The new Southwest Terminal 1 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is now open, bringing wide, open walkways, natural light and a unique offering of food and beverage and retail concessions.
“This new terminal is really transformative in really elevating the guest experience,” said Barbara Yamamoto, chief experience officer at Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), just after the grand opening of the terminal. “We know that our vision is to serve the world and connect people, places and cultures. The Southwest mission is very much in common, and we’re looking to keep focus on our guests and their experience.”
The terminal, which has been in development for the better part of four years and cost $516.7 million, is a collaboration of efforts between Southwest Airlines, LAWA and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW Airports), representatives of which were all present for the grand opening ceremony on Nov. 30.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti oversaw the event, speaking about the original construction of the terminal, which took place just before the 1984 Olympics, and the future of the terminal’s development.
“That’s another $500 million investment that we’re doing on behalf of LAX,” said Steve Sisneros, managing director of airport affairs for Southwest, speaking about the ongoing development of the terminal extension after the event. “It’ll be a land-bridge between Terminals 2 and 1, and then once that’s done we look to add nine to ten gates … called Terminal 1 East.”
The existing Terminal 1 sees about 10 million travelers passing through each year and now features an array of food and beverage and retail options for guests to peruse between flights. There exists over 23,000 square feet of retail and dining space, spread across 22 different outlets.
The classic staples in dining, the big names that Southwest customers have come to know, are joined by local outlets and products that hope to leave passengers with a unique sense of the Los Angeles community. Hungry travelers can stop for their old favorites at Einstein Bros. Bagels, Pei Wei Asian Diner, Chick-fil-A (SSP America) and even California Pizza Kitchen (Areas), while the more adventurous might prefer a smoothie from Beaming Organic Superfood Café (SSP) or coffee at Urth Caffé (Areas). Diners can choose to stop by Cassell’s Hamburgers (SSP), one of LA’s most popular burger spots and first for LAX, or grab a drink at Reilly’s Irish Pub (Areas).
Given LAX’s proximity to Hollywood and its stars, it’s no wonder that a few of those stars brought their brands to the airport as well. KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have a Rock & Brews location right in the terminal (Crews), ideal for thirsty travelers with a penchant for rock music. Famed actor Danny Trejo even brought his beloved Los Angeles-based taco eatery, Trejo’s Tacos (SSP), to give travelers a taste of the culture no matter where they are in their journey.
“You get to meet Los Angeles coming and going,” said Trejo while standing behind the counter of his newest restaurant after attending the grand opening ceremony. “People come in from all over. I wish we had one of these in every terminal, so I could just bounce around!”
The retail outlets in the new terminal are just as diverse as the restaurants. Brands like Brookstone, MAC Cosmetics and Kiehl’s (Pacific Gateway Concessions) have their own storefronts to provide their loyal customers with products even on the go. Treat Me Sweet (Soto & Sanchez) is a colorful candy store that will satisfy any sweet tooth not accommodated by the offerings at LA Original, a locally-sourced souvenir shop, or New Stand, a unique sundry and convenience outlet.
“New Stand has really made a step into the future by having an app and being very active, and we think that that’ll appeal to millennials as well,” said Dan Hough, vice president, development, and asset lead for LAX with URW. With its varied offerings and inviting atmosphere, New Stand (Pacific Gateway) offers travelers even more options for both impulse and essential products.
“The new Terminal 1 reflects Los Angeles World Airports’ commitment to creating exceptional facilities and experiences for our guests,” said Deborah Flint, CEO, LAWA, during her speech at the event. “The T1 modernization has been a phenomenal effort by all partners at LAWA, Southwest, and URW Airports, and the results raise the bar for what guests can expect when they come to LAX.”
Though not the end of the development process for Terminal 1 at LAX, the completion of the main terminal renovation is a huge step in the direction of modernization and even innovation. With the two projects still on the horizon, LAX, along with URW and Southwest, will continue to pour their efforts into enhancing the customer experience and bringing Los Angeles culture into the terminal.
