In as much as Philippine Airlines (PAL) did not like it, Los Angeles International Airport or LAX has forced PAL to move flights to the Midfield Satellite Concourse. This would mean additional walk time to and from the aircraft gates. No reason has been mentioned about the forced transfer but PAL is working to rectify this problem. Of course, the additional walk time would mean more hassle for PAL passengers.
Where is the Midfield Satellite Concourse or MSC?
The MSC gates are on a separate concourse which are connected to the Tom Bradley International Terminal of the LAX. This is connected to the main terminal via an underground tunnel. There is not much to see at the MSC. Barely any restaurants and shops too. However the biggest hassle of all for passengers is the walk-time. This will mean that passengers would have to allot an additional 20 minutes for the walk time. According also to PAL, there will be terminal transfer vehicles (similar to golf carts) available for passengers who are unable to walk the full distance; accessible via elevators and escalators from the TBIT main concourse. Please allot extra time in case of limited availability of these transfer vehicles. Passengers using wheelchairs will also need to take the elevators.
PAL appeals to LAX to move flights back to original gates
While there are no changes on the departure and arrival location, PAL is currently appealing to LAX authorities for the return to the main Tom Bradley International Terminal. Of course, this move to the MSC which entail longer walks will not be favorable especially for Filipino-American senior citizens and for PWDs. The original boarding gates at the main Tom Bradley International Terminal of the LAX are closer to the check-in counters and baggage carousels.
We hope that this issue be resolved soon for the convenience of our Filipino PAL passengers. The airline had no choice but to move so we hope for more understanding from the passengers. This was something PAL never wanted in the first place.
