No flights were delayed or cancelled as airlines played musical chairs Sunday with their check-in counters, baggage facilities, ramp gear and passenger gates at Los Angeles International Airport.
That was the assessment from LAX spokeswoman Katherine Alvarado, surveying the aftermath of the overnight, partial relocation of one major airline — Delta — and several smaller carriers.
Billed as “LAX on the MOVE,” what may be one of the biggest airline terminal relocations in U.S. aviation history began Friday night, and featured eight airlines moving to different terminals overnight on Saturday.
On Saturday, some flights to and from the Tri-State Area of New York and New Jersey were delayed due to weather concerns, but no delays were caused by the terminal moves.
By the time the project is completed next week, 15 airlines will have relocated.
Delta is in the midst of a three-night transition from Terminals 5 and 6 to Terminals 2 and 3. Delta flights arrived and departed at Terminals 3, 5 and 6 on Saturday, and were scheduled to complete their move to Terminals 2 and 3, on the north side of the airport loop, this week.
Shuttle buses wrapped in green to match the vests of volunteer wayfinders are running on the upper departure level and the lower arrivals level until midnight to assist travelers who are at the incorrect terminals. The new airline locations have also been updated on the overhead signs throughout the Central Terminal area, according to Los Angeles World Airports spokesman Charles H. Pannunzio.
“Months of planning are beginning to pay off as our airline partners begin transitioning into their new terminals,” said Trevor Daly, LAWA deputy executive officer for external affairs. “We thank our guests for their patience and understanding, and our airline partners and volunteers for their professionalism and dedication.
Our Guest Experience Team is ready to help any and all passengers find their way throughout LAX in the coming days,” Daly said.
The airlines in new locations so far include Allegiant and Frontier, which have both moved from Terminal 3 to Terminal 5; Boutique Air, which has moved from Terminal 3 to Terminal 6; Sun Country, which has moved from Terminal 2 to Terminal 5; and Virgin America, which has moved from Terminal 3 to Terminal 6.
Virgin Australian will now check-in passengers at Terminal 2, but continue to stage aircraft at the Tom Bradley International Terminal. Volaris will continue to check in passengers at Terminal 2, but will stage its aircraft at the Tom Bradley International Terminal.
Smaller air carriers are also in flux, cusotmers were advised to check with airlines.
