's such a long slog with only maybe half the portion having moving walkways, and there were only a few of those carts operating in the 2 times I've departed from it - since my last MCT departure in May on KLM I've unfortunately developed mobility issues and dread the idea of...
Sorry Ben, but I agree with the majority in the comments about not liking the MCT. That connector was really poorly designed, as it's such a long slog with only maybe half the portion having moving walkways, and there were only a few of those carts operating in the 2 times I've departed from it - since my last MCT departure in May on KLM I've unfortunately developed mobility issues and dread the idea of having to make that trek again, and I'll be waiting as long as needed to hop on one of those carts. It's also aesthetically unattractive to the point of ugly. In fact, the whole MCT is architecturally dull, though I do like the large windows. I was wondering if they are still outfitting the facility as it seemed there was a serious lack of retailers, and lots of walled off space.
At the end of the day, except for the ludicrous connector the MCT is actually on par with most international terminals across the country, it's just that it's a serious let down given how superbly they designed the main TBIT, which I agree is the most beautiful in the country (aside from the interior facing lounges).
No room for luggage on the courtesy shuttles.
What's up with the fake clouds in your pics of the windows past Gate 210?
Not fake. It’s a tacky decal applied to the windows in the name of art.
It blew me away that AF uses the OneWorld Sapphire lounge for its own business class passengers. When the check-in agent told me that I thought I had seriously misheard her.
However, I was thrilled. Having flown Korean First Class out of LAX in the past, I was embarrassed for the airline by the lounge (even if the onboard product was awesome). I find it impressive that AF sends its own passengers across alliance lines to the OW/QF lounges.
When are you going to checkout PS LAX? Now THAT is a nice terminal ;)
Looks like an airport.
Nothing too special.
For sure Air France/KLM is opening a lounge. AF staff at LAX has confirmed this as the plan but there wasn't a when that they knew of/could say.
I don't see that Virgin would have a clubhouse as the new Delta One lounge I figure would have ben designed for the VS flights, but it would be awesome to have a clubhouse again, because though small, I love the the VS LAX Clubhouse before it closed during the lockdown.
I read this article because I saw the headline and thought this must be a pun post. I mean ... to anyone who's ever had to fly out of this terminal or arrive there- are there any pros to this marathon maze?? What the heck were architects thinking! The article mentions carts for people with mobility issues. The author completely dismissed the fact that these carts a) are very limited in numbers and availability, and...
I read this article because I saw the headline and thought this must be a pun post. I mean ... to anyone who's ever had to fly out of this terminal or arrive there- are there any pros to this marathon maze?? What the heck were architects thinking! The article mentions carts for people with mobility issues. The author completely dismissed the fact that these carts a) are very limited in numbers and availability, and b) literally only take you through the allegedly 1,000 feet of tunnel. But what about the other three quarters of a mile?! There are signs posted that "warn" of a 20 minute hike. Under normal circumstances we'd probably not second guess this and just do it. But with luggage? After a 6+ hr flight? And some folks have layovers etc they might be on their feet for 24 hrs already. Not to mention that the gates are in operation, but the surrounding accommodations (besides restrooms), are not! No restaurant to sit down and have a refreshment. No sandwich shop to grab a quick meal in the event of delay.
This is a farce. An absolute inconvenience and our family has decided to deliberately exclude airlines from our future travels plans if they require us to board in this terminal. Just terrible all around. Unless you're training for the annual indoor luggage hauling championships, that is.
"Unless you're training for the annual indoor luggage hauling championships, that is."
Hilarious and well said!
On my last departure from the midfield concourse, and somewhat older gent and I we're going up the escalators and stared at each other like we were the winners of "Survivor", and him out of breath but saying he was shocked by the long trek.....it is so seriously awful!!!!!
Ben - I hate to be such an annoying Karen, but the plural of bus is spelled ‘buses’, rather than ‘busses’.
I drive one for a living, so that’s my source of knowledge!
I'm down with the Chicago homer.
Worst terminal at LAX due to the far, far distance. The endless tunnel, and escalator after escalator made getting to the gate take way too long. On the return on Hawaiian, the baggage claim was in TBIT, but one had to navigate additional escalators and tunnels to get there. I would avoid flying Hawaiian simply because of this terminal.
This is the worst terminal at LAX. The kind of terminal they send allegiant airlines to. Imagine getting off a cramped flight only to walk half a mile, then get on a bus to take you to terminal one, and then walk through that terminal to finally get to ground transportation. Whoever wrote this piece clearly doesn’t travel much.
Compared to the designs that were initially proposed, the final product is actually value-engineered to hell. Not to mention the fact that the south portion was originally supposed to be temporary but will not be permanent (as opposed to a full buildout of the existing concourse.) In any case, AF/KL is supposed to open a lounge there at some point in the future.
Are you serious? This is the worst terminal at LAX. Wasn’t anyone smart enough to put an electric tram through the tunnel? Way way too much walking involved to get there.
I agree with user LAX. I've used AF out of the MSC and am not thrilled with it. The walking and escalator switchbacks never seem to end. TBIT could do with an underground train similar to ATL or DEN - the MSC and main part of TBIT seem the the same distance apart as the distances between terminals in those airports. The MSC in itself is fine, I suppose. It's airy and roomy. But the...
I agree with user LAX. I've used AF out of the MSC and am not thrilled with it. The walking and escalator switchbacks never seem to end. TBIT could do with an underground train similar to ATL or DEN - the MSC and main part of TBIT seem the the same distance apart as the distances between terminals in those airports. The MSC in itself is fine, I suppose. It's airy and roomy. But the amount of waking or cumbersome bus-taking to get there makes me dread going to the place. Maybe an above-average lounge would help, but only maybe.
1000 ft tunnel sounds pretty similar to the tunnel at Heathrow T2. I haven't arrived into the MSC yet, but I can't imagine the walk to be much worse than at LHR T2.
I arrived at one of LAX's 200-numbered gates early in the morning (6 am or so). It was an eerily empty and desolate place, and a VERY long walk, first to where you could get out of the midfield terminal and then to the exit and baggage claim. I did not really notice much beauty in the whole setup, but was rather wondering what the architects were thinking when they designed this place, a long...
I arrived at one of LAX's 200-numbered gates early in the morning (6 am or so). It was an eerily empty and desolate place, and a VERY long walk, first to where you could get out of the midfield terminal and then to the exit and baggage claim. I did not really notice much beauty in the whole setup, but was rather wondering what the architects were thinking when they designed this place, a long ways from everywhere. In other locations they would have a train or so that got you between terminals efficiently.
Not sure anything has changed since 2020 due to the pandemic, but I found this contract for Air France/KLM. Not immediately seeing others, but that doesn't mean they don't exist.
http://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2020/20-0366_reso_03-27-2020.pdf
A new concourse at LAX won't help LAX much. It's without a doubt the worst cesspool of an airport in the U.S.
So Funny, LAX is my favorite US airport. In particular all the foreign carriers on display is pretty exciting. Also, some really good lounges are available now. Does it have some warts, sure but it really is a fun place to originate out of.
Air France intends to have a 11,500sq/ft lounge on level-6 in the MSC. Was originally planned to open by late 2020, but Covid put a halt to their project. Per updated LAWA lease agreement, AFKL finally took control of the facility in July 2022, and will commence buildout.
It's funny when you read an opinion that is so markedly different from your own experience. I fly Air France/KLM a lot into and out of LAX, and I absolutely hate the midfield concourse and have not been overawed - or even noticed - its alleged beauty. It certainly does not compensate for all its flaws. One, it's far from TBIT and there aren't nearly enough moving walkways. (This is also a problem when landing...
It's funny when you read an opinion that is so markedly different from your own experience. I fly Air France/KLM a lot into and out of LAX, and I absolutely hate the midfield concourse and have not been overawed - or even noticed - its alleged beauty. It certainly does not compensate for all its flaws. One, it's far from TBIT and there aren't nearly enough moving walkways. (This is also a problem when landing and getting to border control - it adds an additional 5-10 minutes depending on how fast you're walking.) Not to mention then facing the inexplicable series of escalators. Two, there is nothing to do other than sit and wait for your flight. And heaven help you if boarding is delayed - you can't just go back to the lounge. Even now in late 2022 less than half the restaurants and stores are open. Three, there was seemingly no thought put into making the queuing for different boarding groups more efficient and clear despite having all that space. Now, if Air France/KLM open a lounge that would go a long way to making it more tolerable.
PR complained about it, saying Filipino elderlies don't take the distance well. And HA passengers also complain about the distance. They really should have a train underground to reduce the distance, like MIA's dual-compartment segregated train.
Train!? in LA? no chance! They will allow you do drive to MSC before building a train.
There is a landslide train being built now and opening next year
That is a train between terminals. The complaints here are within the two parts of the TBIT,
They should have built a tram like there is in Munich T2.
And get stuck in traffic to MSC, I-5 style?
That's why LA(X) is always going to be trash because of traffic.
For my money, the main terminal at Washington Dulles is the best looking building in US aviation.
It’s too bad the whole airport is an inefficient cf, and the “temporary” C/D midfield terminal is an abomination.
Simply removing the carpet at the C/D terminal and replacing it with bright tile will go a long way to making that a more tolerable experience. Punching a few more windows into the wall wouldn't hurt either.
And the current terminal was extended in length with the same design. But the check in areas are a little tight. And the train solved the mobile lounge issue.
I would also bet on Virgin Atlantic rebuilding their Clubhouse in the new TBIT satellite terminal. With the expansion, it would be easier for VS and AeroMexico to move out of Terminal 2 and into TBIT. I hope they do so that way they can remove the sterile corridor in Terminal 2 and use that for additional seating space. Aer Lingus flights arrive from Dublin with pre-clearance so that doesn't matter as much. Once Terminal...
I would also bet on Virgin Atlantic rebuilding their Clubhouse in the new TBIT satellite terminal. With the expansion, it would be easier for VS and AeroMexico to move out of Terminal 2 and into TBIT. I hope they do so that way they can remove the sterile corridor in Terminal 2 and use that for additional seating space. Aer Lingus flights arrive from Dublin with pre-clearance so that doesn't matter as much. Once Terminal 0/Terminal 1 extension is built, I'm sure airlines like Allegiant and Sun Country (who check in at T1 and bus passengers to TBIT) will move their gates there.
I wouldn't expect a new SkyTeam lounge to open there, though. With Delta's new SkyClub in their new T2/T3 headhouse, an eventual Delta One Lounge in T3, and also the airside connection between T3 and TBIT being built, it would be easier to split SkyTeam passengers between the Delta lounges and the Korean Air Lounge (which might eventually get better now that they no longer accept Priority Pass). But then again, if AF/KLM flight leave out of the satellite concourse, wouldn't be a bad idea to place a lounge there too.
Funny how landside and airside LAX can be so different.
Public transportation and private transportation is a cluster ef. But rather than fix road traffic which everyone agree is a problem, let's fix air traffic at TBIT.
“Premier Lounges.” doesn't have to be "premium lounges"
Having an empty space with some chairs can be as much a lounge as a room with windows can become an observation deck.
They are fixing that - goal is to remove rental car shuttles and most other shuttles and give pax MULTIPLE locations to be dropped and picked outside of the center core - accessed via the APM which is a few mean from the terminals to any of these spots
What LAX needs to remove is private vehicles not shuttles. Hardly any locals (aka people with cars) will ever take the Metro. Having APM doesn't fix this.
It's a poorly designed airport that has exceeded it's capacity. They need to remove the loop and make as many terminal traffic independent from another. No matter what terminal you're going to, you will get stuck at every terminal.
ConRAC will do nothing but making rentals more...
What LAX needs to remove is private vehicles not shuttles. Hardly any locals (aka people with cars) will ever take the Metro. Having APM doesn't fix this.
It's a poorly designed airport that has exceeded it's capacity. They need to remove the loop and make as many terminal traffic independent from another. No matter what terminal you're going to, you will get stuck at every terminal.
ConRAC will do nothing but making rentals more expensive.
LAX needs to move terminals with separate roads then connect internally with APM.
As bad as LHR is, imagine LHR forces every terminal in a tiny loop. Total cluster ef.
Hawaiian Airlines, which uses the MSC, actually uses TBIT for baggage claim - there's at least one carousel that can be used for domestic flights.
That tunnel has nothing on O'hare's T1 tunnel. Harumph!
Signed,
A Chicago homer :-)
LAX TBIT favorite terminal? My favorite terminal in the U.S. is possibly:
San Francisco International Airport - International Terminal
San Francisco International Airport - Terminal 2
Washington National (though I don't care too much for the yellow color scheme)
Nome (Alaska Terminal) - walkable from the city, very practical
National got so much better when they merged the airside piers, which significantly expands the lounge and dining options for passengers regardless of which airline you're flying. And it'll get better once they open that Centurion lounge.