Delta Airlines Terminal At LAX To Undergo $229M Face Lift

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — LAX's Delta Air Lines terminal is undergoing a $229 million face lift.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa joined airline and airport officials Thursday to mark the beginning of construction on a host of improvements.

Passengers can expect to see a larger ticketing lobby and a full service bar, new baggage carousels and a VIP lounge.

Terminal 5 also is getting new federal security checkpoints.

The upgraded terminal will be decked out in new carpeting, tiles and finish, as well as additional charging stations for electronic devices.

The work is expected to be finished in 2015. Officials also project the project will employ 200 construction workers.

"Los Angeles is a critical global gateway for Delta's domestic and international customers and we are thrilled this project, which will greatly improve the customer experience from curbside to plane-side, is underway," Delta West Coast Managing Director for Sales Ranjan Goswami said.

Delta is putting in $12 million for lobby, lounge and other architectural improvements, while $25 million in federal money is being used for the security checkpoints. Los Angeles World Airport funds will be used to pay for the rest of the work. General fund money, which pays for most Los Angeles city services, will not be used.

The improvements are starting amid a $4.1 billion modernization effort at LAX, the country's third busiest airport.

"We have made it a priority to improve domestic travel as well as updating our international terminal," Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said. "By overhauling Terminal 5 at LAX, Delta Air Lines helps us ensure that LAX becomes the premier gateway to Los Angeles and to the rest of the United States.

Reporting for CBS2, Dave Lopez said most of the construction would take place at night to inconvenience fewer passengers.

Airport and Delta officials said the renovations would also bring in 15 new restaurants and shops over the coming year.