Celebrities Greeters To Welcome Travelers At LAX

LOS ANGELES, CA — Every tourist expecting to see a celebrity as soon as they step off the plane in Los Angeles will now get a warm welcome from a rotating cast of stars.

Late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel Tuesday became the first of the local celebrities now welcoming visitors to Los Angeles International Airport through recorded greetings. And if the talk show gig doesn't work out, Kimmel will have no problem landing a job as WalMart greeter. The comedian and host of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" proved his chops Tuesday with some disarming jabs about the 405 Freeway and Matt Damon, naturally.

"We apologize for the construction, but you'll forget all about it once you get on the 405," Kimmel says in his recorded message. "We hope you enjoy your stay in Los Angeles, and if you need anything at all, call Matt Damon. He has no friends."

Artists, chefs and even Dodgers' slugger Justin Turner will step up to the mic to give a warm LA welcome to travelers.

"I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and I can say that this city is in a league of its own," Tuner tells travelers. "I am excited you're here and hope you enjoy your stay. Go Dodgers!"

Airport officials said the new celebrity greetings will feature voices that "echo the spirit of Los Angeles."

"Los Angeles is globally recognized as the entertainment capital of the world, offering the best in movies, television, sports, music, food and culture," said Deborah Flint, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports. "We continue to put the Los Angeles in LAX by offering our guests immersive experiences, from fashion shows to performances by local musicians and artists. We are excited to begin welcoming tens of millions of people with voices of iconic, local personalities."

In addition to Kimmel and Turner, greeters will include Gustavo Dudamel, conductor and artistic director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic; and Susan Feniger, a Los Angeles-based chef, author, radio and TV personality and owner of BBQ Mexicana, Socalo and Border Grill restaurants.

"Like music, people and places have the power to inspire," Dudamel says in his message. "The city of Los Angeles has long been a source of inspiration for me. The scenery, the sites and of course, the sounds. I'm glad you are here, and hope your stay hits all the right notes."

The welcome messages will rotate throughout the day and will be replaced on a regular basis with new voices broadcast on the overhead announcement system at curbs and inside terminals. The messages will identify each speaker and welcome travelers to Los Angeles.

Additional voices will be announced as they are included in the rotation, LAX officials said.

City News Service contributed to this report.