eXpect delaYs Travel Delay Blog - LAX

Construction Begins on LAX International Terminal Expansion

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 20:41:26 -0500

Construction begins on LAX Bradley International Terminal Expansion and Modernization Project

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - February 2010 - The $1.5 billion Bradley West Project is beginning and will modernize the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX. The project is composed of approximately 125 million square feet of new building area, including food/beverage and retail concessions, new premium lounge space, enlarged Federal Inspection/Customs and Border Protection facilities and other passenger amenities. In addition, the new concourses will contain 15 new boarding gates and enlarged passenger seating/holdroom areas sized to accommodate new-generation aircraft such as the Airbus A380 super-jumbo jet and the Boeing B787 Dreamliner. The new improvements are scheduled for completion in December 2012.

More information can be found in the LAX News Release .

Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt Opens Store At LAX

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 10:20:01 -0400

Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt has opened a store in Terminal 1 at LAX

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - September 2009 - LAX has opened another airport restaurant that is an outlet of a local establishment. Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt has opened an airport store in conjunction with HMSHost in LAX Terminal 1, the Southwest / US Airways terminal. Travelers can enjoy the company's "Swirly Goodness" as they call it, while at the airport. Pinkberry serves flavored frozen yogurt that can be topped with fresh fruit, and is evidently a local favorite in Los Angeles; being from the opposite coast, we'll have to take their word for it, but it looks good. Check out their website for more details, but beware that the site plays a song that you can't turn off! http://www.pinkberry.com/

LAX FlyAway Fares Increase Jan. 1, 2009

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 11:52:53 -0500

New, higher, LAX FlyAway bus fares are now effect

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – January 2009 – Starting Jan. 1, 2009, it got a little more expensive to take the bus to the airport. LAX FlyAway bus fares from Van Nuys, Union Station and Westwood increased for the non-stop service. The new fares are $6 each way for adults at Union Station and Van Nuys; $5 each way for adults at Westwood; $4 each way for seniors 65 years and older and disabled/Medicare individuals; and free for infants under 2 years. For more information about fares and service hours, click www.lawa.aero/flyaway or call 1-866-435-9529 (1-866-IFLYLAX).

New Art Exhibits on Display at LAX Terminal 1

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 11:43:01 -0500

Two New Art Exhibits are on Display at LAX Terminal 1 – “Patterns, Rhythms” and “In The Abstract” through March 27, 2009

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – January 2009 – Two new art exhibits are on display at LAX Terminal 1 through March 27, 2009. The exhibits are located on the Upper/Departures level, post-security and are free. The “Patterns, Rhythms” exhibits features art with distinctive and expressive patterns and rhythms, and “In The Abstract” features art that is, well …. abstract.

More information, as well as some pictures of these LAX art exhibits can be found at: http://www.lawa.org/welcomeLAX.cfm?id=1610

Gladstone's Seafood Restaurant To Open At LAX in Terminal 3

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 11:26:22 -0500

LAX Terminal 3 Gets Gladstone's, a Malibu seafood restaurant

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – January 2009 – Gladstone's seafood restaurant in conjunction with HMSHost will open an LAX airport restaurant in Terminal 3 later this month. The grand opening date for the media is set for January 29, although it is unclear from the press release when the restaurant will be open to the public, and as of this date, there is no mention of the date at the LAX web site or on Gladstone's web site. To learn more about Gladstone's restaurant, you can check out there web site (http://www.gladstones.com/). Gladstone's is a seafood restaurant located on Malibu Beach, and claims to serve the largest selection of seafood on the West Coast, according to their web site. Not having the pleasure of visiting Malibu much, we can not corroborate this fact, and it is not yet clear how extensive the LAX airport restaurant's menu will be.

According to the LAX website, the other restaurants, bars and beverage establishments on Terminal 3 are Starbucks, Burger King, Java Java, California Pizza Kitchen ASAP, Jody Maroni's Sausage Kingdom and Home Turf Sports Bar, so it would seem that this LAX airport restaurant adds something a little different.*

Terminal 3 serves:

Alaska Airlines (some flights are also at the International Terminal), Virgin America [and Horizon Airlines (part of the Alaska Air Group)], and some flights domestic and Canadian flights from American Airlines, Quanta, Northwest, KLM, Korean Air as well as some flights of other airlines (according to current flight schedules)

For amusement and historical purposes, according to the LAX Terminal 3 map provided on the LAX web site, the following airlines are located on Terminal 3: AirTran Airways, Alaska Airways, American Trans Air (ATA – we thought this airline ceased operations in 2008, so either LAX doesn't update their web site very often or they still fly have LAX flights …. doubtful!), Frontier, Horizon, Midwest Express, Spirit, Sun Country, & WestJet. This appears to be largely incorrect information, and perhaps it is time to make a new Terminal 3 map LAX Webmasters?

*LAX restaurant information is from the LAX web site listings and terminal maps, which give different information and don't appear to be updtated too frequently, so please let us know if you find different restaurants here than what we have listed.

Select Los Angeles International Airport LAX Restaurants And Bars

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:29:06 -0500

Recommendations for Selected Los Angeles International Airport Restaurants and Bars (LAX restaurants and bars) to visit during a layover or while waiting for a flight

LAX has 7 domestic flight terminals, one smaller and one larger international flight terminal. The terminals are connected by an internal or external walkway, and shuttle buses are also available. Unfortunately for those searching LAX for an airport restaurant or bar, you are really confined to those airport restaurants and bars within the terminal from which you are flying. This is because to enter each separate terminal you must pass through the security checkpoint, and virtually all of the LAX airport restaurants and bars are located past the security checkpoints.

So, in addition to the ubiquitous fast-food chains and coffee shop chains found in many airports (Burger King (Terminals 2,3,4), McDonald's (Terminals 1,5,7 and International) and Starbucks (Terminals 1,2,3,4,6,7,8)) there are some other choices at LAX. Generally prices are typical airport - higher than what you would pay at normal establishments. This list of suggested LAX restaurants and bars should be up to date as of November 2008, but please feel free to add you own comments and let us know of any errors.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Terminal 1 – Airport Restaurants and Bars

Camacho's Cafe - "Quick service" Mexican restaurant which is owned by a company which operates other Mexican restaurant sand concessions in the LA area. This restaurant also contains a bar area.

Organic To Go - In the food court just past security. Offers healthy sandwiches, salads and fruit.

Backlot Deli - Here you can get sandwiches to go

La Brea Bakery - LA bakery and restaurant (cafe) that has locations at Disneyland and on La Brea Ave in Los Angeles. Serves fresh baked goods, salads and sandwiches. Visit their website for more information. (http://www.labreabakery.com/) "La Brea Bakery, known for fresh-baked artisan breads matching a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner menu offerings, opened in three LAX terminals in October 2008, Terminal 1 (Southwest Airlines and US Airways), Terminal 2 (13 internationalairlines) and Terminal 7 (United Airlines)." - (source: http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Los-Angeles-World-Airports-910325.html)

Gordon Biersch Brewery - Brewpub Chain which started in Palo Alto, CA. Features German style beer. Food is also served from CPK menu. (http://www.gordonbiersch.com/)

California Pizza Kitchen ASAP - an express version of the popular chain (http://www.cpk.com/) "Our ASAP restaurants, which are significantly smaller than our full service restaurants are a high quality fast-casual concept and offer a limited selection of our most popular pizzas, salads, sandwiches and appetizers." - CPK

[Boudin Sourdough Bakery - A San Francisco Bakery / Cafe specializing in sourdough breads, sandwiches, salads and pizzas.(http://www.boudinbakery.com) - I am not sure if this is still open now that La Brea Has opened]

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Terminal 2 – Airport Restaurants and Bars

La Brea Bakery - LA bakery and restaurant (cafe) that has locations at Disneyland and on La Brea Ave in Los Angeles. Serves fresh baked goods, salads and sandwiches. Visit their website for more information. (http://www.labreabakery.com/) "La Brea Bakery, known for fresh-baked artisan breads matching a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner menu offerings, opened in three terminals in October 2008, Terminal 1 (Southwest Airlines and US Airways), Terminal 2 (13 international airlines) and Terminal 7 (United Airlines)." - (source: http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Los-Angeles-World-Airports-910325.html)

Wolfgang Puck Express - Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Express features Wolfgang’s most popular dishes in a contemporary, fast-casual setting with very affordable prices. The extensive menu features Wolfgang Puck’s hand-crafted gourmet pizzas, a variety of pastas, sandwiches, soups, fresh salads, including Wolfgang’s famous Chinois™ chicken salad, and Wolfgang’s classics, such as ginger salmon and rosemary rotisserie chicken with garlic mashed potatoes. According to the company, they use only the finest ingredients to prepare our food fresh-to-order in just minutes. In addition, with their Puck To Go service, you don’t have to sacrifice quality, even when you're in a hurry. You can call in your order and they’ll have it ready when you arrive. Learn more about Wolfgang Puck Restaurants at their website. (www.wolfgangpuck.com)

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Terminal 3 – Airport Restaurants and Bars

Jody Maroni's Sausage Kingdom - gourmet sausages with all the fixin's. I don't think these are the healthiest things to eat, but they sure are good. (http://www.jodymaroni.com/)

California Pizza Kitchen ASAP - an express version of the popular chain (http://www.cpk.com/). "Our ASAP restaurants, which are significantly smaller than our full service restaurants are a high quality fast-casual concept and offer a limited selection of our most popular pizzas, salads, sandwiches and appetizers." - CPK

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Terminal 4 – Airport Restaurants and Bars

On the Border Mexican Grill and Cantina serves passengers in Terminal 4 (Delta Airlines) with freshly prepared traditional Mexican favorites and mesquite-grilled specialties (opened October 2008).

Brioche Dorée: "Brioche Doree features artfully-crafted meals that satisfy the growing demand for premium quality food and highly efficient, speedy service. The restaurant's menu features a broad variety of freshly made sandwiches, innovative garden salads, tasty soups, and gourmet coffee and espresso. All breads and pastries are baked in full view of customers"

Manhattan Beach Brewing Company - Brewpub located in Manhattan Beach reportedly opened at LAX early in 2008.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Terminal 5 – Airport Restaurants and Bars

El Cholo Cantina - Mexican Restaurant Chain in Southern California. This LAX restaurant gets very mixed reviews, but if you are in the mood for Mexican Food or a Margarita and are stuck Terminal 5 you don't have many other options.

Or just have some coffee and ice cream at Euro Coffee and Haagen Dazs

Creative Croissants - chain offering sandwiches and specializing in, uh, croissants. Also some desert type croissants available. People seem to have decent things to say about this LAX restaurant.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Terminal 6 – Airport Restaurants and Bars

Jody Maroni's Sausage Kingdom - gourmet sausages with all the fixin's. I don't think these are the healthiest things to eat, but they sure are good. (http://www.jodymaroni.com/)

Redondo Beach Brewing Company - Brewpub located in Redondo Beach. A recent review says they have Karl Strauss and Gordon Biersch beers on tap? (http://www.yelp.com/biz/redondo-beach-brewing-company-los-angeles) Presumably they actually have Redondo Beach BC beers? The company website has no info on this location.

Ruby's Diner - Classic American Diner chain.

Monet's, A California Deli - Another place with mixed reviews

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Terminal 7 – Airport Restaurants and Bars

Karl Strauss Brewing Company - California brewpub that began in San Diego and has a LAX restaurant location on Terminal 7. What better way to pass the time of a flight delay or layover than with a nice beer! (www.karlstrauss.com)

La Brea Bakery - LA bakery and restaurant (cafe) that has locations at Disneyland and on La Brea Ave in Los Angeles. Serves fresh baked goods, salads and sandwiches. Visit their website for more information. (http://www.labreabakery.com/) "La Brea Bakery, known for fresh-baked artisan breads matching a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner menu offerings, opened in three terminals in October 2008, Terminal 1 (Southwest Airlines and US Airways), Terminal 2 (13 international airlines) and Terminal 7 (United Airlines)." - (source: http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Los-Angeles-World-Airports-910325.html)

Baja Fresh - The new LAX restaurant is a hybrid of Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, and allows guests to customize and build their own burrito in 4 minutes or less. For more information about Baja Fresh, visit their website. (www.bajafresh.com)

[Boudin Sourdough Bakery - A San Francisco Bakery / Cafe specializing in sourdough breads, sandwiches, salads and pizzas. (http://www.boudinbakery.com) - I am not sure if this is still open now that La Brea Has opened]

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Terminal 8 – Airport Restaurants and Bars

Gordon Biersch Brewery - Brewpub Chain which started in Palo Alto, CA. Features German style beer. Food is also served. (http://www.gordonbiersch.com/)

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) International Terminal – Airport Restaurants and Bars

Everything except 2 bars are located in a food court upstairs, so it is easy to wander around. Some "international" LAX restaurants include:

Sushi Boy - A southern California sushi chain. http://www.sushiboy.net/

Hamada Orient Express - offers Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Owned by Japanese restaurant chain with locations in CA and Las Vegas. http://www.hamadaofjapan.com/

Baja Fresh Express opens Airport Restaurant at LAX Terminal 7

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:26:54 -0400

Baja Fresh Express Lets Customers Design Their Own Meal In 4 Minutes or Less at New LAX Airport Restaurant

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) (October 7, 2008) -- If you are looking for a fresh burrito while waiting for your flight or during a layover at LAX, there is a new Baja Fresh Express Restaurant in Terminal 7. The new LAX airport restaurant is a hybrid of Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, and allows guests to customize and build their own burrito in 4 minutes or less. For more information about Baja Fresh, visit their website.

Baja Fresh Express joins the following other Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Terminal 7 Restaurants and Bars:

Wolfgang Puck Cafe - Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Express features Wolfgang’s most popular dishes in a contemporary, fast-casual setting with very affordable prices. The extensive menu features Wolfgang Puck’s hand-crafted gourmet pizzas, a variety of pastas, sandwiches, soups, fresh salads, including Wolfgang’s famous Chinois™ chicken salad, and Wolfgang’s classics, such as ginger salmon and rosemary rotisserie chicken with garlic mashed potatoes. According to the company, they use only the finest ingredients to prepare our food fresh-to-order in just minutes. In addition, with their Puck To Go service, you don’t have to sacrifice quality, even when you're in a hurry. You can call in your order and they’ll have it ready when you arrive. Learn more about Wolfgang Puck Restaurants at their website. They also have a second location on Terminal 2.

McDonalds - Well known fast food chain that needs no more McExplanation.

Karl Strauss Brewing Company - California brewpub that began in San Diego and has a LAX location on Terminal 7. What better way to pass the time of a flight delay or layover than with a nice beer!

Baja Fresh

Starbucks - well known coffee chain which also serves pre-made sandwiches and baked goods.

MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA BROKERS COOLING-OFF PERIOD IN LAX WORKERS' STRIKE

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 22:31:50 -0400

COOLING-OFF PERIOD IN LAX WORKERS' STRIKE BROKERED BY MAYOR ANTONIO VILLARAIGOSA

Mayor contacts airlines, contractors and union to resume talks and ensure travel at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) remains safe and efficient this holiday weekend.

LOS ANGELES - LAX (August 29, 2008) - Responding to the strike by 2,500 service workers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) that began yesterday, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has brokered a three-week "cooling-off" period between the union (SEIU Local 1877) and airline contractors, effective at 8:00 AM this morning. Under the agreement, striking workers will return to work without retaliation and the parties will resume negotiations.

The Mayor issued the following statement:
"In these difficult economic times for the airline industry and for hard-working Angelenos at the airport, we must come together to find a solution that meets the needs of workers and the airline industry.

"The parties have agreed to a cooling-off period effective immediately. I am urging the workers and contractors, with the support of the airlines, to come to a fair agreement that ensures quality services and keeps passengers moving safely and efficiently at the international gateway to Southern California."

LAX FlyAway Bus Service at Union Station to Increase Early Morning Frequency of Buses to Meet Growing Demand

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 22:40:12 -0400

Expanded bus service to begin July 28, 2008 during early morning on weekdays from Los Angeles Union Station to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

(Los Angeles, California (LAX) – July 25, 2008) In response to growing passenger demand for LAX FlyAway bus service at Union Station, Los Angeles World Airport (LAWA) officials announced additional weekday bus service during the early morning schedule to Los AngelesInternationalAirport (LAX). The new schedule starts July 28, with additional buses in service to meet the growing demand from train and light rail commuters.

The LAX FlyAway at Union Station handled 30 percent more riders or a total of 191,509 passengers, from January to June 2008 compared to the same period last year.

The new schedule offers better train-to-FlyAway bus connections for travelers using Metrolink and Amtrak trains to Union Station and transferring to the non-stop LAX FlyAway to reach the airport.

The FlyAway operates from Union Station’s Patsaouras Transit Plaza Bus Stop 9, located on the east side of the station. The new early morning departure times from Union Station on Monday-Friday are: 5 a.m., 5:30 a.m., 5:50 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 6:45 a.m., 7:10 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 8:10 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 8:50 a.m., 9:10 a.m., and 9:30 a.m. From 10 a.m. to 5 a.m., buses depart every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour. Service is every hour on the hour between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Saturday and Sunday departures remain every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., and between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. service is every hour on the hour.

Buses depart from LAX terminals Monday-Sunday every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., and between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. buses depart LAX every hour on the hour.

FlyAway service at the other two locations, Van Nuys and Westwood, also saw strong increases in passenger counts. Together, the three LAX FlyAway locations served 714,026 passengers during the first six months of 2008, or 23 percent more than the same period of 2007.

FlyAway fares for adults are $4 one-way and $2 one-way for children age 2-12. Children under 2 years ride free. Bus schedules and parking information for all FlyAway locations are available at www.lawa.org/flyaway. LAX FlyAway bus operations are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Man Claims to Have Bomb at LAX (July 2, 2008)

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:33:13 -0400

July 2, 2008 – 10 p.m. PDT – This is a statement from the Los Angeles Police Department on the disposition of the suspect.

Another Idiot causes unnecessary delays for travelers at LAX - Gus

(Los Angeles, California – July 2, 2008) LAX and the surrounding area were brought to a virtual stand still Tuesday morning when a man walked up to a Los Angeles World Airport Police Officer and said that he was carrying a bomb and planned to detonate in front of the Tom Bradley Terminal.

On July 2, 2008, at around 11:00 a.m., 27-year-old Scott Juhun Lee walked up to a police officer at the Los AngelesInternationalAirport and told the officer that he was going to detonate a bomb. Lee was immediately detained and a mass evacuation of a large section of the airport began. The evacuation and subsequent investigation involved officials from Federal, State, and Local agencies.

After a careful and extensive investigation it was determined that Lee did not possess an explosive device. Lee was arrested and booked for Making a False Bomb Threat. He is being held at Twins Towers Jail on $20,000 bail.

Investigators believe that Lee had driven his car to the airport and parked at an offsite parking lot, having made a reservation on an international airline. It is unclear why Lee changed his plans and made this threat.

The Los Angeles Police Department, Major Crimes Division, Criminal Conspiracy Division Section is handling the investigation. Anyone with information can call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL.

Try Jody Maroni's Suasages in LAX

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:53:00 -0500

(this message was posted by Gus for Kerry about LAX)

Gus,

Whenever I am at LAX, I try to get a sausage from Jody Maroni's! The are located in terminals 3, 4 & 6 at LAX and they produce the most fantastic sausages in a variety of traditional and unusual flavors (Tequila Chicken, Chicken Pomegranate!). These things are so good that even if I am arriving home at LAX, I will stop to have one. Get them with the grilled onions and peppers.

Kerry