Loading

LAX Prepares for Labor Day Weekend, Launches Food Delivery Robot

Direct News Source

LAX Prepares for Labor Day Weekend, Launches Food Delivery Robot

The Labor Day holiday weekend marks the unofficial end of the busy summer travel season at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and is expected to be about twice as busy as last year with more people returning to the skies. Because of the potentially busier weekend, it's important for travelers to plan ahead.

During the Labor Day weekend, Friday, Sept. 3, through Tuesday, Sept. 7, the airlines have scheduled 3,289 flights from LAX, about double the number of flights compared to last year and 78% compared to the holiday weekend in 2019. Throughout the month of September, the airlines are planning to operate about 19,600 flights from LAX, which is about 77% of the number of flights compared to the same time in 2019.

"Even though we are not back to pre-pandemic numbers, we are expecting twice as many guests at LAX this Labor Day weekend than we saw last year, which means that travelers should plan ahead for traffic and a busy airport," said Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles World Airports. "We are ready to welcome our guests to safe and clean facilities, and in turn we ask that they make sure to wear their masks and practice kindness and patience with one another."

Plan Ahead

LAX is encouraging travelers to plan their trip ahead of time based on current parking availability, traffic and their scheduled flight time. The airport provides real-time updates on current parking availability on its website, as well as updates on parking and traffic around the airport every 30 minutes on the automated Twitter account @FlyLAXstats. Parking options can be found here. Passengers are urged to consider alternative ground transportation options including the LAX FlyAway bus service, municipal buses, taxis, ride app services or rides from family and friends.

LAX remains under heavy construction as part of its $14.5 billion modernization, which includes an Automated People Mover train, a Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility and modernizing every terminal. When coming to LAX, passengers should look for and follow wayfinding signage near all construction sites to ensure their safety and to enhance mobility. LAX is also under much heavier construction within the Central Terminal Area compared to the same time last year, which means there will be additional road work and detours around certain areas. Drive slowly and with caution around work zones.

The airport recommends arriving at the terminals at least two hours prior to scheduled departure for a domestic flight and three hours prior to an international flight. This will allow extra time to navigate the terminals, including any alternate pathways in place due to construction, and time for any congestion at the security screening areas during peak travel hours.

Introducing NomNom

LAX this week is launching a robotic ambassador for its popular online food and beverage ordering service, www.LAXOrderNow.com.

In partnership with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), the LAX Order Now delivery service will begin using help, in a pilot program, from a two-wheeled, semi-autonomous robot helper the airport has affectionately named NomNom.

NomNom is a cargo robot that will carry up to 40 pounds of food at a time as it follows behind delivery staff from AtYourGate, which delivers food ordered via LAX Order Now. The robot can move at speeds up to 6 mph and uses a series of cameras and sensors to recognize and follow its handler throughout the airport.

The robot is another way LAX is tapping into new technology and innovations to support the overall passenger experience.

LAX Order Now offers contactless order pickup from LAX restaurants, with optional delivery available directly to the gate areas in select terminals. Guests can scan QR codes throughout the terminals or visit LAXOrderNow.com to browse menus, place an order and pay.

When checking out, guests in eligible terminals who want delivery will select that option at checkout for an additional small delivery fee. Guests will be notified on their mobile device when orders are on their way and when they arrive in the designated gate area, and each participating restaurant will provide an estimated delivery time to help ensure food arrives prior to departing.

At Your Gate delivery team members, and NomNom, wear branding to be identified easily and connect quickly with guests who place orders.

To celebrate the Labor Day weekend, LAX guests may use the coupon code LAXNomNom for 25% off their online food orders through Sept. 12.

Click here for a video of NomNom in action at LAX.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Testing

In partnership with the Los Angeles Fire Department and LA County Department of Public Health, LAX is offering free, one-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccinations for those 18 and older. The vaccine clinic is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday (closed Sundays). There are three vaccination locations:

  • Across from LAX's Terminal 6 next to Parking Structure 6 and adjacent to the existing COVID-19 rapid test laboratory on the Lower/Arrivals level.
  • Post-security inside the Tom Bradley International Terminal, departures level, in the Great Hall near the clock tower. This location is for ticketed passengers only.
  • Pre-security inside the Tom Bradley International Terminal, arrivals Level 1, near information booth.

Those interested in receiving the vaccine can walk from any of the terminals or parking structures, which cost $5 for one hour. No appointment is needed and no insurance is required. Learn more here.

Additionally, LAX offers multiple types of tests for COVID-19, including rapid PCR tests. Appointments are recommended and can be booked online here. Tests will be available on a walk-up basis, depending on demand.

This press release was sourced from Los Angeles World Airports on 01-Sep-2021.