For years, Hawaii travelers dreaded the long, confusing trek through Los Angeles International Airport’s Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) on arrival or to reach a Hawaiian Airlines flight on departure. That frustrating experience—often described as “a maze,” “a mile-long hike,” and even “a deal-breaker”—is finally coming to an end.
Beginning April 22, all Hawaiian Airlines operations at LAX will move to Terminal 6, where Alaska Airlines is located. Check-in, security, gates, and baggage claim will now be in one consolidated space, ending what readers called “the worst arrival experience I’ve ever had.”
But while the move is a significant improvement in convenience, it’s also a signal of something much bigger. This isn’t just a terminal change—it’s the first visible shift in how Alaska Airlines is quietly reshaping Hawaiian’s entire operation.
The walk that broke Hawaii travelers.
It’s rare for an airport terminal to generate as much emotion as this did. Hawaiian’s use of TBIT at LAX became infamous after Beat of Hawaii reported on the issue, prompting over 160 reader comments detailing long walks, confusing signage, poor accessibility, and a shocking lack of support for passengers with mobility issues.
We were shocked too when we tried it ourselves. What seemed like a reasonable connection turned into a maze of escalators, corridors, and unanswered questions, especially on arrival.
Jim T. shared, “My wife had just broken her leg. Even with the cart, she had to walk 100 yards to reach it.” Another traveler, Gloria A., wrote, “I tore ligaments in my ankle and still had to walk forever through escalators and ramps. I’ll never fly Hawaiian out of LAX again.”
The wheelchair service was inconsistent. Electric transport carts were only available part of the way, or stopped altogether after 11:30 p.m. on return flights. For those without mobility challenges, it was just inconvenient. For others, it was a dealbreaker.
Why this is happening now.
According to LAX officials who announced it, the Terminal 6 move begins April 22. Hawaiian Airlines flights will depart and arrive there, with check-in counters and baggage claim also relocated. Shared with Alaska Airlines and Air Canada, Terminal 6 offers faster gate access, shorter walks, and easier ride-hailing pickup.
What isn’t being discussed publicly is how this move fits into a more extensive realignment under Alaska Airlines.
Since announcing the purchase of Hawaiian late in 2023, Alaska has begun quietly reorganizing both networks behind the scenes. This terminal consolidation is one piece of a broader strategy to bring Hawaiian’s operations under Alaska’s efficiency-focused structure. And it’s not just terminals—planes, routes, and hubs are all in flux. That is all set to culminate with operations as a single airline this October.
Alaska’s bigger play.
The LAX move may be good for passengers, but it’s even better for Alaska. It brings Hawaiian’s operations under one roof with its new owner, eliminates logistical headaches, and starts standardizing workflows ahead of the joint operating certificate that’s fast approaching.
At the same time this move was announced, Alaska dropped several long-haul domestic routes that once represented Virgin America’s premium ambitions. Flights from Dulles to San Francisco, Los Angeles to Nassau, and other transcontinental options are being canceled—many of them previously operated with 737s that may soon be returning to Hawaii duty.
This has a direct effect on Hawaiian’s fleet strategy and route map. The widebody dream is quietly unraveling.
A new chapter for Hawaii travelers from Los Angeles.
For travelers heading to Hawaii from LAX, Terminal 6 brings immediate relief—shorter walks. Better signage. Faster baggage claim. And no more feeling like a contestant in an airport obstacle course.
But it also marks the moment where the experience of flying Hawaiian Airlines may start to feel a little less unique. The in-flight vibe might still include island touches, but the infrastructure beneath it is rapidly becoming Alaska Airlines by design.
This change could eventually extend far beyond LAX. Similar realignments are occurring at other airports where Alaska and Hawaiian share space. At the same time, the fleet overhaul hints at long-term reductions in the comfort, flexibility, and premium feel many travelers associated with Hawaiian.
What’s next for Hawaiian (and Hawaii)?
A combined loyalty program with Alaska is also coming later this year. Behind that, network changes, fleet adjustments, and more terminal reshuffles are going to be on tap.
As we reported earlier this month, Hawaiian’s future widebody flights are shifting to Seattle. Hawaii’s role as a long-haul hub may be diminishing as Alaska builds a broader international strategy from its home base in the Pacific Northwest.
For Hawaii’s tourism industry, this raises long-term questions. Fewer widebody routes could mean fewer premium travelers. Consolidation may reduce nonstop options. And an airline that once felt rooted in the islands is being redefined by a mainland partner with different priorities.
We want to hear from you. Are you flying Hawaiian out of LAX soon? Have you experienced the Tom Bradley nightmare walk? Does this move restore confidence, or make you worry more changes are coming?
Let us know your thoughts on these changes in the comments.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
We used terminal 6 at LAX to fly Hawaiian Airlines back to Honolulu. At first we were pleased with the short direct distance to our gate. As we settled in we noticed the area was extremely small and decided to go back down to the eating area til boarding. During boarding we realized that there was insufficient room to stand or sit. As the boarding process continued it was so crowded we couldn’t hear anything the gate attendant was saying, nor could anyone else around us. Families with children using strollers missed the right time to board and when they tried it was too cramped to push through. There was no visible posting on what was going on. A digital board up front with each stage of boarding would have been very helpful. The intensive crowding and jam of people were very unsafe in case of an emergency. Plus the poor communication made the experience of what many were calling, “Terrible”.
Thank heavens for Beat of Hawaii! I was booked on Hawaiian to fly LAX to Kona on April 22 (the day they were scheduled to change terminals) and had heard nothing about the change from Hawaiian. Even when I checked in online the day before, it said to be sure to go to Terminal B! Fortunately, I had read your article! I did receive an email from Hawaiian notifying me of the change- but didn’t see it until I was already at the airport.
To be fair, there was a message sign on the street as you entered the airport and all the permanent signage had been changed. Also, they were very efficient at check in, not the chaos I was expecting.
I personally liked Terminal B, but admit Terminal 6 is really nice and I’m glad they made the change.
I’m assuming the widebodies (787 / 330) will be flying out of 6? there’s enough room for that size of plane? (Jet bridge, etc.)
Yes, plenty of room. AC uses 787’s and UA has occasionally used (gate hog) a 777.
HA’s and now AS’s 787’s and A330’s will fit fine at the wide-body gates.
I’ve only flown HA less than a dozen times through years – and last year on their new 787.
As a 100K flyer on Alaska, I believe HA passengers will appreciate T6 at LAX – finally a nice terminal to enjoy that is not as congested/overwhelmed as some of the other terminals are. I was very pleased when AS made the move from what was the old and rundown T3!
You will also notice less traffic outside at T6 as compared to T4/5 and T7/8.
As long as this move to T6 doesn’t mean Alaska slowly eliminates LAX-Hawaii flights. Making passengers fly up to Seattle just to fly on the wide bodies is very bad business. Many passengers do not want to be stuck on an uncomfortable and unsafe MAX when traveling to Hawaii. Give me an A330, the new 787 or even the A321 everytime.
As a LAX AS flyer – HA passengers will appreciate being able to use Terminal 6. AS has almost all of the gates except for two used by AC, and one used occasionally by UA from it’s days when CO leased all of terminal 6.
Since 2021, AS has put a great deal of money into T6 to make it flyer friendly. The Alaska Lounge is upstairs in the middle of the terminal.
Now that UA has quit being pooh-pants over the use of a wide-body gate, HA will now quickly make the move from TBIT over to terminal 6. AS has been ready to do this since January 2025!
Not widely known is that AS sub-leases T6 from UA which originally belonged to CO!
HA has sure bounced around at LAX. From T2 to T5 to the outhouse at TBIT and now T6 – plus losing their lounge at T2.
The next shoe to drop – an end of AMEX transfers to the Hawaiian Miles program – and I suspect AS will not provide any advance notice – be prepared!
“…The Alaska Lounge is upstairs in the middle of the terminal…”
Any idea if F passengers on HA will be able to use the AS lounge?
Thanks
Not speaking for AS, but as a 100K member who chooses the Alaska Lounge + as one of the 100K choice benefits:
If you’re flying on a paid ticket or an award ticket booked in first class (not an upgrade) and the length of the route is 2,000 or more miles – then you do you receive same day admittance to the lounge.
If you’re flying in paid first class or on an award ticket booked in first class (not an upgrade) and the the length of the route is less than 2,000 miles, you may purchase a one time entry into the lounge for $35.00 if space is available.
All flights to/from Hawaii from LAX are over 2,000 miles.
You cannot combine routes to get to 2,000 miles.
It must be a single route – such as LAX-EWR, LAX-GUA, LAX-HNL, etc. of at least 2,000 miles.
we should have known Alaska Air was lying to us at Hawaiian. next our miles will be worthless. how could we give in ……it is a terrible loss.
What were they lying about?
Your HA miles would have been less than worthless if Hawaiian kept trying, and continuing to fail, and filed Chapter 9.
I’m flying Hawaiian out of LAX May 3. This news has me cautiously optimistic. I was dreading the Hall of Hell at TBIT as I will be walking with a torn meniscus & other stuff in my knee. Hoping for a direct line to the gate, no more obstacle course with poor signage. I loved the description of where Terminal 6 is when HawaiianAir notified me of the change: Terminal 6 is between Terminals 5 & 7. Ummm, o-kay.
You got a notification?
Not me and I’m leaving on June 2.
Terminal 6 is better as long as they flights at least keep a widebody – the A330 going forward.
If and when flights to Hawaii are all narrow body, then good bye Hawaiian for me
The handwriting is clearly on the wall for all to see. Alaska Airlines is in total control and their management style and corporate culture will be the rule going forward. HA was headed for bankruptcy and eventually a total shutdown. AS saved them and we need to accept the fact that changes are going to be made. Some will like the changes others won’t, but that’s how business works. The LAX consolidation is welcome news for all travelers.
No the goverment was already ready for a bankruptcy reorganization. Hawaiian Airlines would have gone through restructuring but they were not shutting down. I live in Hawaii this is well known ………….
They were the Only main airline for working people in interisland etc. They were going nowhere……
What’s happening now is a rape of a once great airline by a greedy corporate takeover allowed by the goverment……
Alaska is ruining everything that made Hawaiian Airlines what it was. …..
They also wanted the airline to basically confiscate their wide body planes for Alaska long international trips out of Seattle. rather then buy their own new planes………. Screwing California market where Hawaiian had many flights with bigger planes and many more flights.
It’s greed……………
There are more people flying international out of LA SF SD then Seattle. So it’s a blatent takeover with zero advantage to anyone but the Seattle market.
No doubt, some of the changes, such as located to Terminal 6 in LAX is a good news, but using less wide body aircrafts are bad news for the seniors. Perhaps, the hot sandwiches will be eliminated too. 👎
I worked at LAX for 35 years and own a condo in Kona so I travel LAX-HNL often. I flew HAL from T3, T5, TBIT West and now to T6. The HAL TBIT experience was a nightmare and even though I worked at LAX I was lost when thier ATO was at T5 but operations were at TBITW. All of the construction at LAX over the last 10 years won’t make that place any better because it’s just bandage after bandage. That tram is a joke. LAX is the only airport I know of without direct freeway access. I’m happy I’m retired now.
Jeez, LAX sounds like HNL in the 60’s till now. Constant obstacles, never ending construction, poor signage, limited food service with shorter hours. Passenger friendly, I think not.
There is a reason LAX is a third world airport. I worked there for nearly a decade myself. It only got worse every year. I too am so glad I no longer work there. We just flew recently and just about every other airport is better in just about every aspect than LAX
Daver, surely Profitability comes from satisfying consumer demand. If Alaska trash the Hawaiian Brand they will end up with liabilities and insufficient revenue to support them. If they can offer a basic service at basic prices, they could make it work by nickel and diming bags, seats, soft drinks, cookies, ife etc.
That Hawaiian LAX walk is excruciating. And the older we get, the worse it becomes. The last two trips we flew out of Ontario and then, next month, we’re flying American out of LAX, just to avoid that horrible trek.
I have been a Hawaiian Gold/Platinum customer for almost twenty years. For so many years, LAX was the airport I would have to use as my destination. The crowds and relentless traffic congestion was as bad at 6am as it was at 10pm. As soon as Long Beach added service to Honolulu and then to Maui, my flights did to! Hope Terminal 6 steps up to the challenge of improving customer experience.
Looks like Delta out of LAX then as I want a widebody. Does not look good for Hawaiian, before long flights to LAX will be via SEATAC.
I am based at LAX. Both AS and HA have crew bases at LAX. This week we will combine into a single crew room and operation center for LAX in Terminal 6. Our nonstop Hawaii flying from LAX is now 100% on HA aircraft. Our management has been very transparent. There are Zero plans to abandon the nonstop Hawaii routes from LAX. So, Rich we will continue to welcome you on our nonstop flying to Hawaii out of the more convenient Terminal 6 at LAX Aloha
That is great that you posted this information. I always take the early nonstop to lihue, Kauai. It’s always been the narrow body plane. But I am happy that the new terminal is going to be #6. That walk was too long.
Wrong. They are discontinuing HA61 and HA62, non-stop LAX to KOA. That has always been our favorite flights to/from Kona. We had to book for this Sept thru HNL to Kona at MUCH less convenient times.
Ahhh, a return to profitability and survival!
Regarding your BOH comment, “And an airline that once felt rooted in the islands is being redefined by a mainland partner with different priorities.”
I am certainly no expert on the intricacies of the airline business or merging two airlines under one flight certificate, but are there historical examples of airline mergers that had both airlines’ brands existing after the merger under one certificate? Continental, Eastern, and many others afterwards were absorbed into the purchasing airlines, and the brands were retired. Logos, uniforms and airplane livery changed – it’s normal.
I do not see Alaska Airlines keeping the Hawaiian Airlines brand after the merger is completed, no matter what CEO assurances were given last year. In my 30+ years with a global corporation I saw plans change, and CEOs and managers change. Promises made were changed. The future decisions are not anti-Hawaii … t’s making business decisions to remain competitive, or possibly cease to exist.
I did not mind the walk. What else are you going to do. By the time I get to baggage claim it is coming out.
If I were closer I would have had to stand there and wait. This is much ado about nothing.
The bigger point yes Alaska is changing things. Hawaiian had shown that they were not ready for prime time.
The day will probably come when the Hawaiian brand will be gone.
That is how acquisitions work.
Kelly: I really hope you aren’t as uncaring and unfeeling as you sound. Obviously walking long distances is no big deal or effort for you. For many of us it is and being forced to walk a long distance can be exhausting and excruciating. Your comment is offensive and uncalled for.
Iam a retired airline employee. Been through 4 mergers. Buckle up almost all will transfer to mainland. HNL. Will become a “gas and go”station. Seniority rules…….
While extolling the real benefits of the location change at LAX for Hawaiian airlines, passengers are still stuck at the 80+ year old HNL airport. Walking a mile or more to retrieve luggage at HNL with no escalators or people movers is a painful exercise for the disabled or elderly. It would be great if Alaskan airlines can change this travel nightmare for it’s passengers.
It’s Alaska not Alaskan.
I have flown in and out of LAX on HA innumerable times. It is awful. Anything would be better. The bigger story is that Hawaiians killed their only homegrown airline. It wasn’t a “merger” or a “partnership”. HA died as a direct result of antitourism.
Anyone remember Aloha, the “people’s” airline?
The HNL is less than 70 years old, not that it matters.