The refurbished Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX is spectacular in every way. Well, every way except one.
Security checkpoints in TBIT are terrible. Really bad. Waiting time is routinely so bad that I refuse to bother with it any longer. If I am flying out of TBIT, I will book a refundable ticket on AA, walk over Terminal 4 next door, use PreCheck, then walk over to TBIT (and cancel my refundable ticket).
That may sound tedious, but waiting in a slow-moving line without PreCheck and with a bunch of inexperienced travelers is far worse. Even though there is a “premium class” line in TBIT, it quickly empties into a general queue, saving little time. Even when lines are not long, it still takes 15 minutes to get through security.
But my Terminal 4 trick is no longer necessary.
Hidden Security Checkpoint in Bradley Terminal
After collecting your boarding pass, proceed downstairs to the baggage claim area. Once inside, walk to the far south side of the building (i.e. turn left when as you enter the building from the street). Look for a blue sign that says “Connecting Flights”. There you will find the hidden checkpoint.
On Wednesday afternoon it was empty…as in, just me.
Here’s photo evidence–
Best of all? PreCheck is honored. Laptops must be removed, but shoes and coats may remain on and you will be directed through the metal detector rather than the body scanner.
Once past the checkpoint you come to escalators that will take you upstairs to the bridge connecting T4 with TBIT:
Once you reach the pedestrian bridge, you can turn left to head to terminals 4,5,6,7, and 8 or turn right to enter TBIT.
As you walk toward the Bradley Terminal, you will pass over the regular security checkpoint:
But unlike the chumps in line there, you won’t be wasting time standing around.
CONCLUSION
Is this the best kept secret at LAX or what? Hopefully not too many will read this article, but I could not help but to share it.
Matthew, waiting 15 minutes to get through security is long? Whats your average wait?
15 minutes sounds average to me.
I like two minutes. Perhaps I’m just spoiled by PreCheck.
I”m flying from Auckland to LAX on Dec 5. so I will land in the tom bradley international airport. I then have to go through customs and I guess go through security again and I have to get to terminal 7 to fly to Newark. they have only given me a 2 hour layover. will that be enough time. I think I have pre check but not sure, dont know how to find out if I do?
Hey Matthew.. not sure you will see this, or have time to reply before I fly.. but what the heck.. I’ll give it a go!
My family is flying American Airlines from LAX to Raleigh North Carolina tomorrow (Friday 5/25).. this will be a nightmare flight to get to and on.. LAX on a Friday, around rush hour.. with a 9pm flight.. Not even sure how early to leave to get there!
Anyhow.. was wondering if I understand your ‘secret’.. Could I even use it? My wife is Pre-Check clear, me and my son are only provisionally cleared as we haven’t had the interview yet (we do have our number though).. Could we go down to the baggage claim at Tom Bradley as you suggest, straight away, and use the connecting flight checkpoint to get to our terminal? We are carry-on only..
Thanks!
Hi Robert, indeed, this would be no issue. Once you clear security and take the elevator upstairs, just turn left to enter T4, the AA terminal
Hi Matthew. I’m travelling from Miami to lax arriving 11:58 pm. I leave lax to Hk /11:00am the next day. I’m flying business class Philippines airlines. I understand tkt counters at tbit closes at 1;00am. I don’t think I can have enough time to go thru check in, security, immigration etc. Can I make use of the lounges before checking in the next day opening time at 6:00 am?
You will have access to the Los Angeles International Lounge at LAX which is a very poor lounge I would not even waste my time visiting.
https://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2016/08/22/los-angeles-international-lounge-lax-review/
You will arrive on the secure side of the airport in T4 and could theoretically try to visit the lounge by following the signs to the Tom Bradley Terminal, but you will likely be turned away from the lounge unless you are able to check in online and secure a boarding pass.
I recommend just getting a nice hotel and good rest, then arriving to the check-in counter 90 minutes prior to your flight the next day.
What if I have online check in and boarding pass printed, will I be allowed to stay in the Iounge ( from 12:00 am) till the PAL bag drop counter opens at 8:00 am then I proceed to security checks etc?
One simple item not referenced is the bridge to terminals 4-8 at TBIT are CLOSED at 5:30pm. You won’t be able to use if your arriving in the evening at any point.
Not closed airside. It is never closed.
Jeez!! What a whiner !! 15 minuts is to long for you?? Unseasoned travelers!! Wah! Wah! Wah! Wjat a conplainer.
Hey there! Would this work if I am flying Norwegian Airbin terminal 2 or is it just terminal 4 and up?
Only for departures from Tom Bradley and Terminal 4-8.
Hello, does this still work? I have Tsa Pre-check and know nothing about this airport. I am traveling with my 5 year old who is special needs and has a hard time in tight crowded areas. Do they have a dedicated pre-check line? We need to get to terminal 5 and this sounds too good to be true!
Yes, still works.
There is a shuttle that goes from TBIT to T2. FYI.
Hi Matthew, is the Hidden Security Checkpoint at lax TBIT still working ? We are a French couple, 70 and 75 often flying business on Air Tahiti Nui from Tom Bradley to PPT or CDG
Also, we might choose to fly coach on air Canada to Montreal in October; what do we have to expect as regards waiting line at security at Terminal 6 ? (better than at TBIT ?) Flying business would be a very big difference in price for such a short flight ( 3 hours)
Still working, though hours of operation are sometimes unpredictable. T6 has separate security and it is usually not that bad. Enjoy your trip!
unless there is a connecting international flight?
However, if there is a connecting international flight being routed through there, then the line will be very long, with only two lanes versus the 20 upstairs. And the TSA staffing this checkpoint are slow (and snarky) because they’re not used to handling high volumes.
well i am flying CX in F LAX to HKG, can I get my boarding pass and check in my bags at CX counter at TB, then walk to T4 to do this trick?
You certainly can!
It’s not always open. It’s been closed for two of my Friday night flights on Cathay in the past month. And it had been open in Friday nights earlier in January.
Very helpful.
The premium class security line at TBIT two Sunday afternoons ago took at least 20 minutes, and upon reaching the front of the line, a TSA agent began hollering about how he was going to break the rules down for us “Barney-Style” because a passenger just tried to bring candy through security. He then lectured us about how food includes candy because if you can eat, it it is food. The Germans in line behind me were not impressed.
The candy violation resulted in closure of one of the security lanes so several of us were asked to carry our multiple trays over to another security lane. Not a particularly pleasant beginning to our journey.
Sounds typical…
Why can’t passengers bring non-liquid food through security?
They can, but it must be removed from bags going through security at TBIT. The candy was not removed from the bags, thus the violation.
From the article you posted….am I to understand that on one can now walk post security between Terminals 4 – 8 and TBIT ? This is GREAT. Please clarify
Ric, yes you can! Terminals 4-8 and TBIT are now connected on the airside/secure side.
Do you have to be flying international or TBIT, or can you be using an originating VX ticket to east coast?
It can be any airline, though remember that Terminals 1-3 are still not connected.
As I understand it, most of the international carriers don’t recognize Pre-Check so it won’t be printed on your boarding pass. So when you say they honor Pre-Check that assumes it’s printed on the boarding pass, correct?
Correct — that is one reason I sometimes book a refundable ticket on a domestic carrier.
Michael…..check out this link:
https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/participating-airlines
This is highly unethical, and no different than buying a refundable ticket for other reasons with no attempt to fly.
I imagine AA will be taking a look at your flight history now.
meant “intent” not attempt
Matthew, you probably shouldn’t have written this. I read it. Well, I live in Chicago so you’re lucky, but I will be flying to Australia or New Zealand for study abroad possibly out of LAX sometime soon. Maybe you’ll just hope you’re not flying that particular day.
I’m glad you read it! There is still room for all of us.
Hush! Shame on you for letting the world know about a great secret!
I’ve used this checkpoint about 5 times since it opened, all the times after exiting TBIT from an incoming international flight and connecting to either AA or AS domestic. Just be forewarned, there has been twice when a TSA agent was checking boarding passes prior to entering the secure area (so, before your picture of the checkpoint above) and only letting AA boarding passes through. One of those times I had an AS boarding pass and he wouldn’t let me pass. Had to walk outside to use T4 pre-check. I’m still not clear as to why.
Just wondering, I use mileage with AA for flights from san/bkk. aa to lax and cx for the next 2 flights, as I recall I have to get in line in TBIT for cx boarding pass. did things change now so I can go from term 4 overpass directly to the gate ?
Yes, no need to exit anymore. You can proceed to either your gate or the oneworld lounge to collect your boarding pass.
Matthew, I love this idea. However, while researching techniques for visiting airside lounges, I learned that purchasing a ticket “to gain access to airport facilities” is explicitly prohibited in AA’s conditions of carriage. It states that AA then has the right to “refuse to refund an otherwise refundable ticket”. I suspect that other carriers have similar terms.
Search for “facilities” on this page: https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-service/support/conditions-of-carriage.jsp
great, thanks for the info.. I had forgotten about getting boarding pass at the lounge ( never did that before)
Mike, I don’t understand your comment. My post was a caution against booking a refundable ticket on AA and then canceling it after clearing security. That applies whether you’re doing this for Matthew’s purpose of getting pre-check, or for the purpose of visiting a lounge without flying. Sorry if the lounge reference was misleading: it was simply the context of how I came to learn about that part of the conditions of carriage.
Mike, I don’t understand your comment. My post was a caution against booking a refundable ticket on AA and then canceling it after clearing security. That applies whether you’re doing this for Matthew’s purpose of getting pre-check, or for the purpose of visiting a lounge without flying. Sorry if the lounge reference was misleading: it was merely the context of how I came to learn about that part of the conditions of carriage.
Unclear about “PreCheck” is honored”. Isn’t this fundamentally a question of the airline you’re flying and whether they’re provided Trusted Traveler data to TSA?
Indeed, but for carriers that do, PreCheck is honored at this checkpoint.
sorry John, I thought I was replying to Matthew
Mike
This is the same security checkpoint where people coming in from international locations have to take their bags through customs and recheck. If a large flight just came in, expect the lines to be massive. I’ve waited over an hour at this specific checkpoint.
How could you have waited an hour? The room is not provisioned to hold more than a 100 or so passengers in line. Did the line empty out into the terminal area? The customs back recheck is on the other side of the arrivals door from baggage claim (i.e. done just after customs but before coming out to the meet/greet lobby).
EXACT SAME EXPERIENCE. Waited an hour when Qantas flight sent Urgent passengers here. More than 100 in line, they all fit. One TSA guy looked st us and laughed and told us there were “2 lanes here, 20 upstairs ” by which he meant domestic security as our flight originated in Oz.
Appreciate the data point, but I just used it at 6pm on Thursday (three days ago) and had it all to myself.
I wish people wouldn’t advocate for booking refundable fares to get past security. Abuse of the system prevents the use when needed.
When needed for what?
Matt–thanks for sharing. Continuing in the spirit, I note that the security checkpoint at SFO near boarding area E /gates 60 to 69 (to the far right of the United check-in area ) was virtually unknown/almost always empty. It was closed for the refurbishment of E, so I don’t know if it has been reopened or has more traffic. Something I will check out next time I pass through.
Thanks for the intel Matthew. JFK T4 has a similar checkpoint. It’s on the lower level outside of the Customs Hall. If you enter the terminal from the outside, it’s lower level to the far right.
https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/participating-airlines
TSA Pre✓® Participating Airlines
Aeromexico
Air Canada
Alaska Airlines
Allegiant Air
American Airlines
Aruba Airlines
Avianca
Boutique Airlines
Cape Air
Delta Air Lines
Emirates
Etihad Airways
Frontier Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
JetBlue Airways
Key Lime Air
Lufthansa
Miami Air International
OneJet
Seaborne Airlines
Southern Airways Express
Southwest Airlines
Spirit Airlines
Sun Country Airlines
Sunwing Airlines
United Airlines
Virgin America
Virgin Atlantic
WestJet
Xtra Airways
I really hate to get started on the subject of the TSA, as it brings back some very unpleasant memories. I’ll try to keep this clean, as this site overall is “G” rated. However, as far as I am concerned, TSA stands for “Totally Stupid Asses”. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to their subjective actions, which not only varies from airport, to airport, but varies within a given airport, from one TSA checkpoint to another. One time at LaGuardia Airport, the TSA screener was yelling about people putting their shoes in those filthy tray bins. Now, I’ve done that for years at other airports. What was the big deal? Those trays are not clean anyway. To this date, I can’t understand what his problem was? It is logical to keep one’s personal possessions together (i.e. keys, watches, coins, shoes, etc.), in those bins. Then, there was the time at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport, when the TSA was still using those machines, which puffed air on people. The TSA agent kept me inside that machine forever, and after a while, it became claustrophobic. Then, after enduring her bs, I had to go into the regular metal screening machine. Fortunately, the FAA discontinued those “puffing” machines, as they created a lot of false-positivs, and were not reliable. Another time, I was on Skybus Airlines, which was a start up airline, out of Columbus Ohio; it is now defunct. The idiotic TSA agent actually told me that “he never heard of that airline, and wanted more information about it”. Can anyone believe the nitwits, whom the FAA hires? They have hired ex-cons with records, and other undesirable personnel. Many of been convicted of theft while on the job, and have been thrown out of the TSA. The TSA has a very high turnover rate. One will never seen the same TSA agents at a given airport, after a brief interval. There was another unpleasant incident at the Akron Airport. We had gone through the screening machines, without our shoes on, and proceeded to sit down on some chairs in an area, just past the screening. My wife and I retrieved our shoes from those filthy tray bins, and put our shoes back on. I was in the process of physically returning those tray bins to the stack of other tray bins, by the checkpoint, when some big mouth, female TSA agent, yelled at my wife “ARE YOU GOING TO RETURN THOSE”. I still the disgusting expression on her face. Mind you, I was already in the process of returning those bins. Did she actually think that we were going to steal those bins, as a souvenir? In any event, I seriously doubt if she is still with the TSA. As far as I’m concerned, they are a bunch of losers. Whereas some of them have been kind and courteous, the majority are not. As with the flight attendants, gate agents, and ticket agents, the power goes to their heads. In sixteen years, since 9/11/01, the TSA has not caught one terrorist. Also, it has managed to let people go through the TSA checkpoints without screening, and has even failed to detect loaded firearms from being taken onboard flights. They delight in harassing elderly people in wheelchairs, and children. They are useless and worthless; I wish that the TSA was abolished, and private security, with better background checks, were hired.
Thank you so much! Took me two minutes to get through security. This is a true secret and one of the best kept! Thank you for saving me grief and time!
Area was closed. 8:38pm Wednesday June 14th trying to get through long line for lax Tom Bradley to Sydney. I was looking forward to a success:(
Update for you all- just got through security at Tom Bradley and am waiting for the flight to Sydney. I am Precheck and was going to try and make my way to this secret security access point, however come to find out they close at 8:30pm and got there tonight (wed jun 14th) at 8:35pm. It was closed! I thought it was a big fail but then I went through quickly through a line where no one was taking out anything nor taking off jackets or shoes! I’ve never in my life seen it. No one was Precheck and they were seriously saying “I am not asking you to take anything out of your suitcase. Make sure nothing is in your pocket, let’s go, let’s go!” I went through in less than 15 minutes. Eating dinner and sighing to myself that the wait was bizarrely easy and the security looser than ever.
Thank you for sharing this great tip, Matthew! I tried it back in June and it took me less than 7 min., not 2 min. because there were 6 people in front of me. But 7 min is WAY faster than the general TSA checkpoint, so I can spend more time at the lounge. Because of this great tip, I made a video to show other readers how it gets done frame by frame. Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/edit?video_id=2RXHlNw_9ls
CORRECTION: https://youtu.be/2RXHlNw_9ls
So I assume there is no CLEAR line at the TBIT entrance. It looks like they are only over on 4,5,6, etc.
Hi, Matthew,
I appreciate the tip. As of yet, I have not used the refundable ticket trick, but I keep it in mind.
Just a comment: folks who stand in the regular line are not chumps (“a foolish, stupid, or gullible person; dupe or fool”). They are just folks, even if they lack your savvy.
As an update, this worked beautifully today, 2 minutes to get through in the early afternoon. It would have been faster, but the TSA agent working the scanner said that I had to take off my shoes. Still faster even than clear/precheck.
Where does one find the stairway/elevator down to this level after checking luggage on main level at TBI?
Walk down to the far end of the terminal (toward T4) then take the elevator to the ground level.
Hi Matthew,
It’s it for tickets of all airlines? We’re Lufthansa Pre Tsa.
Thanks Andrea
Any updates on times this is open? My tsa pre check wont work on the international flight I am taking so I am thinking of trying this the day after Christmas. I am tempted to try a refundable ticket but it looks like most tickets claim they can only be canceled before 24 hours before the flight.
I wouldn’t hassle with a non-refundable ticket. Not sure of Boxing Day opening hours, but you can still go through Premium security with AA (if you have status) and walk over. At least that will mean a shorter line.
Looks like the doors were closed at 8:51pm on a Sunday night. I’ll definitely give it a try next time!
It’s still a secret folks. If your TSA Pre, take the elevator down from ticketing on the first floor which connects you from domestic to international flights. There is a TSA screening area down there that was virtually empty when we went through just after mid day today. Leave your belts and shoes on and pass through the area with in minutes. TSA screeners were very polite and friendly compared to TSA-hell north and up one floor from ticketing.
Do you have to be ‘connecting ‘ from somewhere to use this gate ?
No.
Matthew,
Thank you for this information. I just want to make sure I have this right…I often get confused. If I come in on Southwest terminal 1…I would take the shuttle to terminal 4, go downstairs to the “secret” security check-in, then over to Hawaiian gate 5? I will have three hours…will that be enough time? I need all the help I can get.
Hi Sheila,
Are you transferring from Southwest Airlines to Hawaiian Airlines? Indeed, you’ll have to exit Terminal 1, hop on a bus, and go around the horseshoe to Terminal 5. I would not bother with the secret checkpoint: three hours is more than enough time to make your connection with a terminal change and re-clearance of security.
Hi Matt
I’m traveling Norwegian Air
So no TSA pre check avail
Does that matter?
Thanks for posting this. You are a star
Does not matter. Hope this works for you!
Spectacular! Thank you! I just skipped wsiting in a line of 300 people! Thank you!
Let me make sure I am clear LOL if I am flying out of TBIT on a AA flight I can check my bags in over at terminal 4 and use the walkway to get to TBIT? Or do I have to go to Baggage Claim at TBIT and look for the secret TSA check line?
When you already have your boarding pass, do NOT need to check any baggage and will be dropped off in an Uber, where’s the best location to be dropped off, downstairs and last door of the terminal? From there is it easy to find?
Correct. Last door of TBIT. Just come in, turn left, and you’ll see a “guard” posted at the entrance to the security checkpoint. Just flash your boarding pass to proceed through.
Hi Matthew! My husband and I are flying in on Southwest, but flying out on Air Tahiti Nui. We have pre-check, but it isn’t an option for ATN. We are carrying on and are thinking of going the refundable ticket option to get Pre-Check. If we have a domestic, same-day (refundable) ticket that shows Pre-Check, can we still use this “secret” TSA checkpoint at TBIT where we will be flying out of or do we have to use a different terminal that isn’t international? Thanks!
You sure can!
Worked like a charm this labor day at 10am. Nobody (!) in line, through within 2 mins. Guessing around 100 people in the regular lines only though, so not too busy. Thank you!!
Did this on October 17,2018 and it was Awesome!!!! Walked 5 minutes over from international terminal which was insane and had a 2 min wait. Thank you!
Was closed the 23/10 at 10.20 pm.
But normal way toke 15 min..
Thanks for the tip and I guess I will try it out tomorrow. I was under the impression I could use CLEAR and Pre-Check at T4 and then cross to TBIT, but maybe I have to have a flight out of that specific terminal to use the CLEAR line or Pre-Check in another terminal??
Tried today at 21:15 but it was closed. Long lines at the normal security.
Actually, the best-kept secret at LAX is how they learned to move jetliners away from jetways when the power was out back in 2010. They still use that method today. Gawd, it is still hard to believe that the only guy who had any idea how to do it was a career 18-wheel truck driver from out of town who was also a Private Pilot.
It is really simple actually. Just have to think a little bit outside the box.
Step one: Pull the chocks off the nosegear, disconnect the towbar from the aircraft and have the tug driver pull back toward the jetway at a shallow angle rather than straight back.
Step two: Have the pilot turn his nosegear 15 degrees to his left toward the jetway.
Step three: Hook back-up to the aircraft at that 15-degree angle toward the jetway and push the aircraft out.
The nose of the aircraft will immediately move away from the jetway at a 15-degree angle, or 3 feet back to one foot away, the same as 15 feet back to 5 feet away.
Step four: As soon as the nose of the aircraft clears the jetway have the tug driver turn to his right and straighten-out. By the time the driver gets the aircraft straightened-out it will be about 10 degrees offline to the port side, (the captain’s side) but the port wingtip will miss the starboard horizontal stabilizer on the next aircraft over by 50 feet!!! You have all the room in the world.
It is nowhere near as hard as backing a full-size 18-wheel truck into an indoor freight dock when the tractor’s mirrors only clear the door frame by 3 inches on either side! Here is a good way to rip a trailer door right off and you only have to be 6 inches off to one side too:
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AcAmRKszBO4/maxresdefault.jpg
This method will work great for all the aircraft with only one jetway against the forward cabin door.
It is still hard to believe that I only directed the operation of moving one Southwest 737 out of Gate 12 at Terminal One, which was going to San Francisco, the flight before my Denver flight from the same gate, and within 5 minutes every jetway at Terminal One was clear and all the waiting aircraft were already docking, staying 4 inches away from the jetway just like I said.
If you have any of those little aluminum dockboards like we use in the trucking industry for side-dock deliveries they will work great to bridge that 4-inch gap, Otherwise just have the passengers watch their step/watch the gap like on NYC subway trains. LAX has those little aluminum dockboards too.
If you want to move a mid-jetway 757 or a 2-jetway widebody you will have to come away from the jetway much-steeper than 15 degrees, say 25-30 degrees for a mid-jetway 757 and 40-45 degrees for a 2-jetway widebody, just far-enough to clear the mid or rear jetway by 3 feet or so, then stop, disconnect, have the pilot turn the nosegear back straight, and push from there until the nose of the aircraft is clear of the mid or rear jetway, and then straighten-out.
If you have the misfortune of having a tourist jetway behind the wing like in the movie Airport, with Burt Lancaster and Dean Martin, you aren’t going anywhere unless you can figure-out how to back the parking brake on the jetway off, then use the tug to tow it out of the way.
What was the first thing I thought about? The axles on the ground and what they did. The tug has a steering axle and a drive axle, just like a truck tractor does. The aircraft has a steerable dolly axle towed by a towbar and a trailer axle. So what the tug driver faces the opposite direction that a truck driver does? Big deal
This type of truck is what gave me the idea: https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2561/3831644837_9c53849df5_b.jpg
It is still hard to believe how well it worked-out. Just wanted to share my experience just in-case another airport suffers a blackout in the terminal but the control tower still has power.
I’m leaving from TBIT to HK at 10:45 am but have a PHX to LAX American Airlines flight arriving at terminal 5 that same morning at 9 am. Is there another security checkpoint in baggage claim in Terminal 5 or just T4?
T5 has one too.
Arriving LAX on United (terminals 7 or 8) 8AM. Flying ANA. We will not have a refundable AA ticket. Can I still still use this checkpoint after getting the boarding pass at TBIT and proceeding to baggage area (left side)? I don’t think our boarding pass will show TSA pre since we are flying ANA. Thank you.
Just take the tunnels. You won’t have to clear security again if you arriving from another flight. Following the signs for Tom Bradley Terminal. It’s a long walk!
Hi Mathew sorry don’t know how to make a new question!
We are travelling with Air New Zealand in April 2019 from London Heathrow to Rarotonga Cook Islands and are transitting in LAX we have a 4 hour layover. I believe we have to colle ct our cases and do normal security/immigration which I have never done on a connecting flight before. We are Uk residents. We are lucky enough to be flying business as it’s my special birthday and wondered what would be our best way through as would like to
make the most of the lounge showers before our next flight. Are you able to clarify our best route or lines to use etc. Thank you so much for your time
Hi Emma,
Allow me to wish you a happy birthday in advance. You will land in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. When you land, you will indeed be forced to clear passport control (queues may take up to an hour), retrieve your luggage, then proceed through security once again.
Use the secret security line if it is open. If not, head upstairs: lines move quickly and you’ll have access to a special premium class line.
One through security, head into the Villaraigosa Pavilion and then right toward the bank of escalators/elevators past some duty free shops. Head up to the Star Alliance Lounge and enjoy your time there. The showers are great and I love the outdoor terrace. You can read my full review here:
https://liveandletsfly.boardingarea.com/2017/02/11/review-star-alliance-lounge-lax/
Have a wonderful trip!
Thank you Mathew, we land at LAX at 7.40 on a Saturday evening, do you know the chances of it being open? Will the normal TSA be busy at this time if not? Will we drop our luggage off again before secret security line? And are the signs obvious for us to find and is it in baggage claim area that we will see the sights. Sorry for questions
Thank you. We are flying on separate tickets. United to LAX then ANA business from LAX to TYO. I think we will have to clear the security in LAX because we need to check our luggage and get our boarding pass with ANA. Just recently found out that ANA is now part of TSA pre which does make it better, but if these lines are that long at LAX, we like to try your method.
Hi Matthew,
Good day. I hope you’ll notice me. This is our 1st time in LAX. Arriving LAX at 9:46PM this coming Sunday via United Airlines (Terminal 7/8) and we need to transfer to Tom Bradley for international connecting flight via United Airlines again. We have a check-in baggage so after we claim the baggage can we take the tunnel (if we are going to walk) even we have 4 luggage (w/ 3yrs old)? Or it is much easier to take the shuttle instead? Then After we check-in the baggage again and got our boarding pass, is this secret / connecting flight security still open that time? Can we be able to use it even we don’t have TSA pre-check. Thank you so much in advance. Your inputs will be highly appreciated since we only have 2hrs and 19mins layover. We want to know which one can save us time.
Hi Bethy,
What is your routing? Are you connecting from an international Untied flight to another United flight? Let me know where you are coming from and where you are going to.
Thank you so much for your reply. Coming from Orlando, Florida and connecting flight in LAX going to Tokyo Haneda
Apologies, Just to clarify. Our connecting flight in Tom Bradley (TBIT) based in e-ticket that it is a UA flight but operated by ANA.
TBIT finally has a dedicated TSA Precheck lane. Make sure you take the left entrance to upstairs. I have made a short clip to demonstrate it. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94JB0ijAZ_Q
True, and it makes a huge difference. I took Singapore Airlines in April 2019 and the person at the check-in counter told me to be sure to turn left rather than right to get up to security. The TSA line was at the far left. There were two teenage girls ahead of me, no one else. They didn’t have Pre so the agent made them go to the regular security line. I cleared security in two minutes.
This was around 11 pm. Most of the flights to Asia leave between 10 pm and 1 am, so the security area was packed except for the TSA Pre line I was in. Fortunately, Singapore Air recognizes TSA Pre. Many other Asian based airlines don’t.
I should add that when the flight arrived in Singapore, I only had 50 minutes to make my connecting flight to Bali. I never thought I had a chance. However, Singapore Air had agents waiting as we got off the plane, and the agent explained to me how to get to my flight. I had to take two Sky Trains and then had a 10 minute walk since my flight, naturally, left from the farthest gate in the terminal. But I made it with 7 minutes to spare before they closed to doors. Overall, I was disappointed with Singapore Air, but the assistance at TBIT and when deplaning in Singapore was terrific.
Hello, I am flying into LAX on Southwest will land at Terminal 1 and need to get to international terminal. Do I need my international boarding pass from ALITALIA in order to go through Terminal 4 and go through security? Not too sure if this airline will issue an online boarding as got ticket with thrid party online. First tie flying this airline. Please advise.
If you can obtain a mobile boarding pass (I have in the past from Rome to LA), you will have no trouble remaining on the secure side if you can find secure-side transport to T4 then take the airside bridge to the Tom Bradley International Terminal.
Hi, Matthew-
Thanks for the heads up. My husband and I have a layover in LAX in June (a Wednesday evening). We are flying from the east coast, layover in LAX, and flying to Australia. On the way to Oz, we have a nearly 7 hour layover in LAX. My husband and I are debating exiting the airport, taking an Uber to a beach, and seeing the Pacific during our layover. However, we realize that if we do this, we will have to go back through security all over again. We are both TSA-precheck. Can you offer your advice on what to do since neither of us have flown in/out of LAX?
Much thanks, M
Definitely leave the airport. You are so close to the beach. Since I have written this article, a new dedicated PreCheck line has opened upstairs in the Tom Bradley terminal. You can head directly up there and enjoy the usual (and fast) PreCheck experience. Safe travels!
I am flying to LAX from Kansas City in March on a Thursday morning. My problem is I am flying in on Southwest and then going on to Kona, Hawaii via Hawaiian Airlines. Since Southwest does not check bags through to your destination on another carrier I will have to claim my luggage and re-check it at Hawaiian. I have about a 3 hour window if my first flight is on time. I am very worried about making it back through security in that amount of time. Would this checkpoint work for me on those airlines? I have the same problem coming back through on a Sunday evening.
Can I sign up ahead of time for pre check? I have flown a lot but it has never been an issue since once you are in usually you don’t have to go back out.
Hi Jackie,
You’ll have plenty of time to make your connection as long as the flights are not too late. Southwest uses T1 and Hawaiian uses T5. While you can use the “secret” entrance at Tom Bradly, I would just plan to use the normal T5 checkpoint. I really think you will have plenty of time.
Thanks so much Matthew! That eases my mind a lot!
Hi Matthew, great article and thanks for the advice. If I may ask a question about terminal changes. I have a friend visiting from France in April. She will return from SLC to LAX on AA. I assume arriving in terminal 4 or 5. She then will need to walk to TBIT to take her return flight to CDG on Norwegian, two separated booked tickets. She will check in with Norwegian online and only have carry-ons. Will she need to pass through any additional security? Minus any flight delays, how long would this transfer normally take? Thanks again, John
Hi. Please help! I am travelling to LAX from London Heathrow, so think I am arriving at TBIT?! Then I have a two hour stop over time to get a connecting flight to albuquerque (both AA flights)
I have no clue about the process or security or what to expect? I am a British citizen btw.
I don’t have any checked luggage.
Will I have to go through customs, and then also security at the next gate.
Thanks
You will walk from TBIT to T4…right next door. Go through security there in T4. You’ll be fine.
We are arriving Delta at T3 or T2 and departing Air Tahiti Nui at TBIT. Once we collect our bags at T3 or 2 can we simply walk over to TBIT, or walk to T4, clear security, then to TBIT? Your advice?
Regards,
Rob
You’ll need to clear security again. Lines will probably be shorter in T4.
So Matthew,
For the hidden security checkpoint, this is basically the connecting flights at the TBIT baggage claim area?
I’m flight out of TBIT in couple of weeks. I’m assuming this is still good to go?
It’s March 23, 2019.
Thanks
Correct.
Matt,
I’m traveling with my dad(wheelchair assistance request) long with 3 other older adults.
We are taking the TBI terminal China Southern airlines departing at 13:00
What’s the best route ?
My plan is to arrive at the airport at 10:00am
Check in at the counters TBIT-China Southern
Head downstairs to the hidden check point sign
Hopefully find my way to the gate?
Thanks
Correct. That is the best way. Just used this security line earlier today at the same time. It was empty.
cool thanks. Awesome stuff! Hopefully the walk isn’t that long.
so I guess I really don’t need to buy TSA precheck?
Was thinking about that but now no need to.
Going to use mobile passport.
So does that connect flight sign gets you to all gates as you walk further into the terminal?
So glad I found this article!
Thanks
Hi Matthew, thanks for this article (it’s new to me). If I decide to go the refundable ticket route, I just want to confirm that AA will (or typically will) refund a (refundable) ticket even after I’ve checked in and gone through security, and it’s a few hours before the flight?
I realize this was written a while ago, but even in 2017 it was unnecessary to book a refundable ticket on AA to get through security at T4 and then walk to TBIT airside. The airside walkway has been in place since early 2016, and even before that you were allowed to clear security at any terminal (whether it was possible to get to “your” terminal airside or if you needed to exit and re-clear security was/is your own business). I remember clearing security in another terminal in 2016 for a departure out of TBIT (which didn’t have Precheck at the time, IIRC).
Eyeball the upstairs lines first. Followed this advice for a 0900/15MAR TBIT flight while my wife went upstairs through security. She beat me to the gate by 25 minutes and enjoyed a nice coffee during my tedious trek through a poorly designed and even more poorly executed TSA checkpoint with surley employees and exhausted arriving trans-Pacific passengers with their overstuffed hand baggage, many of whom were getting their first of taste of our tax dollars at work. Poorly researched “secret” apparently based on a few personal experiences other than morning departures. If are departing on a morning Delta domestic wide body flight that turns from a trans-Pacific arrival, its TBIT arrival gate will likely be used outbound as well. Check out the upstairs security situation before using the connecting facility downstairs with its crowds and very long walk to the gate.
Hi Matthew – apologies for treating you as a source of general LAX information, but I’ve been looking for information regarding international transfers for quite some time without success, and am wondering whether you might be able to help.
My husband and I will be arriving on Delta Airlines from Mexico around 11.45am on a Friday. I understand Delta uses Terminals 2 and 3, so assume we would arrive at one of those. We are then booked on a separate ticket to London travelling from TBIT at 5.15pm.
Do I understand correctly from the conversations above that we would collect our bags and go through customs, walk over to TBIT, check our baggage and go through security again? If so, is 5.5 hours between flights likely to be sufficient?
Thanks!
You are correct and you’ll have more than enough time. Have a great trip!
Hi There
I’m flying from Auckland to London via LAX in a few weeks. As far as I know, we are going through normal security. How do you get into the security pass you are talking about? do need a precheck people are talking about or do we just go to the hidden checkpoint? just a bit confused but have traveled lots before.
Thanks
FWIW, HNL has something similar in the inter-island terminal. Go downstairs and walk north past all the carousels. You can connect to anywhere airside from there.
Yeslem chej mahmud
HI,
I am so glad I found this little secret. We are traveling on BA out of TBIT soon. After checking bags, you say to go downstairs – does that mean go downstairs inside TBIT and do security within TB or go downstairs and walk to T4 along the sidewalk and go through security in T4? Perhaps this is actually 2 options – both being faster than the regular lines upstairs in TB? We are not TSA pre but we do have Clear if that makes a difference. plus we will have a 4 year old so ya know!
Thanks for your help.
Hi Matthew – I’ll be arriving at TBIT from Tokyo and flying out of T7 to Santa Barbara, so am looking forward to using your “secret” walk between them.
One question, does this Security area in Terminal 4 have CLEAR?
Hi Susan, yes the T4 checkpoint has clear, which is probably your better bet than my secret checkpoint.
There’s a Pre-Check line now at TBIT. I frequently use the T4 security to get to TBIT since it’s faster overall, last time I did have CLEAR and Pre-Check and was going to the PF Changs Priority Pass restaurant (GO CHASE, down with AMEX!) before my flight out of T2.
Does this still work? I am flying this Sunday. I have TSA Pre check. I heard some stuff that there is someone actually checking if you have a connecting flight now.
Yes, it still works.
Matthew – does this Security option still work? I’ll be arriving at TBIT LAX Nov 18, 2019 and need to transfer to United.
Yes, still works, though hours vary.
Every time I go LAX ( Tom Bradley ) fall asleep someone steals my stuff no security but there siting right next to you
Hi Matthew, thanks for your great advice here! We are flying on BA to LHR at 2100 on Thursday Jan 2nd. We are Gold and Silver Exec card holders so want to get to the Lounge as quickly as possible:-).. Any idea what would be faster for us, checking in our cases at BA, and then walk to T4 and use that Security Line, or walk downstairs at TB to the Connecting Flights Security Line? We are UK passport holders so can’t use the pre check service. Many thanks!
I’d say go downstairs. Both will be better alternatives than the upper level Bradley without PreCheck.
Hey Matthew, does this work for people who are coming into the country from TBIT? I have 2 hours and 50 minutes from when my flight on Singapore from Tokyo lands at LAX and my flight on Alaska leaves from Terminal 6 (business on Singapore and first on Alaska, if it matters). Is this a workable timetable? Got a trick to help me and my bags make it?
I was just there yesterday and the area was crowded. You’ll have enough time if immigration lines are moving, but may actually want to get some fresh air and head down to T6 by foot if your bags are not too cumbersome.
Flying LAX to Dubai on Sat. Cant agree more that TB is the worst for security lines. We have Clear (and also business class on Emirates) but as far as I know, Clear is not integrated at this checkpoint / as you said, being priority makes little difference. We are Terminal 3. Is it worth it to attempt the connecting flight entrance? We have clear but not TSA.
With the general mess that LAX is and given the flu season I prefer to be in close contact with the least amount of humans as possible…
I just did this tonight on the prompting of a helpful guy at BA check in. WOW! I was literally the only one there and this No TSA Precheck guy was through in less than 1 Minute.
What about the TRULY HANDICAPPED that can’t walk and do stairs or escalators?
thanks for the publicity. Should even out the crowds
Hi Matthew,
Many thanks for clear article with great tips, one quick query. I’m arriving on an international flight from Auckland to LAX on AirNZ @ TBIT with only carry on luggage, connecting to American Eagle T5, can I remain airside or have to recheck-in landside anyways after immigration?
You will need to pass thru immigration and re-clear security. Safe travels!
I am at LAX 12/4 Saturday morning and the door from the luggage claim to the security checkpoint is closed and roped off. Is this checkpoint closed for good?
Is this secret TSA check point still operating?
Yes, it is! Hours may vary, though.
Matthew, I’ve done this once a couple of years ago, and it was SO EASY. Such a good feeling. Thank you! I wish they would post hours of operation. I recommended it to a friend, and it was closed for him.
MSP has TWO secret and fast TSA entrances. Do you know them? I’m happy to share, but alas they are currently closed due to covid. Hopefully, at least one will open back up again.
Finally, I would love a recommendation of where in LAX to have a fancy and relaxing time with my mother if we’re not flying a premium cabin, and I don’t have elite status or Amex Platinum. Priority Pass is pretty useless here, and the restaurants I’ve seen are not so great. Thanks very much for any help. I’ll check out the rest of your blog!
“After collecting your boarding pass, proceed downstairs to the baggage claim area”.
Hi Matthew, I’m a little confused as to what terminal you are referring to? When you say left/southside it would suggest you’re back in TBIT? But you say Baggage Claim area which would suggest T4?
Having only 2:25 between arriving at TBIT and flying out of the American Eagle remote terminal I’m very keen to find the shortcut on this trip. Cheers
It’s in the arrival lobby of TBIT. Far side in the direction of T4.
Hello Matthew. Is this checkpoint still in operation?
Yes!
Cool, thank you.
Matthew, it was closed in Sept 23. Permanent?
I just saw it open – it seems to still be open at different points during the day.
But there wasn’t even a doorway in September. Did you see a passage gif sure?
Next time I fly though I will check.
Thanks for the quick response.
HI Matthew, have you used this in 2024? Traveling later today. Thanks
I have not. Let me know if it is still working well.
It reopens again.
I just used it this morning