Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT)
The Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) is the main international gateway at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and one of the most iconic airport terminals in the United States. Serving dozens of international airlines and millions of passengers every year, TBIT is the center of long-haul operations at LAX and connects Los Angeles with destinations across Europe, Asia, Oceania, Latin America and the Middle East.
Completely modernized and expanded in recent years, the terminal now offers a world-class passenger experience with impressive architecture, premium lounges, large-scale shopping areas, modern restaurants and advanced passenger facilities.
TBIT Overview
TBIT is by far the largest and busiest international terminal at LAX and can involve long walking distances.
History of TBIT
The Tom Bradley International Terminal opened in 1984 ahead of the Los Angeles Olympic Games and was named after Tom Bradley, the first African American mayor of Los Angeles. The terminal quickly became one of the airport’s most important international facilities.
A massive modernization and expansion project transformed TBIT into a world-class international terminal featuring dramatic architecture, larger aircraft gates, upgraded immigration facilities, luxury shopping areas and premium passenger lounges.
Today, TBIT serves as the primary international hub at LAX and handles many of the airport’s flagship long-haul flights and premium international carriers.
The modernized TBIT is considered one of the most visually impressive terminals in North America.
TBIT Levels
The terminal is organized into several passenger levels dedicated to departures, arrivals, immigration and boarding operations.
TBIT Passenger Flow
Walking Times Inside TBIT
Some gates at TBIT are extremely far from the central security checkpoint, so allow extra walking time before boarding.
Shopping at TBIT
TBIT features one of the largest airport shopping areas in the United States, including luxury boutiques, designer brands, travel essentials and international duty-free stores.
Restaurants & Dining
TBIT offers one of the best airport dining experiences in the United States, with premium restaurants, celebrity chef concepts, bars and international cuisine options.
The Great Hall dining area becomes extremely crowded during evening international departure peaks.
Passenger Services
Terminal Connections
TBIT benefits from direct post-security connections with several neighboring terminals, allowing easier international transfers without exiting security.
International connections at LAX are significantly easier today thanks to the newer post-security connector corridors linked to TBIT.
Security & Passenger Experience
TBIT experiences extremely high passenger volumes throughout the day, especially during afternoon and evening long-haul departure banks.
Evening departure periods to Asia, Europe and Oceania create the heaviest congestion levels inside TBIT.
TBIT Highlights
- Main international gateway at LAX
- One of the most modern terminals in North America
- Impressive architecture and Great Hall
- Excellent shopping and luxury boutiques
- Premium international lounges
- Direct airside terminal connections
- Large-scale long-haul operations
TBIT is the heart of international travel at LAX and one of the airport’s most visually impressive and globally connected terminals.