RTW TP Run in Jan 2026: Day 4 – Los Angeles (LAX) to New York (JFK)

By Nige on January 21, 2026 at 11:00 pm
Type: Post
Story: Round the World Tier Point Run in Jan 2026 Category: Travel
Tags: AA | American Airlines | JFK | LAX | Los Angeles | New York

Gate 148 turned out to be the perfect place to arrive — without question. It did take a little while for the airbridge to be attached, but once it was, I was first off through door 2L. From there, it was down two escalators and straight into the border control hall.

Global Entry was directly opposite the escalators. There was barely a queue, no interaction with a border officer, and I was simply waved through and on to US soil. It was the fastest arrival I’d ever experienced — from stepping off the aircraft to walking out of the terminal in well under a couple of minutes.

I then walked around World Way from the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) to Terminal 4. From the outside, the refurbishment of Terminal 4 looked almost complete. The building felt brand new, with a smart new security facility installed in a slightly different location.

TSA PreCheck was quick, and it didn’t take long to get my bearings with the new layout. Thankfully, the American Airlines Flagship Lounge hadn’t moved.

The real headline, though, was the opening of a brand-new Starbucks directly opposite the Flagship Lounge. I couldn’t have asked for better news — no more traipsing over to TBIT or Terminal 6 for a caffeine fix.

Sadly, it was far too late in the day for a coffee this time, but next time I pass through…

Beyond that, much of the old Terminal 4 felt stripped back. Only one or two gates remained on the original concourse. New gates — 46 to 49 — had opened in a different area, co-located with the shuttle bus to the Eagle’s Nest.

Another major change was the disappearance of the walkway between Terminals 4 and 5. In fact, Terminal 5 no longer existed at all. The walkway had been replaced by shuttle buses running between Terminals 4 and 6, while construction was underway on a new combined T4/T5 American Airlines hub — neatly branded Terminal 4.5.

I caught up with Vick, who was up earlier than usual. The cats had been fed, the Vickster had her coffee, and all was right with the world.

My flight to New York was due to depart from one of the new gates, 48C. I headed down around an hour before scheduled departure and found the gate area calm and orderly.

Boarding began exactly forty-five minutes before departure, and I was called in Group 2. I settled straight into my preferred seat, 06F, closed my eyes, and attempted to decompress. This was only flight number five of thirty-four, and I already felt utterly knackered.

I committed myself to declining all offers of food and drink, hoping to claw back some much-needed rest.

The flight passed in something of a blur. I’m not sure I slept in any meaningful sense, but I certainly rested — eyes closed, mind quiet — which felt like a small victory.

We arrived at Gate 39, and, in keeping with American Airlines’ usual efficiency, the airbridge was connected promptly. Moments later, we were on our way.

Next up: A gallery of photos from Day 4 of my Round The World trip of a lifetime.

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Round the World Tier Point Run in Jan 2026