Hawaiian Airlines Moves To The International Terminal In Los Angeles

Hawaiian Airlines is moving locations at Los Angeles Airport (LAX) next week. The carrier is moving to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) with effect from 12th October. The move will give passengers access to greater amenities before the multi-hour service to the Pacific islands. Let’s find out more.

Hawaiian previously flew out of Terminal 5 of LAX before making the change this month. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Across

In a statement today, Hawaiian Airlines announced that it will be moving from Terminal 5 to Terminal B, or the Tom Bradley International terminal, with effect from Tuesday, 12th October. The move means the carrier is leaving behind its low-cost colleagues JetBlue, Spirit, and partner American Airlines to join scores of foreign airlines and other US mainline carriers.

The airline cites greater passenger comfort and the new terminal as its main reasons to change locations. Indeed, access to Tom Bradley will offer travelers more lounges, food and beverage locations, as well as an expanded (but further away) gate area. Considering the airline’s sizeable operations from LAX, this move will affect thousands every week.

Hawaiian will be using the West Gates in Terminal B for departures, which does require a notable walk. Photo: Getty Images

While Terminal B will keep travelers satisfied, flights will be leaving from the West Gates, a 15-minute walk from the main check-in counters. The underground walkway connects the two areas, but some travelers may not be too excited about the trek. Nevertheless, there is a lot to gain for Hawaiian from this move.

Good move

In addition to better amenities, Hawaiian’s move will make it much easier for international passengers to transit onto flights. This will apply to passengers flying in from Europe or the Middle East, as East Asian airlines run their own dedicated flights. However, considering most travelers will be domestic, this is a minor benefit.

Hawaiian’s operations out of LAX currently are sizable. The carrier operates six daily flights, with three services to Honolulu and once to Kahului, Kona, and Līhu’e each. With capacity for tens of thousands every week and tight competition on the Pacific route, the terminal choice is an important one for Hawaiian.

Hawaiian flies to four destinations on the islands from LAX. Photo: Airbus

In a statement about the move, the CEO of Los Angeles World Airports, Justin Erbacci, said,

“When Hawaiian Airlines moves into its new home at the West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal, passengers will enjoy one of the most modern and technologically advanced airport facilities in the world. LAX became Hawaiian Airlines’ first U.S. mainland destination more than 35 years ago, and we look forward to continuing our long relationship connecting Hawaii with Southern California.”

Easing

After the pandemic saw most traffic from the mainland to Hawaii shut off, this summer saw a flood of tourists return to the state. While traffic reduced after the season and a surge in cases over the fall, Hawaii remains a hugely popular destination, more so as international borders remain closed. For now, Hawaiian is taking a cautious approach to its recovery and is prepared for further disruptions.

What do you think about Hawaiian’s terminal switch at LAX? Have you flown with them? Let us know in the comments!

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