Long Beach Airport

In 2020, Long Beach Airport (LGB) began the $125 million Phase II – Terminal Area Improvement Program to make strategic pre-security enhancements to the airport. As part of that effort, two major components were completed in the Spring of 2022, including the new Ticketing Lobby and Checked Baggage Inspection System (CBIS) facility. 

The $26 million investment in the Ticketing Lobby complements the adjacent historic terminal and builds upon LGB’s status as a first-class gateway to Southern California, holding a special niche in the aviation industry with its easy access, sustainable facilities and welcoming feel for travelers. 

Features of the 16,700-square-foot Ticketing Lobby, which is anticipated to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification, include: common use ticket counters and self-service kiosks with non-porous, anti-microbial surfaces; ample square footage for improved passenger circulation; high efficiency LED lighting; and reduced indoor and outdoor water usage. The Ticketing Lobby officially opened for its first passengers on May 4, 2022. 

Ticketing services were previously centered in the historic terminal building, which is scheduled to undergo major renovations, including a seismic upgrade, and eventually transition into space dedicated to rental car customer service functions. 

The state-of-the-art $25.5 million CBIS operation, at 6,545 square feet and connected to the Ticketing Lobby, allows the Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) to more efficiently screen checked bags. It replaces what was originally designed to be an interim facility after the events of 9/11. Relocating those functions restored access to the west side of the historic terminal, revealing its classic design. A fact sheet with additional information and statistics on the new CBIS at LGB is available here. 

Completion of the newer, larger Ticketing Lobby, as well as the new CBIS facility, represent the first two components of the Phase II – Terminal Area Improvement Program. A Consolidated Baggage Claim Facility is currently under construction and scheduled to open in spring 2023. 

The Phase I – Terminal Area Improvement Program, which included $100 million in various priority projects was completed in 2012, culminating with the award-winning, LEED Silver certified passenger concourse featuring modern design, local eateries and an innovative indoor-outdoor design with a spacious post-security garden. Phase I also included construction of Parking Structure B. 

Phase II makes additional improvements to the airport to enhance the level of service for passengers and visitors, including mechanical and structural improvements to the 1941 terminal building. Upon completion, the improvements will substantially improve the functional flow from curb to gate. 

Swinerton Builders was awarded the design-build contract for Long Beach Airport's Phase II - Terminal Area Improvements, which were divided into six priority areas: 

• Ticketing Lobby (completed May 2022)
• Checked Baggage Inspection System (completed May 2022)
• Baggage Claim Area Improvements (completed April 2023)
• Terminal Renovation Improvements (anticipated completion early 2024)
• Rental Car Customer Service Improvements (anticipated completion early 2024)
• Meet and Greet Plaza (anticipated completion early 2024)

Future improvements will include:

• Rental car ready-return-lot 
• Ground transportation center 
• Terminal roadway improvements (anticipated completion late 2024)