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167 thoughts on “This Hawaiian Airlines Terminal Is A Traveler’s Nightmare”
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More travel reports are coming after getting through this airport maze.
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We took Hawai’ian into LAX in early December and it was Awful! I’m 75 yo, we took a red eye, arrived at about 5 am. There were No carts, the moving sidewalks were out of order, so I walked the 1 1/3 miles. Returning was equally horrific!
Flying into LA from Honolulu was horrible! The over a mile long walk to baggage was excruciating for me, no place to stop and rest or get water. The signage was abysmal. There’s no outside transportation service to the baggage either. Never again.
I’ve flown Maui to LAX on approximately 5 occasions in the last year. I’ve gotten use to the walk but the lack of food options (I take the early flight) is so frustrating that I’m thinking of flying another airline on my next trip. I’m talking nada!
I used to fly every month and the prior terminal was perfect.
I fly four to five times a year, from LAX to Honolulu. At 71 years of age, I find the new Hawaiian Airlines terminal configuration, very challenging! Tried walking it the first time, but now I always use a combination of golf cart and wheelchair, to make the one mile plus trip bearable.
lax espically Bradley terminal totally stinks. Some1 took the worst feature of O’hare (long walk to other terminal) and ATL long distance to other airline terminals.
Then there’s the outdoor stink 1st pollution swiftly followed by the dupe stench.
So glad air Tahiti is flying non stop to ppt out of Seatac.
Just used this terminal 2 weeks ago back and forth from HNL. The Worst experience I have had in years of travel all around the world-in my own backyard. Glad to know it’s 1 1/3 mile, my guess was close. My loyalty to Hawaiian airlines is now gone-heading back to the islands next month and booked on Southwest out of Long Beach just for this reason. Forget the miles, Not worth this inconvenience.
I too had the same experience upon arriving from Honolulu (an overnight flight) to LAX. Luckily, I wasn’t pressed for time arriving or departing, but the lack of signage or alternate means of transporting differently abled passengers was apparent. I avoid LAX at all costs, but that’s where many specialists doctors are. Appreciate your article! Mahālo nui!
We’ve flown all over the world and have to say LAX and in particular the new B terminal is the worst experience we have ever had. We flew to OGG from LAX in February, and I saw the warnings on the HA website about the move to terminal B, and to plan on a 20 minute hike to the gate from the check-in counter. We had an early morning flight and there was practically no one in the terminal to hold us up and it still took right at 20 minutes! I couldn’t believe there was no people moving system built into the new terminal! Ridiculous!
Aloha, BOH! We’re currently on Kaua’i and have to say it’s been one of our best trips ever. Surprised that it appears the crowds have thinned out. Not nearly as many people here as we expected!
Very poor to non existent signage to baggage exit.
I just did this a couple of weeks ago and the sheer length of the walk was ridiculous. And I’m complaining as someone who runs for fun! I had my ride circling around outside for 20 extra minutes, because we had no idea the terminal was so far from the street.
I love flying in and out of Tom Bradley! Before my flight, I go to ‘Vino Volo’–great little restaurant for a nice flight of wine and some good food. It gives me a chance to get a good walk in before (or after) sitting for 5+ hours, and then I get to walk through the beautiful shops in the international terminal! I have never had a problem with finding the shops and restaurants closed–always have been open. And the exercise is a great thing! But for the feint-hearted, there have always been plenty of shuttle rides available to get you promptly to your terminal.
I could not agree more on your assessment of the LAX Hawaiian terminal being in the far extremes of the International terminal. If I had known just how far it was to baggage claim, how many ups and downs it would take, I would never had flown back from Hawaii on Hawaiian, something I will NEVER do again at LAX. Maybe San Diego again in the future but never LAX. Whoever thought that terminal design was a good idea should be fired and whomever at Hawaiian that changed terminals should have to schlep everyone’s luggage to baggage claim for all passengers.
We travel to Oahu several times a year! There’s worse things happening in this world than having a bit of a walk and no lounge access at an airport, if you’re fortunate enough to even be able to fly to Hawaii. Positive vibes only here. As beautiful as that island is, I’ll walk as far as they want me to walk through whatever terminal to get on my plane! We love you Hawaii, and we only fly Hawaiian Air!
Now I know why the flights out of Long Beach are full – people have started to discover this little gem of an airport, much to my dismay. I wish HA would consider adding another LGB/HNL flight. I was so happy when HA stated service to LGB. We have been frequent HA travelers ever since.
Keep up the good work, BOH! Always look forward to your news.
Full flights on the A-321? Time for us all to ask Hawaiian to put an A-330 on the LGB – Ogg route and LGB to HNL.
Horrible!!! Especially when you have asthma and cancer!!! Il pay extra to leave from John Wayne next time!!!
After a 5 hour flight, I needed to get my steps in. OK with the walk. Not ok with the hotel pick up area.
We flew from LAX to KOA last January. Yes, it was a long walk, but like you, I didn’t mind getting the steps in, especially since I was going to be sitting on a plane for 5 hours. When we returned to the Mainland, we flew through San Jose with Hawaiian, so didn’t experience LAX after being on a 5 hour flight. Get my opportunity in February 2023. 🙂
In June 2022 After arriving LAX at 11pm from Honolulu,that was the biggest Joke, terrible customer service , after the walk I thought I might wind up in Anaheim . If anything your article downplays how bad it is . Shame on you Hawaiian Airlines
Omg that was my friend and I too! We we were so delayed by that walk that our shuttle left us thus having to pay lots of money for an uber!
I complained several years ago after the 1st class lounge was removed at LAX. I am a frequent flyer and always fly first, whether I use miles or more likely, pay for the seat with money. The lines at the airport in Honolulu are always long and stressful. The insanely long walk to the last gate at LAX was the nail in the coffin for me. I now fly Alaska Air. I’ve had it Hawaiian. You don’t care a thing about your passengers.
Our family of five did this LAX to Kona in February. I am a senior in very decent walking shape and my daughter/granddaughters are young and healthy…we agreed that was our last time flying Hawaiian from LAX. Never Again. Upon our return, I grabbed a golf cart to baggage. Long Beach, here we come!
Now, I’m worried. We have this flight coming up in October. I looked at the LAX layout and was confused. My husband has a bad knee and am concerned about how far this is. How do you get a golf cart ride?
Experienced Lax in July. Way to far to walk for us elderly. Those in a wheelchair get very nice gate to gate transportation. I had injured my knee and not assistance was offered . You are correct in that when you reach the gates, there are no food options. Another long walk back to food, and then back to gate. Almost worth the extra cost to fly to Ontario, much easier to navigate without the crowds.
LAX is a dump..always has been, always will be. No matter how many billion$ of dollars they put into the airport, it will still look old and beat up when completed.
Ontario Airport is a alternative option, but needs to have more flights.
Long Beach is also an option with very easy access to the gates.
All I know, is Hawaiian/Jet Blue need to return to Terminal 4 and their original location on the east end where the AE Platinum Lounge is, Terminal 3 is a nightmare and there is no Brand synergy as to alliances. Git’r dun!
100% Nightmare!!! I had to fly Maui to LAX for my daughter’s emergency surgery- I had No idea I was gong to land at 5:00am and Walk for 20+. minutes without anyone to ask for directions, without any help and being basically pooped from flying over night. I always “carry-on” luggage but this made Absolutely No difference at all, as it turns out everyone has to snake up/down/across the freakin terminal to get the heck out of there! If I had known about this I would have 100% Never Flown Hawaiian Ever!!! Going back was equally a Nightmare, as I was given bad airport staff directions and had to Run to get to the gate area! 100% Never Again!!! Next time I flew Maui to LA, I flew Southwest to Long Beach- easy peezy pumpkin easy !!! I Hate LAX !
Let us keep in mind one fact about the move Hawaiian had to make from T5 to TBT West. When the moving notice came down to HAL, they had already been moved once from T2 where they were for years, to T5, with the understanding that this would be a long-term play. Long-term only was for a handful of years and then were uprooted again. As some may know here, HAL sued LAWA over the TBT move, but I guess the settled out so now we have what is the equivalent of what you experience in LAS when you arrive…a very long walk, also.
Wouldn’t it be great if Hawaiian would fly the A-330 from Long Beach? Yes, the runway at LGB is long enough, it is about 3,500 longer than Kahului!
We have two round trips to Kahului and back since the move to terminal B. The map above does not do justice to the maze through which you must travel. As was pointed out the food options are shortly after check-in and few are open in the morning when you start boarding at 7:30. There are a few stands near the gate where you can pick up a snack or drink.
Upon returning to Los Angeles, indeed there is a horrible maze you follow. I wonder if that route is the final path or only temporary until all the work on Terminal B is completed?
We flew LAX to Maui thru the new terminal in May and it was a miserable experience as described in this posting. Our son and his family (2 year old & an infant) had to really rush with their stroller & carry ons just to make it to the gate in time to board the flight. None of us had anticipated the very long and confusing hike to the distant gate. Same long and circuitous hike to baggage claim on our return but of course now it was night and we were all tired and kids were cranky after the long flight. In my mind, because of this horrible LAX terminal situation, Hawaiian will no longer be my carrier of choice for our annual trip to Maui.
It’s horrible! Sadly I don’t think I’ll fly Hawaiian to LAX again!
Im always suprised that Hawaiian has such a cult like following. I hate transferring from another island in Hawaii it’s a huge pain and very awkward. I can’t imagine how bad LAX is now. I flew Hawaiian for several times I went to Hawaii but the last If 5 or so times we have flown exclusively Alaska.
Aloha Jeff and Rob. Your description of Hawaiian’s LAX terminal is too kind. It’s a nightmare! The first time I navigated this labyrinth, I assumed it would be a 10-minute walk. Every time I turned a corner I expected to see my gate. No such luck. Up and down escalators, walking long cor
ridors to make a turn to another long corridor. I was run-walking, sweating and yes, swearing under my breath. I almost missed my flight. When I reached the plane, I mentioned it to the attendant. Her response: “Tell me about it. I have to walk it twice a day.” Someone mentioned it’s temporary. I hope it is. Between the mile walk to my gate, and the 30 min+ shuttle to the Uber/Taxi lot, it’s horrible. Perhaps flying out of another airport is in my future.
I would like to point out that Hawaiian had little say in their location at LAX. At only 6 flights a day, they were likely not given many options. The prime locations are given to the major 3 US airlines.
That said, it sounds like arriving at a high C gate at HNL after 7 hours from PHX and weaving around toward the bag claim, hoping that the exits to the bag claim are actually open. Of course, HNL does have the closely guarded super secret wiki wiki shuttle.
And don’t get me started on amenities near the high C gates open for the redeye flights back to the mainland!
Oh yes!! I got to experience this back in April. I’m always an early arrival person, but boy was I glad I arrived early And that I’m a fast walker. When I arrived at my gate at 0600 for my 0700 flight I was hungry. The only place open was a little shoppette that had sandwiches, bananas, yogurt, drinks. Needless to say, I’m glad I packed my own gluten free snacks.
Upon arriving back to LAX from HI, I felt the trip to baggage claim was Way more confusing than the trip from the ticket counter to the terminal.
Long story short, plan ahead! Bring snacks or food. Plan extra time cuz who really wants to miss their flight To Hawaii?! Good luck!!
Have you been to the airport in Salt Lake City?
Only to drive around. It was not particularly enjoyable in 2019 when it was under construction.
It is a very long walk! We saw the sign at the escalators before heading down the long hallway to the gates about limited food availability. We had some time so we turned around and went to the last bar before heading down to the gates.
LAX sucks. Bradley Terminal sucks even worse… flew in their from Heathrow a couple of months back. Customs was a disaster of undirected lines, then get luggage, walk 5 terminals (did not see an actual “public” shuttle bus the entire slow walk) to terminal 2 to drop off luggage, go through security (undermanned and not terribly bright) again… after the similar joke of customs and security at Heathrow… it was not a pleasant day.
I’m am totally with you on LAX. It is one of my least favorite mainland US airports.
I unfortunately had to fly into LAX from Maui on Saturday as it was last minute and my usual Maui to Long Beach flight was fully booked. That walk was exactly as you described, escalators up, escalators down, corridors that seemed to go on forever, it was beyond ridiculous. Never again! It was a dumb decision by Hawaiian Airlines to move to this no-end-in-sight terminal. I’ll do everything I can to fly in and out of Long Beach in the future.
I’m going to have to remember Long Beach!
Check out my video on YouTube comparing flying Hawaiian from Long Beach vs LAX. It is published under Music68Man
Totally agree. Hawaiian did not have their customers in mind when they switched terminals. As you said, there’s hardly any ear eating areas or places to buy food as u near the gate. The walk is inconveniently long for families with small kids and carry-ons.
We’re seniors and don’t like the walk either and lack of convenience stores near the gate.
We’re now looking into other airlines for our trips to Kauai as we frequently travel back and forth to the Mainland, but now it will Not be on Hawaiian Air. Whoever made the decision to switch to the Thomas Bradley Terminal at LAX should be fired!
We had the same “surprise” when arriving at LAX from Lihue. Great new airplane, wonderful in flight service and meal and all of it ruined by the arduous hike and circuitous route to the airport exit. Exhausting, confusing and seemingly endless. Plus the exit to the Bradley terminal is The Wordt at LAX. Crowds and traffic are overwhelming. Your advice for extra time might be optimistic. We will avoid the west gates in the future. FWIW the new terminal IS beautiful but not worth the trouble.
Wonderful meal…Really??? Ours are always not edible. SAN airport gates are also the furthest possible for Hawaiian. Never had lounge…on borrowed admission with Delta a long time ago.
I am with AJA…need to find another airlines. SWA is looking better & better!
Which “great new airplane”? The airbus A330? We are considering upgrading to economy comfort, but unsure if it’s worth the extra money.
We just experienced Bradley terminal going to rain coming back from Kona to LAX what a mess what a hassle what a fiasco ! It couldn’t be any farther, but going through the international TSA checkpoint with many people who don’t speak English, and not understanding the instructions really slowed the process down in the future we will use Ontario or another carrier
David C you might want to look at Long Beach. We have flown that route too. LGB is much smaller, much less of a stress producer. For what it is worth, I put a video on YouTube comparing Long Beach vs. LAX to Kahului. It might be worth 8 minutes of your time. Here is a link, if it is allowed. I am NOT a professional, and get nothing from this. youtube.com/watch?v=NbnBUTf6-wA
Mahalo for the Long Beach heads up! I will check out the video for sure, I appreciate it!
Aloha Rob and Jeff. So finally you got to see what I go through each time I visit Kauai. I wrote a letter to Hawaiian regarding the switchover in the very beginning. Thought it might be temporary, but no. Nothing is ever open when I depart and coming back, same thing. Who wants to eat at the airport with high prices anyway. By the time you get to baggage,get your bags,another hassle to get transportation. I either have someone pick me up or use The Parking Spot and take the shuttle which you also have to wait for. I get home from a 10:30 pm landing around 1am. I live 30 min from LAX. I deal with it because I am a loyal HA cardholder. I feel you. Glad you survived the craziness!!! Always the Best for you both. Be there in 3 wks. Mahalo nui
Hi Debra.
Thanks for the feedback on LAX. Happy travels!
Aloha.
Well, I don’t have any recent experience at LAX. However, your story makes me glad I’m flying in on United Airlines tomorrow.