LOS ANGELES — Walking through the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX could take some time. It’s massive and just got bigger.

David Kim, project manager of the West Gates Expansion, took Spectrum News 1 to the brand-new concourse.


What You Need To Know

  • The new West Gates expansion at Tom Bradley International Terminal in LAX is now open with new features and technology

  • LAX offers free rides to the additional gates if you need assistance going the distance

  • The comforting blue light and floor pattern continues the ocean theme at Tom Bradley

  • One of the most exciting features is the electronic gate reader that makes it easier and quicker to board a flight

“We are going about 30 feet below,” said Kim.

The expansion is a far way down and a bit of a walk to the additional gates, but the team at LAX tried to make it the best possible experience for travelers. They offer free rides if you need assistance going the distance.

“Right after TSA checkpoint, they hopped on the cart, went down the elevator and to the gates,” said Kim.

The comforting blue light and floor pattern continues the ocean theme from Tom Bradley that aims to resemble a wave.

“The blue light above us is to mimic the underwater feeling that the designer intended to incorporate the oceanic feeling they have for the building,” Kim said.

It’s also very relaxing. You may be wondering, why all these extra special details for an airport? Well, if you've ever been to an older one, you'll know the answer.

"It enhances their experience," said Kim. "It makes them comfortable. We know when they are rushing to get to the checkpoint, you want to come out and be relaxed rather than nervous and anxious about missing a flight."

If you have a long layover, it's nice to have a safe, clean space to unwind.

As we continued our tour of the new West Gates concourse, we made sure to stop at the high-tech information kiosk. The airport is big and can get confusing, so the kiosk makes it easier for travelers to find out exactly where to go.

One of the most exciting features, which will soon be used throughout the rest of the airport, is the electronic gate reader that makes it easier and quicker to board a flight.

"Currently, right now, what they can do, the paper ticket gets scanned with the barcode, the door will open, they will go through," Kim said. "But in the future, we have cameras here. It will be hooked up to biometric system. It will be paperless, passport-less, so passengers will be scanned here, and the gates will open, and you will walk out of the gate."

The biometric screening is not up and running just yet, but is in place for future use.

From the lounges to the architecture and new tech, Kim hopes travelers will appreciate all the special touches “again, all for the passenger experience.”

So when you're traveling in or out of LAX, just sit back, relax and put your feet up with your head in the clouds before even getting off the ground.