What does airside mean at LAX?

The Delta Sky Way at LAX project has just been completed, and with that, an airside walkway has opened between Terminal 3 and TBIT. This also means that all terminals are now connected airside at the airport. That's right, you can walk between all terminals at the airport without leaving security.



At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), "airside" refers to the secure portion of the airport that is only accessible to passengers after they have passed through the TSA security checkpoints. From a traveler's perspective, once you "go airside," you are in the zone where the gates, luxury duty-free shops, and airline lounges are located. This is the "safe zone" where you can walk between most terminals—such as the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) and Terminals 4 through 8—using underground tunnels or above-ground connectors without having to clear security again. From an operational perspective, "airside" also includes the "movement areas" of the airport, such as the runways, taxiways, and the ramps where the planes are parked. If someone says, "I'll meet you airside," they mean they will see you at the gate or at an airport bar after you’ve been screened. "Landside," by contrast, is the public area where you check in, drop off bags, or wait for arriving passengers. Knowing the difference is crucial at LAX in 2026, as the ongoing "Automated People Mover" construction has made navigating the boundary between landside and airside more important for timely arrivals.

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Overall, passengers usually have to re-clear security for connecting flights, though there may be some exceptions depending on the airport and flight itinerary. To make this process easier, checking with the airline or airport ahead of time is recommended.

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Frequent courtesy shuttle service is provided between terminals to assist travelers in getting from one terminal to another for airline connections. For guests traveling to and from the American Eagle remote terminal, airside shuttle buses provide access between the remote terminal and Terminals 4 and 5.

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Terminal B The Tom Bradley International Terminal welcomes millions of visitors from around the world each year. In 2013, a $1.9 billion modernization was unveiled, creating a world-class experience for all those who pass through it.

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The airside is that portion of an airport between the boarding gates and the airspace. Major elements of the airside are runways, taxiways, and navigational systems.

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Airside means, generally, those areas of an Airport which requires a person to pass through a security checkpoint to access. References to sterile areas generally mean Airside areas within terminal buildings.

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If you miss your connection booked with the same airline that your were on for your first flight, and the issue is due to a delayed take off or anything else that's in the hands of your airline, it's the airline's responsibility to rebook you on the next available flight.

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How long does a layover need to be to leave the airport? Because layovers are your choice, you can leave whenever you like, but seasoned travelers, including McGee, seldom leave airports for less than six hours. After all, airports themselves aren't usually in bustling, interesting areas.

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Two to three hours is the minimum recommended time for an international layover, but more might be needed. Sally French is a travel rewards expert who joined NerdWallet in 2020.

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Do You Have To Go Through Customs During A Layover? Customs and immigration are usually required at the connecting airport for international flights. You don't always have to for domestic flights. In most cases, passengers on layover flights must clear customs and immigration at the first point of entry.

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