LAX Terminal 8

LAX Terminal 8 is part of United Airlines’ terminal complex at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Unlike a traditional standalone terminal, Terminal 8 functions as a satellite gate area alongside Terminal 7. United Airlines and United Express use the two terminals together.

Terminal 7 and Terminal 8 are, physically and operationally, one combined United Airlines complex. Terminal 8, often referred to as “Satellite 8,” is a separate structure housing Gates 80–86, reached from LAX Terminal 7 by a walkway.

In practical terms, Terminal 8 doesn’t function as a standalone terminal the way LAX Terminal 3 or LAX Terminal 6 do. It does not have a separate ticketing lobby, TSA checkpoint, or baggage claim operation; passengers use the shared facilities serving the Terminal 7/8 complex.

Terminal 8 covers Gates 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, and 86 (with 86 split into A/B). Gates 70–77 belong to the Terminal 7 side of the complex. Terminal 7’s building houses the ticketing facility, check-in counters, TSA screening, and lounges. The distinction matters when you’re planning a departure. A flight may be listed under the United Terminal 7/8 complex, but the exact gate determines whether you need to continue toward the Terminal 8 satellite area.

A United Customer Service podium is located near the Satellite 8 gates in addition to the main counters at Terminal 7, so you don't necessarily need to backtrack to Terminal 7's ticketing lobby for basic assistance once you've reached your gate area.

United Airlines and United Express both operate from the shared Terminal 7/8 complex. Terminal 8 is not operated as a separate airline facility. Instead, passengers use the shared United facilities serving the Terminal 7/8 complex before heading to their assigned gate.

If your United flight departs from a Terminal 8 gate, you should still head to the United Terminal 7/8 complex for check-in and security rather than looking for a separate Terminal 8 ticketing hall.

According to LAX, the TSA checkpoint is on the Upper/Departures Level (Level 2). United customer service locations are also shown within the complex. Passengers can continue toward the appropriate gate area using the internal walkways.

United also offers online and mobile check-in before you arrive at LAX. Travelers checking bags should allow additional time for baggage drop and airport screening before proceeding to the gate.

There is no separate, independent TSA checkpoint dedicated exclusively to Terminal 8. Instead, there is a TSA passenger-screening area in the shared Terminal 7/8 facility. After security, passengers heading to Terminal 8 continue through the post-security connection toward Gates 80–86. Security procedures and expedited screening availability can change, so check current airport information and your airline’s instructions before traveling.

For live security information, use Way’s LAX TSA Wait Times page.

Terminal 8 has its own dining and shopping, including Panda Express, Carl's Jr., Engine Co. No. 28, Stella Bar, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, plus E! News and People News. More options are available in connected Terminal 7. These facilities are accessible from the Satellite 8 gates via the connecting walkway. For the complete list, see our LAX Terminal 7 guide.

The United Club and United Polaris Lounge both sit within the main Terminal 7 building. Eligible passengers can use the United Club located in the connected Terminal 7 area. The United Club is near Gate 71A, meaning passengers departing from Gates 80–86 can walk from Terminal 8 to Terminal 7 after security to use the lounge, provided they meet United’s access requirements.

United also operates a United Polaris Lounge in Terminal 7 for eligible premium international passengers. Its location means Terminal 8 passengers who qualify can reach the lounge through the connected post-security terminal area.

Lounge access rules and operating hours can change, so confirm eligibility directly with United before your trip.

Terminal 8 is located in the Central Terminal Area. LAX lists a bridge to Parking Structure 7 (P7) near the ticketing facility at Level 2.

Travelers comparing onsite and offsite parking should check current prices, availability, shuttle arrangements, and reservation options before deciding where to leave their vehicle.

For current parking options and reservations, see Way’s LAX Airport Parking page.

Yes. Terminal 8 connects directly to Terminal 7 through a post-security walkway. This is one of the most useful features of the United complex because travelers can move between the two gate areas after security without being rescreened.

The connection is particularly useful for passengers departing from Terminal 8 who want to use services located on the Terminal 7 side, including the United Club.

LAX also provides an Airline/Terminal Connections shuttle for passengers who need to travel between terminal areas without walking.