At one of the world’s worst airports, this is probably the best terminal

The airport

LAX Terminal 7

The flight

United Airlines flight UA839 from Los Angeles to Sydney, departing at 10.45pm.

The arrival

I’ve always approached most of my departures from LAX like an uphill battle, with the 111,484-square-metre Tom Bradley International Terminal notoriously ranked poorly for its inefficient layout, amenities and stressful security process. But this time, I’m flying from United’s dedicated Terminal 7 hub, which exclusively services United international and domestic flights, and feels like a micro airport within this mammoth aviation precinct. There’s a fair amount of traffic once we get into the airport road, but it doesn’t take long before I’m kerbside at the United Airlines Premier drop-off bay.

The look

It’s super bright inside this compact terminal, with neon-white lighting, pops of United’s signature blue, and modern interiors that underwent an extensive $US546 million ($795 million) glow-up in 2019. Despite servicing long-haul international flights, including those to Sydney, it has the scale and ease of a large domestic terminal.

Check-in

There’s no queue at the United Polaris business-class check-in when I arrive, instead, a staff member uses the kiosk to check in my bag, and abruptly asks me to open my passport page to the photo page. There’s no time for niceties, but she gets the job done.

Security

The United Premier line is closed and it takes a while to pass through security. I present my ticket and passport, as is procedure in the US, and I’m then asked to take off my shoes. (FYI: most airport security find my platform-style Converse sneakers highly suspicious). I realise the bubble-wrapped carved walking cane I impulsively bought in a Mexican marketplace at El Pueblo De Los Angeles looks like a rifle, and assure the attendant that it’s not that type of souvenir.

Food + drink

For such a small terminal (it services gates 70A through 77), it’s extremely well appointed. There’s the Rolling Stone Bar & Grill serving burgers and drinks, fast-casual steakhouse spin-off Wolfgang Puck Express for pizzas and salads and a food court offering pre-made salads and sandwiches. The options feel manageable rather than overwhelming.

Retail therapy

Pier 7 Market has all the bits and bobs you might need to replace during your travels, such as universal adaptors and Apple-compatible earphones. There’s not a lot in the way of souvenirs. Stock up on all manner of American snacks at Hudson News, such as Jolly Ranchers and Junior Mints.

Passing time

If you’re travelling business class with United or you’re flying business or first class on a Star Alliance partner airline, the United Polaris Lounge is excellent. As well as sit-down The Dining Room offering a la carte meals, you’ll find a buffet (spot the gummy bears) and a full-service bar serving free-flowing cocktails. The latter is rather rowdy when I travel, with excited Sydney-bound Americans mingling over drinks. For those without lounge access, there’s plenty of seating with charging stations and power outlets in the general terminal area, as well as United’s Club Lounge, which has an outdoor terrace and offering walk-in access for $US59 ($86).

The verdict

LAX is often referred to as one of the world’s worst airports, but Terminal 7 is another story. The United Airlines Terminal 7 hub at LAX is well-equipped and feels exclusive and stress-free.

Our rating out of five

★★★★

The writer travelled with the assistance of United Airlines. See united.com