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LAX terminal shuffle

Major airlines began a massive terminal swap at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on May 12, the first stage in $1.9 billion in improvements that Delta Air Lines is making at Terminals 2 and 3 and at the Tom Bradley International Terminal. Terminal moves were completed by June 4. 

Airline gate and check-in counters of both domestic and international airlines were involved in the move. The check-in counters for some airlines are now in different terminals than their departure gates.

Arabian diplomacy crisis

The countries of Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, UAE, Bahrain and the Maldives cut off all diplomatic ties with Qatar on June 5, claiming that Qatar supported terrorist organizations, including the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the al-Qaeda allied Nusra Front in Syria, and accusing Qatar of offering assistance to Iranian-backed groups in the region.

TSA testing new rules

On May 25, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began testing new protocols at security lines in 10 US airports. The new protocols require that any electronic device larger than a cell phone, such as a tablet or e-reader, must be removed from carry-on baggage before going through the x-ray machine. Additionally, some other items, including food items, may be required to be removed from bags for inspection. These rules do not apply to TSA Preè (Pre-check) passengers.

US-Cuba flights reduced

Three US airlines are ceasing flights to Cuba. Silver Airways began ending its nine US-Cuba routes starting in March, completely ceasing flights by April 11. Spirit Airlines ended its Fort Lauderdale-Havana route on May 31, and Frontier Airways is ending its Miami-Havana route on June 4. 

Fast China transfers

Passengers flying internationally on China Southern Airlines who have transfers at Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, China, will get “rapid transfer service,” relieving them of having to claim their checked luggage and allowing them to skip Customs until reaching their final destination. In some cases, a Customs declaration may still need to be made.

Mexico City airport Customs change

Travelers deplaning from an international flight at Terminal 2 in Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City will no longer be required to go through random bag checks. Previously, arriving passengers each were required to push a button at Customs that would randomly flash a green (free to go on) or red (mandatory bag check) light. 

A new mobile x-ray machine now checks bags between the aircraft and baggage claim. If successful, the program is expected to be expanded to other airports in Mexico.

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