On next Tuesday, October 28, 
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) will close for the next phase of the modernization program that has seen nearly every inch of the airfield updated and improved. Terminal 5 will be fully demolished and rebuilt under the project scope.
A new satellite terminal will be opened to help smooth traffic flow for the effected flyers of American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and JetBlue. The new T5 represents over $200 million of the $30 billion Capital Improvement Program.
The New And Improved LAX
The new T5 will be a modern space with a refreshed design alongside comprehensive upgrades to every system and service for LAX customers. Ticketing, screening, and baggage claim will be centralized with state-of-the-art equipment. Amenities will be expanded and enhanced for customers, and there will be direct access to the new train, the Automated People Mover (APM).
The new “Terminal Vertical Core” will combine first and second floor access with APM access in a centralized escalator and elevator area. An elevated walkway will take flyers from T5 to the West Central Terminal Area (CTA) APM station. T5 will be connected to T4 which will house the new $115-million, “T4 Connector,” access point to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT).
JetBlue services based in T5 will transfer to T1 and 
American Airlines will move to T4, on the day of the closure. Spirit Airlines will switch to T2 on Wednesday, October 29. KTLA quoted Doug Webster, chief airport operations officer for Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), in their coverage of the upcoming construction project:
“As we take this important step toward transforming LAX, the closure of Terminal 5 marks a pivotal moment in our journey to deliver a world-class airport experience.”
T4 & T5 By The Numbers
The final, unified structure that will compose the new T4/T5 building will be over 300,000 square feet and contain 30 gates. The glass front facade will be design with a mid-century modern aesthetic and allow for abundant natural lighting. All passenger spaces and restrooms will be rebuilt with modern finished and state-of-the-art amenities.
Ticket and check-in areas have been redesigned to make the process smoother and faster. There will be 16 security lanes to dramatically improve the efficiency of screening. Inside the gate, ares will be plentiful power access points, as well as world-class dining and retail options. The increased capacity and APM access is expected to reduce congestion significantly.
A new south concourse will be constructed inside T4, with many of the same upgrades to customer amenities and services. It will be made with the same architectural features as T5. The north concourse will also be improved and the two gates that serve international a domestic flights will be rebuilt. The Customs and Border Protection Federal Inspection Station will be modernized as well.
T’s 4 connector is a 104,170 square foot CAL Green Certified space with a checked baggage inspection system, south matrix interline baggage transfer facility, and a four-lane passenger security screening check point.
Supporting American & LA Workers
The T4/T5 project is being built by one of the leading general contractors (GC) in the USA, and California, Hensel Phelps. HP performs small and large projects across the state with a specialization in airports but is also a top firm for mega-projects like hospitals, hotels, and government facilities. Texas-based PGAL is the design partner for T4, and San Francisco-based Gensler is the design lead of the vertical core.
Turner Construction, a nationwide GC, and Corgan, another Texas-based design firm, design partnered to build the four-story Bradley West – Terminal 4 Connector. The T4 Connector is 75,000 square feet and provides efficient TBIT access for T4/T5 customers.
Among the modern design choices is a new public plaza on the upper level with outdoor seating. One of the goals of the project is to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver ranking from the US Green Building Council. Specifically, for the Terminal Vertical Core and the new portions of the T4 headhouse and concourse.
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