LAX Unveils Automated Kiosks For International Travelers
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Dozens of new automated kiosks that will allow some international travelers to pass through Los Angeles International Airport were unveiled Wednesday.
The 40 Automated Passport Control kiosks at the Tom Bradley International Terminal will allow international travelers to submit biographical information and customs declarations electronically, cutting down on the time spent talking to a Customs and Border Protection officer.
The machines can be used by U.S. and Canadian citizens, and travelers from the 38 Visa Waiver Countries, as long as the traveler is registered through CBP's Electronic System for Travel Authorization program, airport officials said.
"These kiosks will allow passengers to avoid long lines and reduce wait times at Customs, so they can be out the door faster and on their way to exploring the greatest city in the world," Mayor Eric Garcetti said. "This important improvement to the passenger experience is all part of our work to overhaul nearly every terminal and bring rail to LAX, because Los Angeles deserves a world-class airport."
Travelers using the machines will still be interviewed by a CBP officer, but the electronic pre-screening is expected to expedite the process. Airport officials say the system has resulted in returning U.S. citizens waiting an average of 17.5 minutes less and eligible foreign passport holders are waiting about 11 minutes less.
The terminals cost $36,000 each. A consortium of 39 airlines operating in the Tom Bradley terminal is paying the roughly $1.6 million tab for personnel to direct and assist travelers with questions about the machines.
The terminals will also be installed at Terminal 2, which is a secondary international terminal. Similar machines were also installed in Terminal 5 by Delta Air Lines.
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