Every traveller shuttling in and out of LAX is familiar with the airport's iconic Theme Building, even if they don't know it by name.

It's that futuristic low-rise tower clad in white concrete and crowned by four parabolic arches which looks like something out of The Jetsons.

And if it's eye-catching by day it's even better at night, lit up in cool purples and blues.

But the Theme Building has lost one of its lesser-known attractions with the closure of the Encounter restaurant.

Nestled inside the building's 'flying saucer', Encounter has fallen victim to changing times.

Not only does Los Angeles International Airport boast a greater variety of dining, but tighter airport security has led to shorter transit times for passengers who may previously have ducked out of the airport for a meal and a drink before their flight home.

"The problem is, it was built when bringing your family out to have dinner and watch the airplanes was a cool thing to do" explains L.A. World Airports Executive Director Gina Marie Lindsey, who added that "passengers (now) won't leave the terminals to have dinner there because it's unpredictable how long it'll take them to get through security again."

Will another up-market restaurant or bar take over where Encounter left off?

The fate of this space rests with Westfield – yes, the Australian-based shopping centre company, which as part of its global expansion operates retail space at LAX, which is no doubt looking at every option.

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