Delta’s New Terminal at LAX Is Finally Here—Take a Look Inside

After more than five years in the making, Delta Air Lines has unveiled a cutting-edge 27-gate terminal at Los Angeles International Airport. The Atlanta-based airline completed its $2.3 billion LAX project in August, which began in 2018. This initiative is part of a broader renovation of the entire airport, featuring an Automated People Mover (APM) and a consolidated car rental facility.

The renovation of Delta’s Terminal 3, which also includes a section of Terminal 2 and covers a total area of 1.2 million square feet, was finished a remarkable 18 months ahead of schedule. How was this achieved? “When travel demand dipped during the pandemic, it created a rare chance for Delta to expedite our transformation as fewer travelers gave us the flexibility and space to build,” explains Scott Santoro, Delta’s vice president of sales, to Dinogo. He notes that the airline is now positioned to provide passengers with a “fully seamless and elevated experience.”

As the largest airline at LAX—accounting for nearly 20 percent of the market share with 145 daily flights as of October—this is a significant achievement for travelers flying from, connecting through, or arriving at the Southern California hub.

Here’s what you can look forward to during your next journey through Delta’s newly revamped terminal.

A dedicated check-in zone for Delta One passengers

Let’s rewind to 2022. The gradual rollout of Delta’s new amenities kicked off in the spring of last year with the introduction of a centralized headhouse, effectively merging check-in, security, and baggage claim areas. This impressive facility features 56 self-service kiosks, 62 check-in counters, and a striking 250-square-foot digital display wall providing flight and gate updates.

Fast forward to 2023. Earlier this summer, Delta unveiled a dedicated check-in area for Delta One travelers on transcontinental or long-haul international flights. Nestled on the arrivals level of Terminal 3, this 4,200-square-foot area offers personalized service from Delta agents, complimentary light refreshments, a private TSA screening lane, and direct access to the Sky Club above. Guests using this luxurious space won’t need to enter the terminal until it’s time to board.

Later this fall, Delta plans to introduce a digital ID feature that enables passengers to check in with their bags hands-free using facial recognition technology. To utilize this service, travelers must opt-in to share their SkyMiles number, passport number, and Known Traveler Number (for TSA PreCheck).

Delta’s Terminal 2 and 3 complex is now connected to Tom Bradley

As of August, the days of waiting for a shuttle bus to travel between terminals are over. Delta’s Terminal 2 and 3 complex, with 27 gates, is now entirely integrated under one roof. This includes a connector to the Tom Bradley International Terminal via moving walkways located post-security. According to the airline, the farthest gates within its own terminals are no more than a 10-minute walk away. For those traveling from the Delta gates to the most distant Tom Bradley gates, a walking time of about 20 minutes should be anticipated.

At the heart of the terminal complex lies Delta’s expansive 30,000-square-foot Sky Club, which opened last year and added 100 seats this past summer. The standout feature is undoubtedly the outdoor bar and year-round Sky Deck, offering stunning views of the airfield, Hollywood Hills, and downtown Los Angeles. Additional amenities include eight roomy shower suites, private phone booths, and a charming “Coffee Grotto,” a cozy alcove within the lounge that features plush seating and a beautiful mosaic mural crafted from glass tiles imported from Italy. Unsurprisingly, the food and drink selections are abundant and notably impressive for U.S. airline club standards.

Across the terminal complex—both airside and landside—sustainability initiatives include low-flow water fixtures, recycling over 75 percent of construction waste, and a “cool roof” designed to mitigate the heat-island effect while optimizing air-conditioning energy use.

Delta’s upcoming lounges exclusive to business-class travelers

There's just one last element that Delta has yet to reveal. In mid-2022, Delta announced plans to launch upscale, business-class-only lounges in both New York and Los Angeles. These facilities aim to rival United’s Polaris Lounge and American’s Flagship Lounge. At LAX, the exclusive Delta One club is set to open by next summer, seamlessly connecting to the existing Sky Club and covering around 10,000 square feet.

If the new lounges reflect the quality of the terminal complex, Delta is poised for success. The entire consolidated Terminal 2 and 3 complex is impressive by any measure, marking a significant upgrade for LAX, an airport that has seen better days but is on track for a bright future.