Our First Look: Taking the LAX Terminal 3 Connector to the Tom Bradley International Terminal! (And How to Access the Amex Centurion Lounge)

I recently visited Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and was delighted to finally walk airside (post-security) from Terminal 3 to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT).

The elevated connector represents the final phase of Delta Air Lines’ impressive Sky Way project at LAX. Until recently, Delta passengers had to take busses to flights departing TBIT.

TBIT is also home to LAX’s American Express Centurion Lounge. Keep that in mind once you’ve exhausted all your rationed Delta Sky Club visits.

Accessing the TBIT Connector

The Terminal 3-TBIT connector is to the left once you clear the T3 TSA checkpoint.

Follow the signs directing you to Terminal B and gates 100-225.

What’s It Like?

The TBIT connector is a pretty sterile walkway with the occasional turns. Again, follow the signs.

The longer corridors feature moving walkways.

I love the natural light and airplane spotting from the north-facing windows.

You’re “officially” in the Bradley Terminal when you see the busy departure hall and security checkpoint. 🙂

The T3-TBIT connector journey ends just outside P.F. Chang’s restaurant on the Level 5 Mezzanine. The nearest gates are 130 and 131.

You won’t find restrooms en route. However, bathrooms are located a few steps into T3 and just before P.F. Chang’s.

How Long is the Walk?

Your transit time depends on how quickly you walk if you’re able.

I’m a fast-ish walker, but tried to take my time. Going from the T3 security checkpoint to the P.F. Chang’s took about six minutes. That included occasional stops to snap pictures.

I don’t know your walking pace, of course. Budget 10 minutes (12 to 15 at the most) and you should be fine.

How Do You Get to Amex Centurion Lounge from T3?

This adds about three minutes to your walk.

Once you’ve completed your T3 to TBIT walk, go down to the Concourse level. There is an escalator (assuming it works), an elevator, and stairs.

Walk into the Great Hall.

Take a left at Hermés. The Amex Centurion Lounge elevator alcove will be a few paces on your right.

Take the elevator down to the lounge.

All in, you’re looking at 10-18 minutes from T3 to the Amex Centurion Lounge.

Bonus? Walk to Terminal 1

If you need to get your 10,000 steps in, Terminals 3, 2, and 1 are now connected airside. (In fact, you now can access all LAX terminals post-security. Will wonders ever cease?!)

For those of us wondering what was behind the big wall as we departed T2, we now know.

There’s still some work being done. I’m not sure what it is when it’ll be completed.

“But I Miss the Bus!”

Yes, the bus rides from T2, T3, and around the apron and taxiways were fun. But I prefer a walkway over the pain-in-the-you-know-what of long bus queues, packed buses, and (necessarily) odd routes that seemed to be drawn on Etch-a-Sketches.

They were especially onerous during the Southern California rainy seasons.

Final Approach

Delta’s LAX gates in Terminal and Terminal 3 are now finally connected airside (post-security) to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). The walk is pleasant. But I’m delighted we can finally walk between terminals!