LAX International Superstar

by Valerie Summers

Having recently briefly visited the newly transformed Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX, I had the good fortune to return for a closer look.  The  stunning 150,000 square foot Great Hall creates an impressive send off to passengers traveling abroad.  It’s a shoppers paradise with world class shopping at the mega duty free stores and a gorgeous offering of  more than 50 premiere shops and restaurants from the mega-mall creator, Westfield.

The  gigantic cosmetics section displays every fine fragrance and beauty product imaginable.  Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Hermes  are just a few of the duty free boutiques.  Talk about liquor — some of the most renowned and expensive gorgeously packaged labels are available for those who really appreciate a fine alcoholic beverage.  Fred Segal, a prominent SoCal shop and Victoria’s Secret have a home at LAX.  I viewed a $44.700 cell phone in the same shop as a reliable $200 watch.  There is something in every price range.

Restaurants range from steak houses and caviar bars to fast food counters and pizza parlors.  The modern interior design  of the Great Hall is both practical and stunning.  No need to search for outlets for charging computers.  They abound along with plenty of counter space.  Feel like a drink?  There are beer bars, champagne bars and even free spirit tastings for those over 21.  There  are lots of places to socialize as well as spots to get away from it all and there is even a colorful beach themed playground for children to work off some energy.

Six business and first class lounges provide top-of-the-line amenities for international travelers including Star Alliance, OneWorld, Sky Team, Emirates, Etihad and the LAX Shared Used Lounge.

Although we are known as a city that focuses a lot on beauty, there is more to the new state of the art LAX than good looks.  New gates accommodate new-generation aircraft.  Eight A-380 gates feature three passenger boarding bridges for faster and more efficient boarding and deplaning. Upgraded customs and immigration federal inspection areas make for more efficient passenger processing and  in the process of constructing secured corridors so connecting passengers can conveniently go from one terminal to the next.

Proudly, the new airport is incorporating designs and material which will achieve LEED Silver certification. Welcome to Los Angeles’s world class airport.