Burbank Airport’s New Terminal Opens: 5 Things Travelers Should Know

BURBANK, CA — Hollywood Burbank Airport’s new $1.3 billion passenger terminal is officially open, bringing major changes for travelers accustomed to the airport’s nearly century-old facilities.

The 355,000-square-foot terminal opened Tuesday on the opposite side of the airfield from the old complex, which dated to 1930. The replacement is about 50% larger, with expanded security screening, indoor baggage claim, new restaurants and shops and a new parking structure.

But the move also changes some of the basics travelers need to know before heading to the airport — including where to enter, park and catch a rideshare. Here are five things to know about the new Hollywood Burbank Airport terminal.

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The Airport Entrance Has Moved

Perhaps the most important change for anyone heading to the airport: Don't automatically drive to the old terminal.

The main entrance is now at Winona Avenue and Hollywood Way, about a quarter mile north of the longtime entrance off Thornton Avenue.

The switch caught some passengers by surprise on opening day, with airport employees stationed near the old terminals to redirect travelers who went to the wrong side of the airfield.

Airport officials have urged passengers to give themselves extra time during the transition.

Parking, Rideshare And Rental-Car Pickup Have Changed, Too

The new terminal comes with a new roughly 2,000-space parking structure, located across from the terminal, with about 310 electric-vehicle charging ports, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Valet service has also moved to the new terminal, while Lot E has permanently closed.

Uber and Lyft passengers will use a new pickup area near the terminal. Rental cars, however, remain at the existing consolidated rental-car facility across Hollywood Way, with shuttle service connecting passengers to it.

Travelers using public transportation can still reach the airport from both nearby train stations. The Burbank Airport-North Metrolink station is linked to the new terminal by a pedestrian path and on-demand shuttle, while shuttle service also continues from the Burbank Airport-South station, which serves Metrolink and Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, the Times reported.

Security, Baggage Claim And Charging Got Major Upgrades

The new terminal has eight TSA screening lanes, up from five in the old facility, the Times reported.

Baggage claim has also moved completely indoors, with three carousels in a single hall. At the old airport, some baggage claim areas were outdoors.

Charging should also be easier to find. Airport officials say passengers have access to power at every seat, although many of the new charging connections are USB-C rather than old-school USB ports, according to the Times.

It Is Bigger And Newer — But It Is Still A 14-Gate Airport

The replacement terminal is considerably larger than the old complex, but airport officials have stressed that the project was not designed as a major capacity expansion.

In fact, the walk to the gates may actually be shorter. The airport says the distance from the entrance to the farthest gate is about 1,285 feet, compared with roughly 1,600 feet previously, the Times reported.

Hollywood Burbank still has 14 gates and two runways, and its basic flight capacity remains similar to before.

One of the airport's quirks is staying, too: Passengers will continue to walk outside and board aircraft using stairs on the tarmac rather than the enclosed jet bridges common at most large airports. Airlines can also continue boarding passengers through both the front and rear of some aircraft, a practice that has helped give Burbank its reputation for quick boarding.

New Restaurants Bring More Local Flavor

The new terminal ultimately will have a much larger food and retail lineup, but not everything was ready on opening day.

Most of the six retail stores were operating Tuesday, according to the Times, but none of the terminal's 13 food concessions was fully open early in the day. Two were offering grab-and-go items, with additional restaurants expected to begin opening throughout the day and week.

Planned dining options include Guy Fieri's Flavor Town, Poquito Mas, Border Grill, Massis Kabob, Jones Coffee, Starbucks, Jet Tila's Asian Table and Pete's Pub, among others.

The selections reflect local flavors of Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena — the three cities that control the airport.

The gradual rollout means travelers using the new terminal during its first days may want to eat before arriving or bring some extra patience as concessions come online.

City News Service contributed to this report.