Burbank’s airport has officially moved up in the world.
Burbank is taking on a distinctly Beverly Hills feel. When the airport’s polished new terminal opened Tuesday, travelers found an unexpected luxury just beyond security near Gate 7: Gucci handbags.
Displayed behind glass, the designer bags carried price tags ranging from $1,500 to $4,000, drawing plenty of attention from curious passengers making their way through the terminal in the early morning.
“I never thought I’d see Gucci in the Burbank Airport. You used to just hope for a decent cup of coffee,” said Andy Orbeck, who was flying to Bend, Oregon. “I’m not in the market for Gucci, but if I ever am, it’s good to know it’s an option.”
I was on one of the first flights to depart from the new terminal Tuesday morning, and I had approached the trip with some trepidation. Saying goodbye to my old — and much-loved — Los Angeles airport was harder than expected.
For many Angelenos, the former terminal’s 1950s-era atmosphere — complete with a scent reminiscent of an old carpet — was outweighed by its practical advantages. Parking was close, passengers could load and unload directly at the tarmac, and TSA was usually quick and uncomplicated. Compared with LAX, the experience was remarkably easy.
So would the new facility erase what made Burbank such a well-kept airport secret? Would a gleaming billion-dollar terminal make flying from here more complicated?
Fortunately, the answer is an emphatic no.
I arrived at the new parking garage at 6:30 a.m. for an 8 a.m. boarding time, found numerous available spaces at the daily rate of $49 and reached my gate by 6:50 a.m. The process was impressively efficient.
Security moved just as smoothly. With several officers working and walk-through metal detectors helping maintain the flow, I cleared TSA PreCheck in under five minutes.
The terminal itself felt bright and open, a sharp contrast to the old building’s narrow corridors and low ceilings. There also appeared to be plenty of options for food and drinks — once they are fully operational.
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Poquito Mas, Spring Chicken and Boarder Grill were among the restaurants visible inside. None had opened yet, however, and some remained under construction, leaving travelers without an easy breakfast burrito option.
For now, the terminal also lacks an airport lounge. Passengers will have to wait for the kind of private retreat with complimentary food and drinks that the old facility could have used but never had.
The airport’s high-tech digital flight information screens were another disappointment. Although they looked sleek, many appeared not to be functioning properly.
Southwest Airlines ground staff spent much of the morning redirecting passengers booked on flights to Phoenix, Oakland and Las Vegas. The employees said travelers were at the wrong gates, even though the terminal displays indicated otherwise.
“Sorry, they aren’t working right. Please refer to the Southwest App,” one frustrated employee told passengers.
My Oakland flight was delayed after the crew arrived late and struggled to find the aircraft. On the bright side, airport greeters were distributing free coffee to passengers.
There was always the Gucci display to explore while waiting.
Still, as I stepped outside to board and watched the plane lift off, I looked past my middle-seat window toward Universal Studios and Sherman Oaks — and smiled.
The new Burbank Hollywood Airport had its share of opening-day glitches, but the qualities that made the old terminal so appealing remain intact: convenient access, fast security and a relatively painless path from Los Angeles to the skies.
Looks like this little airport will keep delivering for years to come.
Please, just don’t tell anyone.
