A $508-million dollar renovation got underway yesterday at Terminal 1 at Los Angeles International Airport. Construction is expected to be completed in 2018 and will be phased-in to minimize inconvenience to passengers and employees. Westfield, an operator of many popular malls, will be working with Southwest Airlines and LA World Airports to provide more than 24 shops and restaurants in Terminal 1.

A rendering of what a new restaurant could look like in Terminal 1

Southwest Airlines and AirTran are the only carriers operating out of Terminal 1. In 2013, Southwest was the fourth busiest airline at LAX based on passengers enplaned with more than 7.4 million passengers – 11.1 percent of the passenger volume at LAX.

The goal of this modernization project is to proved a better passenger experience from the curb to the gate and will include a new 12-lane security checkpoint, a fully automated checked-baggage inspection and sorting system, new and expanded dining and retail, gate hold rooms with lounge-style seating, a refurbished baggage claim area, and replacement of the passenger jetways.

Terminal 1 is just the latest renovation at LAX. Other recent projects include

• Terminal 2 is undergoing a $300-million makeover for Aeromexico, Air Canada, Hawaiian Airlines and Virgin Atlantic
• Terminal 3 has been partially remodeled by Virgin America and Virgin Australia
• Terminal 5 which houses Delta Air Lines, is undergoing a $250-million in upgrades
• Terminal 6 had a $238-million makeover in 2012 for Alaska Airlines
• Terminals 7, 8 and parts of 6 United Airlines is planning $400 million in improvement
• The Tom Bradley International Terminal completed major portions of a $2.1-billion renovation