The Long Beach Airport has officially completed its new $26-million ticketing lobby, which will open to the public on May 4.
“Our new ticketing lobby and our state-of-the-art baggage inspection system are great additions to what is already, in my opinion, the best and easiest place to fly in and out of in the entire state of California,” said Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia at an opening celebration on April 27.
Inside the new 16,700-square-foot ticketing lobby there are 21 common-use ticket counters that can be used by any airline, 30 self-service touchscreen kiosks, public restrooms, improved baggage checking and airline offices.
The building is also on track to become Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certified, a designation for buildings that meet environmental goals. In addition, the airport has pledged to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030.
The improvements came from a $25.5 million dollar grant from the federal government to improve security equipment. The new lobby includes two integrated Explosive Detection System units that will be able to X-ray a bag and build a 3-D image for TSA staff that will allow for faster baggage handling.
“These improvements will enhance the features that make Long Beach airport unparalleled as the transportation hub of choice of Southern California,” said Long Beach City Councilmember Daryl Supernaw.
The improvements are a part of phase two of the four-phase, $110 million Terminal Area Improvement Program that aims to improve airport security and customer experience.
The project was originally supposed to be finished this year but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When the world stopped and everybody just didn’t know what to do, Long Beach had the vision and forethought to rethink things and adapt to what’s going on,” said Ray Haj, senior vice president of Swinerton, the construction company behind the new building. “So it’s amazing what Long Beach has been able to do in serving the communities in keeping jobs open.”
Construction for phase three of the project has already begun with improvements to the existing baggage claim area, north of the nearly 100-year-old terminal that was the previous ticketing lobby.
The new ticketing lobby will begin its service starting on May 4 and the public is invited to an open house event on April 30 to show off the new building with tours.
“This is all part of our investment in our airport that’s almost 100 years old,” said Long Beach City Manager Tom Modica. “We’re looking to keep this going for another 100 years to really invest in the future of this amazing facility that has such a storied history.”
