New Gate to Ease Shuttle Trips Within LAX

Although shuttles can be one of the most convenient ways to get to and from Los Angeles International Airport – travelers who use our convenient LAX parking can attest to that – it can be a real chore for travelers who are already in the airport. But as it stands now, many travelers are routinely deplaned at the airport’s remote gates, simply because the main terminals are not equipped to accommodate wide-body aircraft. But thanks to the approval of a new terminal, this inconvenience will soon be but a distant memory for those flying in and out of LAX.

Currently, wide-body aircraft dock in the airport’s remote terminal. Passengers are forced to deplane there, before boarding shuttle buses to the Tom Bradley International Terminal’s immigration, customs, and baggage claim areas. The construction of the new terminal will eliminate most of the need for buses, although they will still be used for some passengers until the completion of a separate project, a proposed people-mover.

Even with some buses still in use, the trip will be much shorter than it currently is. Right now, passengers deplaning at the remote gate have to take a bus trip of a mile and a half. The new terminal, by contrast, will be less than a quarter mile from the Bradley Terminal.

As wide-body aircraft make up a larger share of flights, the need for a terminal that can handle these super-sized jets will only increase. And, although we can personally attest to the convenience of shuttle buses, you shouldn’t have to take them once you’re already in the airport. This project was approved by the airport commissioners, with contracts scheduled to be awarded in January 2015. The upgrades can’t come soon enough for some passengers.

Ridesharing Services Face LAX Crackdown, Again

www.dailybreeze.com

As we told you way back in February, rideshare services like UberX and Lyft are facing a crackdown by LAX officials. This has included fines in the past and, more recently, impoundment. In fact, NBC Los Angeles is reporting that more than 40 UberX and Lyft vehicles were impounded in the first week of July alone. These efforts took off after a cease-and-desist letter was issued by the California Public Utilities Commission.

The CPUC regulates ride services, known as Transportation Network Companies. These TNCs are supposed to get permission to operate at LAX, but these companies have not. In addition to the companies already mentioned, the CPUC has banned SideCar, Summons, and Wingz from operating at the airport.

Cracking down on the drivers with impounding and fines is all well and good, but many people wonder whether or not the CPUC should go after the companies themselves. Ridesharing services coordinate drivers and passengers, but their drivers operate their own vehicles. Impounding hurts these drivers, but the companies have paid no penalties. Making matters worse for these companies – which are essentially unlicensed taxi services – are allegations of theft on the part of drivers. Coupled with the lack of regulation on these vehicles, LAX officials have been spurred to action.

Individual drivers can obtain licenses from the CPUC to pick up at the airport, but most continue to flaunt the rules. Avoiding the hassle that comes with using one of these rideshare services seems like a no-brainer. Instead of taking the chance that the UberX you’re getting into is about to be impounded, why not use a convenient airport shuttle service? Hilton LAX Parking offers free shuttle service to and from LAX, every 15-20 minutes. Your car will be secure in our covered lot, and you won’t have to worry about one of our drivers taking off with your things still onboard.

More Construction Delays En Route to LAX

Expect major delays if you are driving to LAX at the end of the month. Officials are reporting that what has been dubbed the “Century Crunch” will take place over the long weekend of July 25 to July 28, one of the busiest travel times of the year. The name comes from Century Boulevard, which serves as the main thoroughfare into Los Angeles International Airport. In fact, it is estimated that a full third of all traffic coming into LAX takes Century Boulevard.

The additional traffic and delays will be caused by the closure of Century Boulevard at Aviation Boulevard while crews demolish a defunct railroad bridge. The project is being undertaken to clear the way for the planned extension of the Crenshaw rail line, which will one day provide easier light rail access to the airport. The road closure is scheduled to begin Friday, July 25, at 9:00 p.m. and will continue until 6:00 a.m. the following Monday.

Fortunately, Hilton LAX Parking shuttles will remain unaffected by the road closure. The Hilton is located on the airport side of Century, meaning our shuttles won’t have to take the planned detours that will delay normal traffic. If you park with us, you can rest easy knowing that your shuttle will not be delayed or require you to embark any earlier than you would normally.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has maintained that the forewarned delays may never materialize, as was the case with the “Carmageddon” closure of the 405 Freeway. He also spoke of the new need for L.A. to have a “world-class transit” system. For now, however, travelers to LAX can at least rest easy knowing that the Hilton LAX Parking service is running shuttles ever 15 to 20 minutes, with no delays.

Metro Recommends Light Rail to LAX

Los Angeles International Airport remains one of the biggest and most visited airports in the world to not have rail service, but a new recommendation by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority seeks to change that. In a move to get a project underway, the MTA issued a report that called for a $1.7 billion project to extend light rail closer to the terminals. The plan includes an expansion of the Green Line, Crenshaw Line, and a “people-mover” to shuttle people from the light rail stations to the various terminals, rental car facilities, and a planned ground transportation hub.

www.latimes.com

For those who are excited at the prospect of taking the train to LAX, celebrations are a bit premature at this point, unfortunately. The first project that is projected to be completed is the Crenshaw Line, with an anticipated opening date of 2019. And even after this station is completed, it will not be connected to the terminals. That project will take even longer to complete. It seems that any plans to take the train to LAX in the near future will have to be put on hold.

Driving remains the most popular way to get to and from the airport. In fact, even after the completion of the expansions to the Green Line, Crenshaw Line, and people-mover, airport officials project that a majority of travelers will still drive. Just 2 percent will take the train, 33 percent will take taxis, 8 percent will use the FlyAway bus, and the remaining 57 percent will drive themselves.

If you are among the majority of people driving to LAX, consider Hilton LAX Parking. With a secure lot for your car and complimentary shuttle service to and from the terminals, air travel is a breeze. Plus, think of all the lines you’ll avoid at the train stations and people-mover platforms.

More Construction on Deck at LAX

Los Angeles International Airport is in the midst of a $4.11 billion makeover, and that means a lot of new construction. While this will undoubtedly improve airport conditions in the long run, it will also affect the travel plans of millions of Angelenos. According to a recent Los Angeles Times article, there are at least five upcoming construction projects at LAX that may increase your travel times.

Tom Bradley International Terminal

Starting this week, the screening area on the terminal’s south side will be closed. However, the Transportation Security Administration is taking steps to alleviate the congestion from the shuttered checkpoints by opening additional checkpoints near the back and center of the ticketing area. These conditions will be in effect until fall.

Terminal 4

The Connector Project is currently underway, creating a bridge between Terminal 4 and the Bradley terminal. Until it’s completed, travelers will be bused from one to the other. Unfortunately, the bridge isn’t expected to be completed until late next year.

Terminal 5

This Delta terminal is currently undergoing construction upgrades. However, the worst you can expect here is the additional noise that comes from this kind of work. Construction is scheduled through next year.

Sidewalks

Additional shuttle rides and security checkpoint detours aren’t the only things that could delay your travel and cause you to miss flights. Sidewalk construction will reroute passengers near the Bradley terminal’s Upper Level, Terminals 1 and 7, and parking structures 1 and 7. So be on the lookout for additional foot traffic in these areas.

Lane Closures

The inner lane on the Lower Level roadway is set to be closed to allow crews to reinforce the Upper Level. The area of the lane closure will move around the roadway between the hours of 1 and 8 a.m. for the next month. This is the arrivals area of the terminal.

Rather than battle it out in this traffic, why not park off-site and take a shuttle to the terminal? Our Hilton LAX Parking has complimentary shuttle service every 15-20 minutes, helping you avoid the construction hassles and inevitable delays that come with them.