R epresentatives of Delta Air Lines last week proudly unveiled the renovated Terminal 5 at Los Angeles International Airport, which was completed in partnership with Los Angeles World Airports and the City of Los Angeles after three years of refurbishment at a cost of $229 million. Part of the upgraded customer service experience and convenience includes Delta ONE at LAX, which is the first private check-in lounge of Delta Air Lines.
This announcement — released on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 — follows the completion of the latest phase of the expansion of Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, which was officially unveiled on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 and includes the addition of eleven gates featuring enclosed jet bridges with climate control; as well as approximately 75,000 square feet to Concourse B.
Delta Air Lines has been the fastest-growing carrier at Los Angeles International Airport since 2009. The facility enhancements and upgrades to Terminal 5 — which promise to offer to customers a more premium airport experience from check-in to take-off — are part of an investment of greater than $8 billion aimed at overhauling this global gateway as Delta Air Lines continues to grow its network. Los Angeles International Airport is the fifth-busiest airport in the world and second-busiest in the United States.
Delta ONE at LAX purportedly provides the most innovative premium check-in experience of any commercial airline at Los Angeles International Airport and is consistent with other premium offerings offered by Delta Air Lines aboard its fleet of airplanes and at the airport. Customers flying in Delta One enter the terminal through a dedicated curbside entrance, which leads to a private yet modern check-in lounge with personalized luggage check, high-design atmosphere, and a refreshment bar. Customers also access a dedicated security checkpoint directly from the Delta ONE at LAX lounge.
Additionally, a renovated Sky Club offers more space and an improved customer experience, including 100 additional seats; new shower suites and renovated bathrooms; an updated food area with café seating; and new furnishings and fixtures. New restaurants and shops in Terminal 5 feature celebrity chefs and retail brand names which reflect the cuisine, culture and lifestyle of Los Angeles.
Other enhancements at Terminal 5 include new jet bridges; a renovated Sky Priority lobby; an expanded ticketing lobby and four additional security screening checkpoints; and new baggage carousels and international baggage recheck facilities.
The last time I flew as a passenger on an airplane operated by Delta Air Lines to Los Angeles International Airport was on Tuesday, September 30, 2014; and I remember having to navigate around the construction at the airport.
Although I was unable to attend the unveiling ceremonies in Los Angeles on June 10, 2015 due to traveling at the time, I expect to eventually use Terminal 5 as a customer of Delta Air Lines in the future; and I intend to let you know my personal thoughts about Terminal 5 when that happens. I currently have no definitive plans to travel to Los Angeles at this time, however…
Photograph of the Delta ONE at LAX lounge courtesy of Delta Air Lines.
