United Airlines said to plan Los Angeles push in comeback effort

United Continental is targeting a major expansion at Los Angeles International in an effort to reverse a slide that’s left the airline languishing behind its biggest rivals at the busiest West Coast hub, said people familiar with the plans. President Scott Kirby told United pilots this month that the company needs more space and is studying plans to claim most or all of a future terminal, said the people. He didn’t discuss a timetable, the people said. United, once the leader in Los Angeles, has dropped to No. 3 behind American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. United CE Oscar Munoz is trying to win back passengers at key airports as part of a broader renewal effort, which includes plans to cut costs and catch up with Delta’s industry-leading profits. <br/>