PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – Long Beach Airport (LGB) commemorated the opening of its new Baggage Claim facility today. The project is part of a multi-year, Phase II – Terminal Area Improvement Program to improve the passenger experience at the Airport.

“This new Baggage Claim area solidifies LGB’s status as a first-class gateway to Southern California, holding a special niche in the aviation industry with its easy access and welcoming feel for travelers,” said Mayor Rex Richardson.

The $25 million investment—designed by Corgan and constructed by Swinerton—consolidated the Airport’s bag claim operations into one area and was designed as an open-air, pavilion-style building to complement the Airport’s other indoor-outdoor architectural design elements.

“The new Baggage Claim is a testament to our dedication towards investing in modern, innovative facilities that make travel at LGB so convenient,” said Fifth District Councilwoman Megan Kerr.

Previously, there were three bag claim areas at Long Beach Airport. Those have now been consolidated into one centralized 11,500-square-foot pavilion-style Baggage Claim area adjacent to the passenger concourse.

“I’m excited to see us continue to make improvements that beautify and streamline the travel experience at our award-winning airport,” said Fourth District Councilman Daryl Supernaw.

Features of the new Baggage Claim include:

• Two large, state-of-the-art carousels that will improve performance and enhance the passenger experience by quicker and easier access to checked items.
• Terrazzo flooring with an arched pattern that ties into the radial motif and banding of the plaza area.
• Four digital displays highlighting local attractions and other information.
• A new shade canopy attached to the building and a future freestanding tensile shade structure.
• A 60-foot-long by 12-foot-tall video wall wrapping around the exterior corner to highlight local attractions, events and other creative content in Long Beach will be completed in the summer of 2023.

“This beautifully designed and efficient consolidated Baggage Claim facility builds upon Long Beach Airport’s reputation as one of the coolest, easiest airports to navigate in the country,” said Airport Director Cynthia Guidry.

Funding for the new Baggage Claim comes from Airport revenue, bond proceeds and Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs), a passenger fee that may be used for Federal Aviation Administration-approved projects. Long Beach Airport is a self-supporting enterprise of the City of Long Beach and does not receive local tax dollars.  

LGB’s old bag claim area is being demolished to make way for a new Baggage Service Office and concessions set to open in 2024. The City of Long Beach will release a Request for Proposals (RFP) later this year that will solicit ideas for concessions and vending machines as well as other potential uses for available space at the Airport, including the former restaurant on the second floor of the Historic Terminal.

“Swinerton feels honored to be a part of the amazing transformation of this facility,” said Swinerton Operations Manager Jose Acosta. “We look forward to continuing work to further our long history of mutual success.”

Completion of the Baggage Claim area, as well as last year’s completion of both a newer, larger Ticketing Lobby, and Checked Baggage Inspection System (CBIS) facility, represent the first major components of the $122 million Phase II – Terminal Area Improvement Program.

The Phase I – Terminal Area Improvement Program, which included $100 million in various priority projects completed in 2012, culminated with the award-winning, LEED Silver certified passenger concourse featuring modern design, local eateries and an innovative indoor-outdoor design with a spacious post-security garden. Phase I also included construction of Parking Structure B.

LGB offers nonstop service to 24 destinations across the nation, including Hawaii. Learn more at lgb.org/destinations.

About the City of Long Beach
Home to approximately 470,000 people, the multiple award-winning and innovative City of Long Beach offers all the world-class amenities of a large metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods nestled together along the California coast. As a full-service charter city, Long Beach is home to the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, several museums and theaters, a highly-rated school district, Long Beach Airport, the Port of Long Beach, as well as many award-winning City departments such as Health and Human Services; Parks, Recreation and Marine; Development Services; Public Works and more. The City also has a highly respected university and city college, two historic ranchos, five hospitals, 12 libraries, five golf courses, 169 parks, miles of beaches, marinas, bike paths and a Bike Share program.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Long Beach Airport
Founded in 1923, Long Beach Airport (LGB) is the oldest airport in California. Among its many awards, LGB was named one of the 2022 Top Ten airports in the country by readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine. LGB offers non-stop service to several U.S. cities while supporting a healthy general aviation community with more than 300,000 annual operations. The Airport is also a source of substantial economic activity and employment, with the LGB Aviation Complex generating $8.6 billion in economic impact and supporting 46,000 jobs. LGB is a self-supporting enterprise of the City of Long Beach and does not receive local tax dollars. The Airport prides itself in preserving its esteemed historic legacy and maintaining a safe, sustainable, and environmentally responsible operation. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @LGBAirport.