It’s time to get real, agents.

It’s no secret that for a few years, Los Angeles International Airport has had a bit of a bad rep. And as agents, while it might be the best sale for your clients, it’s not exactly top of the list for travellers.

But things are changing over at LAX. We mean really changing.

We’re talking fresh renovations that have made the airport slick, and stacks of financials as high as Mount Everest to ensure you’re getting bang for your buck.

So now it’s time to shatter those misconceptions that some of you may believe.

MYTH 1 – LAX is inconvenient

Image Credit: Westfield

LAX has a new philosophy, and it’s all about being the gateway to America. Whether you’re just passing through, staying for a few days, or basing yourself in the glorious destination that is L.A., there’s no better airport to move you around America.

LAX hosts all five major US carriers and all five direct services, so you have your choice of carriers and connections.

LAX offers 692 daily nonstop flights to 85 cities in the U.S. and 928 weekly nonstop flights to 67 cities in 34 countries on 59 commercial air carriers.

LAX is also just 40 minutes from Hollywood, 30 minutes to Santa Monica, and around 20 minutes from Marina del Rey. And for savvy travellers and informative agents, the www.LAXishappening.com website has every single piece of info you could possibly need regarding the status of LAX terminals, upgrades, renovations, and vital news to keep you cruising through unaffected.

MYTH 2 – LAX is boring

Image Credit: PanicStudio L.A.

Boring, schmoring – LAX is anything but!

From employing dogs to calm down anxious and tired passengers, to creating an incredible art gallery ambiance, the airport is shaking the ‘boring’ shackles and making a name for itself.

As part of its expansion and renovation, LAX has transformed many of its public spaces into art spaces by featuring temporary art exhibitions and installations throughout the airport.

Keep an eye out for the Air Garden in Tom Bradley International Terminal, a large-scale sculptural installation that looks much like a delicate beaded curtain, or the Bell Tower suspended from a skylight above the TSA security screening area.

And within a number of terminals, digital artworks are displayed to depict the destinations the aircraft will be flying to, whether it’s glorious ocean views and aquarium vibes or snowy cities peeking out through hazy powder.

Westfield’s major debut in Terminal 6 isn’t something to be scoffed at, with over 21 new dining and retail destinations. The design layout has been inspired by L.A.’s famed Sunset Boulevard and includes a first-of-its-kind The Marketplace by L.A. culinary legend Wolfgang Puck.

MYTH 3 – LAX doesn’t care about the traveller

Image Credit: Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)

Well, agents, on this fact you couldn’t be more wrong. LAX has listened to the cries of the people and made things better in every respect.

For the anxious or exasperated passenger, the airport has started employing PUPs, or ‘Pets Unstressing Passengers’ at departure levels in the gate areas of each terminal, helping flyers relax and bringing joy to nervous flyers.

For those darn sick of airport food and the standard fast food chains seen around the world, the food offerings have vastly changed. In LAX, you won’t find McDonald’s or Pizza Hut, but instead will be delighted by Californian-inspired cuisine with the majority of outlets reflecting the local L.A. culture.

For families, there are dedicated kid spaces to appease both the kids and the parents, and even relaxing pods to mellow out in while you wait for your next flight.

And for those who have to be connected all of the time – here’s a fun fact: 47% of seats at the boarding gates are integrated with electrical outlets for charging personal electronic devices.

Oh, and while guests will continue to receive 45 minutes of free Wi-Fi service, speeds are cranking up to more than four times faster than they used to be.

MYTH 4 – LAX is old fashioned

Another fun fact: the LAX Modernisation Program is doing wonders for the traveller. Transiting passengers can zip around with ease thanks to new developments including 1.7 km of elevators, over 2 km of new escalators, and around 1km of moving walkways.

New construction at LAX is pumping billions of dollars and tens of thousands of jobs into the Los Angeles economy, making an essential contribution to the region’s future and ensuring that LAX will continue to be the gateway to the States.

The fast tracked electronic processing has catapulted the airport into the present rather than leaving it lingering in the past. But it’s not just about the rapid advancements in customs and processing, oh no.

The new Tom Bradley International Terminal dining program features a sophisticated line-up that unites Los Angeles and global flavours for a traveller-friendly mix of healthy and fresh sit-down, casual, and grab-and-go options. A USD$79.8-million investment by Westfield and its partners will introduce 27 dining units, of which seven are pre-security and 15 are local Los Angeles brands.

MYTH 5 – LAX is slow

Image Credit: PanicStudio L.A.

Far from the dark ages, LAX is in fact highly modernised after a series of developments across the board, bringing it into modern times.

Final fun fact: LAX’s newest systems in the Tom Bradley International Terminal can process 4500 passengers per hour through immigration, up from the 2011 rate of 2800 per hour.

The introduction of Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks is helping to expedite the entry process for international travellers arriving through Tom Bradley International Terminal. Aussie travellers can submit their customs declaration form and biographical information electronically, slashing the time spent with an individual and taking around 90 seconds – a family of three is served within four minutes!

Upgraded customs and immigration federal inspection areas have also been brought in for more efficient passenger processing, including secured corridors between Terminal 3, the Tom Bradley International Terminal and Terminal 4 so connecting passengers can conveniently go from one terminal to the next.

The In-Line Baggage Handling & Screening System program has not only improved the security screening of checked baggage at all LAX terminals, but has gone ahead and automated it, making travel through LAX safer, faster and more convenient.

The Terminal 5 renovations have greatly improved passenger service and security with a completed new in-line baggage screening system, expansion and streamlining of the passenger screening check points and international passenger processing facilities.

Delta Air Lines completed the renovation of the baggage claim and east lobby at the end of 2013 and has recently completed their overall Terminal 5 renovation. The spacious main lobby has doubled the check-in area. In addition, Delta ONE passengers can enjoy the exclusive check-in lounge, accessed via a private entrance.

There they will have their ticketing and luggage handled seamlessly, prior to being escorted through a private elevator to expedite security. Delta Air Lines has also unveiled their renovated Sky Club Lounge, offering a luxurious and superb place to unwind before a flight.

For the traveller, this also means a stack of fresh benefits that come from journeying through America’s gateway. These include:

• More timely and efficient baggage security screening
• A reduction in passenger congestion in the airline ticketing lobbies by relocating the checked bag- gage screening machines to non-public areas
• Enhanced overall safety, security and service at LAX

For more information on LAX, please visit www.LAXisHappening.com.

Featured image credit: Los Angeles World Airport (LAWA)