Los Angeles LAX Airport Terminal Transfer Guide: TBIT to T1–T8 Airside Walkways, Shuttle Bus, Minimum Connection Times, and Baggage Rules (2026)

Quick Summary

• Primary Update: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) features a fully unified post-security airside connector network, enabling passengers to walk between all nine passenger terminals (Terminals 1 through 8 and Tom Bradley International Terminal) without exiting through TSA security checkpoints.
• Transit Impact: Arriving international passengers must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) passport control, collect all checked luggage, and drop bags at designated transfer belts before entering departure concourses; sterile international transit is not available in the United States.
• Traveler Advice: Single-ticket domestic-to-international transfers require a minimum of 75 to 90 minutes; international-to-domestic transfers require at least 120 to 150 minutes (2 to 2.5 hours) to accommodate immigration, baggage retrieval, re-check, and TSA screening. Unconnected self-transfers demand a minimum 3.5-to-4-hour buffer.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) serves as the primary West Coast transpacific and transatlantic aviation gateway for the United States. Handling tens of millions of passengers annually across nine distinct passenger terminals arranged in a U-shaped Central Terminal Area (CTA), the airport historically presented significant transit complexity for connecting travelers.

Recent multi-billion-dollar infrastructure modernizations by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) have transformed passenger movement across the campus. The most substantial operational achievement is the complete post-security airside connection of all nine terminals. Passengers departing on domestic flights or arriving on domestic sectors can now transit between any gate in Terminal 1 all the way to Terminal 8—including Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT / Terminal B)—entirely within the secure area behind TSA checkpoints.

However, strict federal entry regulations govern international arrivals. Because the United States maintains no sterile transit zone for international fliers, connecting from an inbound foreign flight requires navigating passport control, customs baggage re-check desks, and security re-screening.

          NORTH SIDE TERMINALS                                             SOUTH SIDE TERMINALS
[ Terminal 1 ]  <--- Airside Bridge (5-7m) --->  [ Terminal 2 ]    [ Terminal 8 ] <--- Concourse (2-3m) ---> [ T7 ]
Southwest                                        Delta             United Express                           United
      |                                                |                 |                                     |
      |                                      Airside Connector (4-5m)    |                           Airside Bridge
      |                                                |                 |                              (3-4m)
      |                                                v                 |                                     |
      |                                          [ Terminal 3 ]          |                                     v
      |                                          Delta Sky Way           |                               [ Terminal 6 ]
      |                                                |                 |                               Alaska, Air
      |                                      Airside Bridge (5m)         |                               Canada
      |                                                |                 |                                     |
      |                                                v                 |                           Airside Tunnel
      |                             +----------------------------------+ |                              (4-5m)
      |                             | TOM BRADLEY INT'L TERMINAL (TBIT)| |                                     |
      |                             | Foreign Flag Carriers, Alliances | |                                     v
      |                             +----------------------------------+ |                               [ Terminal 5 ]
      |                                                |                 |                               American,
      |                                      Airside Connector (5m)      |                               JetBlue
      |                                                |                 |                                     |
      |                                                v                 |                           Airside Tunnel
      |                                          [ Terminal 4 ]          |                              (4-5m)
      |                                          American Airlines       |                                     |
      |                                                |                 |                                     v
      |                                                +-----------------+-------------------------------------+
      |
      +-------------------------> CURBSIDE LAX SHUTTLE ROUTE A (Lower/Arrivals Level - 24/7) <-----------------------+

Terminal Assignments Across the LAX Complex

Navigating a transfer at LAX begins with identifying terminal assignments for inbound and outbound flights.

• Terminal 1: Southwest Airlines domestic departures and arrivals, along with Southwest international departures and passenger check-in. Note that Southwest international arrivals are routed to TBIT for federal clearance.
• Terminal 2: Delta Air Lines, WestJet. Features shared check-in and security facilities integrated with Terminal 3.
• Terminal 3: Delta Air Lines (Delta Sky Way complex), Aeromexico. Offers state-of-the-art check-in lobbies, consolidated security screening, and direct airside bridge access to TBIT.
• Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT / Terminal B): Houses the vast majority of foreign flag carriers, including Air India, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, Air France, KLM, ANA, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Korean Air, Qantas, and Fiji Airways. TBIT also accommodates select widebody domestic departures for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Gates 130–159 represent the main concourse, while Gates 201–225 constitute the West Gates at Tom Bradley, reachable via an underground tunnel.
• Terminal 4: American Airlines domestic and flagship international departures.
• Terminal 5: American Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines.
• Terminal 6: Alaska Airlines, Air Canada (transborder precleared arrivals), and Horizon Air.
• Terminal 7: United Airlines domestic and mainline international operations.
• Terminal 8: United Express regional jet operations and United domestic departures.

Inter-Terminal Transit Options: Airside Walkways vs. Landside Shuttles

Passengers connecting between gates at LAX have two distinct transit methods: walking through secure post-security airside connectors or riding landside curbside shuttle buses.

1. The Continuous Airside Pedestrian Walkway Network

The completed LAX airside connector system links all nine terminals behind TSA security checkpoints. If you arrive on a domestic flight and hold an onward boarding pass for another terminal, you do not need to exit security or submit to secondary screening.

Walking routes between concourses include:

• Terminal 1 to Terminal 2: An elevated post-security passenger bridge links Southwest's T1 concourse to Delta's T2 facility. The walk takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
• Terminal 2 to Terminal 3: Dedicated airside corridors link T2 and T3 through the Delta Sky Way development, requiring 4 to 5 minutes of walking.
• Terminal 3 to Tom Bradley (TBIT): A massive post-security bridge connects T3 directly into the north departures level of TBIT. Transferring from Delta gates to international gates takes roughly 5 minutes.
• TBIT to Terminal 4: The multi-level T4 Connector links the south end of TBIT with American Airlines Terminal 4. Walking time is approximately 5 minutes.
• Terminal 4 to Terminal 5: A subterranean pedestrian tunnel connects T4 and T5 airside, taking roughly 4 to 5 minutes.
• Terminal 5 to Terminal 6: A continuation of the underground tunnel connects T5 and T6, taking 4 to 5 minutes.
• Terminal 6 to Terminal 7: An elevated bridge links Alaska Airlines Terminal 6 to United Airlines Terminal 7, requiring 3 to 4 minutes.
• Terminal 7 to Terminal 8: Terminals 7 and 8 form a continuous concourse; walking between them takes 2 to 3 minutes.

Total Walking Distances

Walking between adjacent terminals takes 3 to 7 minutes. Transiting between opposite ends of the horseshoe—such as walking from Terminal 1 to Terminal 8 entirely airside—covers approximately 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) and requires 35 to 45 minutes at a brisk pace.

Reaching TBIT West Gates (Gates 201–225)

Passengers departing from or arriving at the West Gates at Tom Bradley must traverse a 1,000-foot underground pedestrian tunnel equipped with moving walkways. The walk between the main TBIT Great Hall (near Gate 148) and the West Gates takes 10 to 15 minutes. Plan additional buffer time when your departure card lists a gate number in the 200 series.

2. Landside Shuttles (Route A)

For travelers who have exited the secure area with checked baggage, passengers with limited mobility, or those seeking to avoid long pedestrian walks, LAWA operates the free LAX Shuttle Route A service.

• Routing: Operates in a continuous counterclockwise loop serving the Lower/Arrivals level curbside of Terminals 1 through 8 and TBIT.
• Frequency: Buses operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, departing every 10 to 15 minutes.
• Boarding Points: Lower/Arrivals level curbside, directly beneath the distinctive blue overhead signs reading "LAX Shuttle & Airline Connections".
• Fare: Free of charge for all travelers and airport employees; no ticket or boarding pass scan is required to board.
• Travel Time: Because buses must navigate vehicle traffic along World Way, a complete loop can take 20 to 30 minutes during peak road congestion periods (06:00 to 09:00 and 19:00 to 23:00).

3. Walking Landside Across the Central Horseshoe

When transferring between opposite terminals—such as Terminal 1 (Southwest) and Terminal 7/8 (United)—walking landside across the center of World Way cuts transit time substantially compared to walking the entire 2-mile airside loop.

Pedestrian crosswalks and elevator cores through central Parking Structures P-1 and P-7 allow you to walk directly across the horseshoe in 5 to 7 minutes. However, because this route exits the secure zone, you must pass through TSA security checkpoint screening at your destination terminal.

Minimum Connection Times (MCT) at LAX

Airlines publish Minimum Connection Times that represent the tightest allowable transfer intervals when booking a through-itinerary on a single ticket. Missing a connection that complies with published MCT standards entitles the passenger to complimentary rebooking and duty-of-care protections from the ticketing carrier.

International Arrival Logistics: CBP Clearance and Baggage Re-Check

Navigating an international arrival at LAX requires understanding U.S. border enforcement protocols. The United States does not offer "sterile transit" facilities; every traveler disembarking from an overseas flight enters the United States legal jurisdiction and must clear border formalities, regardless of onward destination.

Baggage Re-Check Rules

1. Through-Ticketed Passengers: If your journey was purchased under a single reservation (or interline agreement), your bags were tagged at your origin station with your ultimate destination code (e.g., JFK, ORD, DFW, LHR). After collecting your bags in the TBIT customs hall and passing inspection, look immediately to your right outside the customs exit doors. Dedicated airline baggage transfer desks are staffed by American, Delta, United, and Alaska representatives. Staff will scan the tags and place your bags on the automated transfer belt. You do not need to pay additional checked bag fees.
2. Separate Ticket (Self-Transfer) Passengers: If you booked two separate reservations—for example, flying into LAX on Air India or Singapore Airlines and departing on an independently booked Southwest or Spirit flight—the baggage re-check desks cannot accept your luggage. You must push your baggage cart landside, proceed to your onward carrier's check-in hall in Terminal 1 or Terminal 5, wait in line, pay any applicable baggage fees, and surrender bags before the airline's checked baggage cut-off deadline (usually 45 to 60 minutes before departure).

Traveler Logistics Guide

To ensure an efficient terminal connection at LAX, follow these step-by-step procedures categorized by transfer direction.

Step-by-Step Connection Checklists

Scenario A: Arriving Internationally at TBIT, Connecting Domestically (American, Delta, United)

• Time Allocated: Minimum 2.5 hours.
• Step 1: Disembark and follow overhead "Baggage Claim / Connecting Flights" signs to the CBP hall. Utilize Mobile Passport Control (MPC) if eligible to expedite processing.
• Step 2: Retrieve all checked luggage from the designated carousel.
• Step 3: Pass through the final CBP customs exit.
• Step 4: Immediately hand your luggage to the connecting airline transfer desk located outside the customs exit hall.
• Step 5: Determine your departure terminal:
  • For American Airlines (T4/T5): Exit the customs doors, turn right, and take the escalator up to the TBIT departure level, then follow signs to the T4 airside connector bridge, or walk landside along the Upper/Departures sidewalk (5 minutes).
  • For Delta Air Lines (T2/T3): Take the escalator up to TBIT Level 4, clear TSA at TBIT, and walk across the secure airside bridge to T3 (5 minutes), or board the free Route A shuttle curbside.
  • For United Airlines (T7/T8): Walk landside across the central roadway parking complex (7 minutes) or ride the Route A shuttle to Terminal 7, then clear TSA security.
• Step 6: Pass through TSA screening at your departure terminal (or TBIT) and proceed to your gate.

Scenario B: Arriving Domestically, Connecting to International Flight at TBIT

• Time Allocated: Minimum 75 to 90 minutes.
• Step 1: Disembark your domestic flight. Your checked bags will automatically transfer to your international carrier if booked on a single ticket.
• Step 2: Do not exit through the security exit doors to baggage claim.
• Step 3: Follow overhead signs toward "Terminal B / Tom Bradley International".
• Step 4: Walk through the continuous airside walkway network:
  • From T2/T3: Walk west through the elevated secure connector directly into TBIT North.
  • From T4/T5/T6: Walk north through the T4 Connector directly into TBIT South.
  • From T7/T8: Walk through T6, T5, and T4 airside connectors to reach TBIT (approximately 18 to 22 minutes total walk).
• Step 5: Check flight information display monitors in the TBIT Great Hall to confirm your departure gate. If assigned a gate in the 200 series (West Gates), allow an extra 10 to 15 minutes to navigate the pedestrian tunnel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk between terminals at LAX without going through TSA security again?

Yes. LAX provides a fully connected post-security airside pedestrian walkway system connecting all nine terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), Terminal 4, Terminal 5, Terminal 6, Terminal 7, and Terminal 8. If you arrive on a domestic flight and already hold your onward boarding pass, you can walk to any departure gate across the airport without leaving the secure zone. However, international arriving passengers who must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection cannot use these airside walkways until they have completed passport control, claimed their luggage, re-checked their bags, and cleared TSA screening.

Do I have to pick up my luggage during an international layover at LAX?

Yes. Under United States customs regulations, all passengers arriving on international flights must retrieve all checked baggage from the arrival carousels in the customs hall, regardless of whether the bag tags indicate a final destination in the United States or an overseas onward airport. After clearing customs, travelers on single through-tickets can drop their bags at the dedicated airline transfer re-check counters located immediately outside the customs exit doors.

How do I get from Tom Bradley International Terminal to Terminal 4 for an American Airlines flight?

The easiest route is the Terminal 4 Connector airside bridge. If you are already post-security, locate the connector corridor on the south side of TBIT (near Gate 148/150) and walk directly into the Terminal 4 concourse in approximately 5 minutes. If arriving from an international flight, exit the customs hall, take the elevator or escalator up to the departures level, and walk along the Upper/Departures sidewalk directly south into Terminal 4 to clear TSA security.

How much connection time do I need at LAX for an international-to-domestic layover?

A minimum connection buffer of 2 to 2.5 hours (120 to 150 minutes) is required for single-ticket international-to-domestic connections. This window accommodates foreign deplaning, passport control queues, baggage retrieval, customs inspection, baggage re-drop, walking to the domestic terminal, and clearing TSA security checkpoints. If traveling on separate tickets or during peak holiday travel periods, book a layover of at least 3.5 to 4 hours.

Is there a free shuttle between terminals at LAX?

Yes. The airport authority operates the free LAX Shuttle Route A, which runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in a continuous loop along the Lower/Arrivals level roadway. Buses arrive every 10 to 15 minutes at designated curbside stops marked with blue overhead signs labeled "LAX Shuttle & Airline Connections".