Los Angeles Airport (LAX) Airport Information

Los Angeles Worldwide Airport (LAX) feels simply as sprawling because the expansive metropolis of Los Angeles itself. As one of many busiest airports within the U.S., LAX has plenty of all the things: buying choices, eating places, lounges and lengthy traces.

Its horseshoe-shaped structure homes 9 terminals. Some, just like the Tom Bradley Worldwide Terminal, function high-end boutiques and world delicacies. Others are extra outdated, in dire want of some comfier seating and extra pure mild.

LAX is presently in the course of a significant $30 billion overhaul. For now, although, there are many lengthy walks by the terminals, a sluggish shuttle to the rideshare pick-up space and nonetheless no direct metro entry between downtown Los Angeles and the airport. However all of that’s supposed to enhance, as a lot of the development is going on in preparation for the 2028 Summer season Olympics and different huge occasions deliberate for town, together with NBA All-Star 2026 and the FIFA World Cup 26.

Already, LAX has made some high-end updates, together with customized artwork installations, an outside Sky Deck on the Delta Sky Membership and gourmand eating choices like Petrossian Caviar.

Los Angeles Worldwide Airport fast information

LAX serves as a hub for main airways similar to American Airways and Delta Air Traces. With 9 terminals, LAX caters to greater than 75 million passengers yearly. Right here’s what it’s essential to know:

• Location: 1 World Means, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

• Airways: Serves home carriers together with American, Delta, Southwest and United, in addition to worldwide airways together with Air France, Emirates and Lufthansa.

• Terminals: LAX options 9 terminals organized in a U-shape, together with the Tom Bradley Worldwide Terminal (TBIT).

As a part of a building undertaking that concluded in 2023, all 9 LAX terminals are linked post-security. Which means you may enter safety by one terminal and stroll by all of them, which is useful for individuals with connecting flights to different airways or who wish to entry outlets, eating places or lounges in different terminals.

The stroll may be lengthy although. Terminal B to Terminal 1, for instance, is half a mile. And if you are going to a terminal on the opposite aspect of the horseshoe, it would truly be quicker to exit the terminal, reduce throughout the parking heaps within the center and undergo safety once more, fairly than going the good distance post-security.

There are additionally courtesy shuttles that join the terminals, which can be extra splendid than dragging a suitcase on a protracted stroll. However these shuttles are positioned outdoors of safety, so price range time to clear safety once more for those who go that route.

LAX is large, spanning 9 terminals. Listed here are the airways that use each.

Airways that test in at Terminal 1 embody:

• Southwest (Home Flights).

• Southwest (Int’l Examine-in).

Airways that test in at Terminal 2 embody:

• Virgin Atlantic (Examine-in at Terminal 2 – Arrivals at Terminal B).

Airways that test in at Terminal 3 embody:

Virtually completely devoted to Delta, Terminal 3 is among the extra just lately renovated LAX terminals. The terminal has an enormous LAX Delta Sky Membership, one of many largest in Delta’s portfolio at 30,000 sq. ft. The gorgeous (however loud) outside area is dubbed the Sky Deck.

There’s additionally a second Delta lounge known as the Delta One Lounge at LAX. It is designed solely for individuals flying in Delta One, the airline’s premier first-class cabin out there on only some long-haul worldwide and home routes.

The one airline that checks in at Terminal 4 is American Airways.

Airways that test in at Terminal 5 embody:

Airways that test in at Terminal 6 embody:

• Alaska Airways (Worldwide passengers arrive at Terminal B).

Terminals 7 and eight in some ways really feel like one, and each solely serve United Airways and United Specific, a regional department of United Airways.

The terminals have a brand new really feel since a $546 million renovation undertaking wrapped up in 2019 and led to an expanded ticketing foyer, improved safety screening checkpoints and new seating with extra charging stations. The United Membership can also be in Terminal 7.

Airways that test in at Tom Bradley Worldwide Terminal embody:

That is the terminal for worldwide flights — and it’s a premier terminal at that. The middle of the terminal is named the “Nice Corridor,” which homes eating places similar to California Pizza Kitchen and Rooster Man. It additionally has many duty-free outlets and shops from high-end, designer retailers.

Transportation to and from LAX

Maybe probably the most irritating issues about LAX: the public transportation connecting the airport to main vacationer areas is proscribed. Many individuals find yourself getting round by automotive. Right here’s what it’s essential to learn about attending to and from LAX.

Los Angeles is thought for its visitors, so don’t overlook it if you price range drive time to the airport

You’ll be able to park on the terminals, however that sort of prime actual property instructions a excessive price. Anticipate to pay about $60 per 24-hour interval to park right here.

For cheaper parking, head to LAX Economic system Parking ($35 per 24-hour interval) or LAX Finances Parking ($20 per 24-hour interval). The tradeoff? You will must take a shuttle to the terminals and the shuttles solely depart each 20-25 minutes.

Apart from that, quite a few personal parking heaps close to LAX usually supply decrease charges than on-site choices, with shuttles to the terminals. Many present extras like valet service, coated parking or automotive washes.

Some close by lodges supply “park and fly” packages, which embody parking at some stage in your journey and shuttle service to the airport.

If another person is driving you, curbside drop-off is allowed in any respect terminals. However drivers can’t linger lengthy. As an alternative, wait within the mobile phone ready lot, positioned at 96th Road and Vicksburg Avenue. As soon as your passenger calls, you may drive to the terminal curb. You can even park on the parking heaps throughout from the terminals. The primary 10 minutes are free, and the primary hour is $9.

Keep away from the hefty parking charges by taking a taxi or rideshare service like Lyft or Uber. LAX makes use of a chosen space for rideshare pickups known as LAX-it. Although you may stroll to LAX-it, it may be a hike for individuals coming from Terminals 4-8 or with massive baggage.

The LAX-it shuttle runs each 7-10 minutes. Board and experience it to the pickup space. As soon as there, open your rideshare app and request your experience from the LAX-it location. You will not be capable of request it earlier than you are bodily within the pick-up space. LAX-it is organized into zones for Uber and Lyft with signage that will help you find your driver.

Attending to and from LAX by way of public transit is reasonably priced and eco-friendly, but it surely’s not straightforward (a minimum of for now).

In the event you’re heading to Van Nuys or Union Station (which connects you to different public transit like Amtrak, and is near downtown), take the FlyAway Bus, which is a constitution bus that runs continuous service between these locations and LAX. Costs are about $10 per individual relying on the route and may be bought on-line or on the bus.

Actual schedules range, however they usually run each half-hour throughout busy occasions. Generally, it’s solely as soon as each couple hours throughout off occasions.

Metro fares are simply $1.75 per experience, however driving it earlier than or after a flight isn’t precisely environment friendly.

A pair practice traces are close to LAX, however not on LAX property. Catch the Metro C Line (Inexperienced Line) at Aviation/LAX Station, or the Metro Ok Line (Crenshaw Line) at Aviation/Century Station. However neither of those two are straight linked to LAX. As an alternative, you’ll must take a free shuttle from the terminals to those stations.

That’ll change quickly, although. The LAX/Metro Transit Middle Station is ready to open in early 2025, which shall be a part of the Ok line and can straight join LAX to the Metro’s transit community — no shuttle wanted.

There’s lots to see and do at LAX. The huge airport has greater than 100 eating places, which vary from nationwide chains to native Los Angeles fare. There are additionally practically 100 different shops, together with duty-free shops.

ATMs: There are about two dozen Financial institution of America ATMs positioned all through the terminals.

Baggage carts: You’ll be able to lease baggage carts, that are positioned in any respect terminals on higher and decrease ranges, for $8.

Pets: Whereas guidelines for flying with pets range by airline, pets are allowed inside LAX, with pet reduction areas positioned inside and outdoors of terminals.

Showers: So far as showers, the one ones out there within the airport are accessible by way of lounges (extra on these later).

Wi-Fi: There’s free Wi-Fi all through the airport.

Los Angeles Worldwide Airport is dwelling to many airport lounges, catering to each premium vacationers and people prepared to pay for entry. There aren’t a variety of choices on Precedence Cross, although. We’ve damaged out a number of the greatest LAX lounges individually, however right here’s a rundown of a number of the main LAX airport lounges.

Learn how to entry the Maple Leaf Lounge at LAX: Methods to entry Air Canada lounges embody flying enterprise class with Air Canada or Star Alliance companions, holding the United Membership℠ Infinite Card or holding sure ranges of elite standing with Aeroplan or Star Alliance. You can even buy a day cross. Costs range relying in your ticket sort, however run about $50 to $80.

Location: Tom Bradley Worldwide Terminal (TBIT)

Learn how to entry the Air France Lounge at LAX: Entry is granted to vacationers within the La Premiere cabin, or these in enterprise class with sure fare sorts. You can even get in for those who’re flying with Blue Elite Plus standing within the Gold or Platinum tiers and are departing on a global flight operated by Air France, KLM or one in every of its SkyTeam associate airways.

Location: Terminal 6 on the mezzanine stage, close to Gate 64

Learn how to entry the Alaska Lounge at LAX: Methods to entry this Alaska Airways lounge embody holding an Alaska lounge membership or flying on an Alaska Airways first-class ticket on a flight that’s a minimum of 2,000 miles. In addition they promote day passes to vacationers on an Alaska or Oneworld member airline flight.

Location: Terminal 4 (throughout from gate 40), Terminal 5 (close to Obligation Free) and American Eagle Regional Terminal (throughout from gates 52)

Location: Terminal 4 (throughout from gate 40)

Learn how to entry Admirals Membership places at LAX: These lounges are even fancier than your commonplace Admirals Membership. Once more, day passes can be found, however they’re much more costly (about $150). In any other case, entry Flagship Lounges by flying in enterprise or first-class on qualifying American Airways or Oneworld airways, or by holding sure ranges of elite standing with American AAdvantage or Alaska Mileage Plan.

Location: Terminal 3 Sky Means

Standout options: At roughly 30,000 sq. ft together with an outside area dubbed the Sky Deck, this is among the greatest lounges on the planet. Along with showers and telephone cubicles, there are a number of buffet areas with salads, sandwiches and scorching entrees like hen and pasta. Don’t miss the taco bar.

Learn how to entry Delta Sky Membership at LAX: You should have a Delta Sky Membership membership, a Delta One ticket or a premium cabin ticket on a associate airline, elite standing or a sure bank card to have the ability to enter the Delta Sky Membership. You’ll be able to’t simply buy a day cross. Playing cards that get entry embody The Platinum Card® from American Specific and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Specific Card.

Standout options: In the event you thought the Delta Sky Membership was fancy, the Delta One Lounge is even fancier. Just like the Sky Membership, it has a personal Sky Deck. However this one turns up the choices with a sushi bar, zero-gravity chairs and therapeutic massage chairs.

Learn how to entry Delta Sky Membership at LAX: This lounge is much more unique than the Delta Sky Membership. No bank cards will get you in, however fairly it’s solely open for passengers flying Delta One or a premier cabin on one in every of Delta’s companions.

Location: Tom Bradley Worldwide Terminal (TBIT)

Learn how to entry the Emirates Lounge at LAX: Among the many methods to entry this lounge are by holding Emirates Skywards Gold or Platinum elite standing, flying in Emirates enterprise or first-class, holding the Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard® or buying a day cross, which prices about $155.

Location: Tom Bradley Worldwide Terminal (TBIT), sixth ground (accessible by way of elevator on the clock tower in the primary atrium)

Learn how to entry the Star Alliance Lounge at LAX: Passengers touring in premium cabins, in addition to Star Alliance Gold members touring on a Star Alliance flight in any cabin, can entry the Star Alliance Lounge. In any other case, day passes can be found for $75.

Location: Terminal 7, subsequent to Gate 71A

Learn how to entry the United Membership at LAX: You’ll be able to entry the United Membership by flying United Polaris or enterprise class on worldwide flights, United enterprise class on transcontinental flights, or enterprise class on a Star Alliance airline. You’re additionally in for those who maintain United Premier Gold elite standing (or larger) and are flying internationally on United or a Star Alliance airline. You should buy a United Membership day cross or an annual United Membership membership, which prices $650. Or, take into account making use of for the United Membership℠ Infinite Card, which comes with United Membership membership as a profit for holding the cardboard.

Location: Terminal 7, between Gates 73 and 75A

Learn how to entry the United Polaris Lounge at LAX: The one technique to get into the United Polaris lounge is by flying as a enterprise class buyer on particular long-haul worldwide flights.

Location: Tom Bradley Worldwide Terminal (TBIT)

Standout options: Virgin Atlantic will open a model of its iconic Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Los Angeles Worldwide Airport someday within the first quarter of 2025. It’s set to function a bar, desk service eating choices, showers and a VIP Sales space dubbed ‘The Royal Field.’

Location: Tom Bradley Worldwide Terminal (TBIT)

Standout options: The buffet is fairly good, however that’s about it. Whereas NerdWallet typically recommends Centurion Lounges, this one is simply lower than par. The structure of the Centurion Lounge at LAX entails a sophisticated maze, and there appears to be inadequate employees relative to the crowds, usually resulting in soiled tables.

Precedence Cross, which is a membership-based community of greater than 1,700 airport lounges and experiences, doesn’t have any precise lounges in its community at LAX. However for Precedence Cross members — lots of whom achieve membership without cost by holding sure journey bank cards — there are two varieties of experiences (each of which have a number of places) the place you may flex your membership. One is a spa, and the opposite is a online game expertise.

Location: Tom Bradley Worldwide Terminal (TBIT) and Terminal 1

Standout options: With Precedence Cross, members can choose from one of some spa remedies, similar to half-hour in a therapeutic massage chair or a nail polish change plus hand therapeutic massage.

Learn how to entry the Be Loosen up Spa at LAX: Although anybody will pay for spa providers, flash your Precedence Cross card at check-in.

Location: Terminal 3 and Terminal 6

Standout options: Precedence Cross members can entry one hour of gameplay at one of many lounge’s sport consoles, that are pre-loaded with video games and in addition entail a leather-based chair, 43″ 4K tv, noise cancelling headphones, charging ports and area to retailer baggage. You additionally get to pick out one free snack (which is usually sweet bars or baggage of chips) and one drink (usually a bottled soda or water).

Learn how to entry Gameway at LAX: Although anybody will pay to play, flash your Precedence Cross card at check-in. Simply observe that for those who maintain Precedence Cross by a bank card, verify the provision of entry together with your financial institution (card issuer) earlier than visiting. Entry by some American Specific and Capital One playing cards is probably not out there at this Gameway location.

Different airports that serve Los Angeles and neighboring areas

LAX isn’t the one airport serving the Los Angeles space. In the event you may be versatile, take into account different airports in or close by.

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR): This small airport is near lots of LA’s movie studios, Griffith Park and plenty of downtown sights. Parking is steps from the terminal, and the airport has its personal practice station with Amtrak and Metrolink providers.

John Wayne Airport (SNA): SNA is ideal for vacationers who’re visiting Orange County, which is known for sights together with Disneyland, Huntington Seaside and Newport Seaside. Smaller crowds and a streamlined structure make for a calmer journey expertise relative to LAX.

Lengthy Seaside Airport (LGB): LGB’s open-air concourse and retro-modern design present a relaxed, boutique airport expertise. In the event you’re headed to Lengthy Seaside, Orange County, and even southern cities in Los Angeles, LGB is a wonderful alternative.

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA): With a relaxed vibe, Spanish-style structure and shoreline views SBA provides probably the most picturesque airport experiences not simply within the area, however in all the nation. Contemplate this tiny airport in case your journey includes exploring Santa Barbara or the wine nation area simply north of Los Angeles.