Terminal Overview
LAX Terminal 1 is primarily a domestic terminal and is best known as the longtime home of Southwest Airlines, with JetBlue also operating here. You’ll find it on the airport’s horseshoe-shaped terminal loop, and it’s designed for high-volume, quick-turn flights—so the vibe is busy but generally straightforward once you’re past security.
Terminal 1 has been in the middle of a major upgrade: a $477.5 million expansion that adds a new Terminal Vertical Core and improves the walk to the future CTA Center Automated People Mover station. Expect a more modern feel than older LAX spaces, with expanded passenger facilities (like more restrooms and baggage claim improvements) rolling out as construction phases finish. Overall, the experience is “get you moving” efficient—especially if you arrive early and know which gate area you need.
Airlines & Destinations
- Primary airlines: Southwest Airlines and JetBlue operate from Terminal 1.
- Also note: Some carriers may check in at Terminal 1 and then bus passengers to Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) for departures (a setup that has been used for airlines such as Allegiant, Breeze, Frontier, and Sun Country). Always confirm the terminal and gate in your reservation and day-of-flight alerts.
Key destinations from Terminal 1 are largely domestic and include frequent service to major U.S. cities (think West Coast hubs, Texas, the Midwest, and transcon routes depending on season and airline schedules). Because LAX schedules change often, the most reliable approach is to treat Terminal 1 as your starting point for Southwest/JetBlue and then verify whether your flight is operating directly from Terminal 1 gates or via a bus transfer.
Alliance info: Southwest is not part of a global alliance (Star Alliance/SkyTeam/Oneworld). JetBlue is also not a member of those three alliances. If you’re connecting to an alliance partner at LAX, you’ll likely be walking (or shuttling) to another terminal such as Terminal 4 (American/Oneworld) or Terminal 3 (Delta/SkyTeam).
Layout & Navigation
Terminal 1 has 14 gates: Gates 9, 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, 13–16, 17A, 17B, 18A, 18B, plus a bus gate used for remote/transfer operations. Once you clear security, you’ll be in a central concourse with branching gate areas; signage is generally clear, but keep an eye on the A/B suffixes (like 17A vs 17B) so you don’t walk to the wrong holdroom.
Security checkpoints are located on the departures level and feed into the main post-security concourse. At LAX, queues can swing wildly by time of day; give yourself extra time in the morning rush and early evening. Inside the terminal, walking between gate areas is usually manageable—Terminal 1 isn’t enormous—but at LAX you should still plan buffer time. As a rule of thumb, allow 10–15 minutes to walk between neighboring terminals if you’re connecting on foot (for example, heading toward Terminals 2/3 or farther along the loop). If you’re connecting to a flight departing from Terminal B, confirm whether your airline provides a bus transfer or whether you’re expected to walk outside security and re-clear at the other terminal.
- Connections: LAX terminals are connected landside via sidewalks; some terminals also have airside (post-security) connections depending on construction and operational changes.
- Future connectivity: Terminal 1’s expansion includes improved access toward the upcoming Automated People Mover system, which is planned to simplify terminal-to-terminal and terminal-to-ground-transport transfers once fully open.
Amenities & Services
Lounges: Terminal 1 is not known as a major lounge hub compared with Terminal B or Terminal 3, but you’ll still find comfortable gate seating in many areas. If lounge access is essential, check whether your ticket or credit card includes access in another terminal and budget time to get there (and potentially re-clear security if required).
- Food & shopping: Expect a practical mix of quick-service restaurants, coffee, grab-and-go snacks, and convenience retail—ideal for a fast meal before boarding. The best strategy is to buy water/snacks after security near your gate area, especially if your flight boards from an A/B split gate where options may be thinner.
- Business needs: Look for seating clusters with charging options near the main concourse and larger gate holdrooms. If you need a quieter work stretch, pick a gate area with fewer active departures.
- Family amenities: The Terminal 1 improvement program includes expanded passenger facilities, and plans have included a service-animal relief area. For traveling families, allow time for restroom stops—construction phases can shift what’s closest.
- Accessibility: The terminal is built for step-free movement via elevators/ramps where needed. If you require assistance, arrange wheelchair services with your airline in advance, and expect curb-to-gate support through check-in and security.
Practical Tips
- For long layovers: Post-security seating is your friend. Set up near a gate that is between departures (often you’ll find more open seats), and keep an ear out for gate changes—LAX can reshuffle gates close to boarding.
- Quietest places to rest: Walk away from the central food/concession zones and look for the far ends of the concourse near less-active gates (especially when a bank of flights has just departed).
- Power outlets: Your best odds are along the walls of larger holdrooms and at newer seating clusters. If you see outlets, claim them early—Terminal 1 turns crowds quickly.
- Wi-Fi: LAX offers airport Wi‑Fi; connect after security and test it early if you have a work call, since speeds can vary during peak periods.
- Bus-gate flights: If your boarding pass mentions a bus transfer (often for flights staged from Terminal B), arrive earlier than usual. Bus loading can be efficient, but it adds steps and timing constraints.
- Connecting to another terminal: Use the 10–15 minute per-terminal walking estimate and add security time if you must exit and re-screen. When in doubt, ask an agent before you leave the secure area.