Heads Up, LAX Travelers: The Horseshoe of Hell Will Probably Be Worse for a Few More Years

I’ve lived in Los Angeles for over 25 years and have been to the International Airport (LAX) probably 200 times, give or take. I literally cannot remember a time that LAX hasn’t had some major construction project going on during that quarter-century. (And when I say “literally,” I literally mean “literally.” As in, “for real,” “truthfully,” etc. Not “literally” as in the way some people misuse the word, like, “I was so excited my head literally exploded!”)

Terminals are located along a double-check, 2-ish mile (or something like that) horseshoe-shaped road. (Well, a horse with a club foot, I guess.)

Traffic is almost always awful on the Horseshoe of Hell. (If someone drops you off or picks you up at LAX, they really love you. And/or need a major favor.)

Delta Air Lines did a fantastic job of demolishing and rebuilding Terminal 3. Very impressive.

The Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) has been under construction since the Lincoln Administration. And now Terminal 5 — home to JetBlue, American Airlines, and Spirit is closing for a few years. During that time, it will be demolished and rebuilt.

(In case you haven’t heard, the 2028 Summer Olympics will be in Los Angeles. A lot of airport improvements are being made because of that.)

Beginning October 28, American will operate out of Terminal 4, where it’s also been for a while.

Effective immediately, JetBlue is temporarily moving to Terminal 1. Spirit is headed for Terminal 2.

This means the gridlock entertaining the horseshoe will be worse than usual.

What Does This Mean for Delta Flyers?

Delta passengers are a significant part of this blog’s audience. Many of you might be wondering how this affects you.

Delta is located in Terminal 3. JetBlue and Spirit coming to Delta’s side of town means more traffic before you reach T3. Add another 10 minutes or so to your drive.

If you don’t mind walking — especially if you have rolling luggage or just carry-ons — I suggest getting dropped off at the Hyatt Regency LAX. Delta is about a 10-15 minute walk from there. (You’ll often see pilots and flight attendants making the trek — follow them or ask them for directions!) Walk on the lower level (arrivals) and take an escalator or elevator up. I usually park at QuikPark behind the Hyatt. We walk about 50% of the time. (It’s a good way to justify enjoying a little more food and beverage during your trip. 😉 )

Final Approach

The never-ending construction at LAX just got another major project: T5 is being demoed and rebuilt during the next few years. I suspect traffic congestion getting into LAX will be worse for a while.