The Los Angeles Airport, located just 16 miles from Downtown LA, is one of the busiest airports in the world transporting 88,068,013 passengers to their destinations in 2019. The airport is spread out over 3,500 acres with 9 terminals and 126 gates. The terminals are spread out over a linear distance of almost 4 miles. The Tom Bradley International Terminal is the only terminal at the airport that handles international flights. The airport has 2 runways that are over 3 miles long and a third runway that is just over 2 miles long. LAX is a hub for many airlines including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. This makes it the world’s third busiest and the United States’ section busiest airport. These facts may make it seem like traveling at LAX is a tad bit stressful, but it does not have to be. This LAX airport guide will ensure your stop at LAX is a breeze!
Reminders for Before You Leave
To make your life easier when you get to LAX, follow these few tips before you head out!
- Make sure the name on your plane ticket matches the name on your driver’s license or any other form of government identification you may be using when traveling.
- Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
- Plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight traveling within the US and three hours for international travel.
- Check the weight of your luggage to avoid any extra fees at the airport and pack larger quantities of liquids and gels in your checked luggage to avoid any hold-ups at security.
- Know what items you can and cannot bring on the plane before your security screening, refer to the TSA list of prohibited items
Security at LAX:
LAX has security checkpoints at every terminal excluding terminal 8 which shares a checkpoint with terminal 7. Los Angeles Airport is unlike other airports that allow passengers to go through any security checkpoint and then proceed to their gate. At LAX there are dedicated checkpoints that passengers are required to use that correspond with their gate. If a passenger travels between concourses they are required to re-clear security for that concourse. LAX departures leave from different terminals, so it is important to ensure you are going through security in the correct concourse. An easy way travelers get through security at LAX quicker is by using CLEAR or TSA precheck. These are two subscription-based services that expedite your time in security. The Los Angeles International Airport offers both CLEAR and TSA precheck at their security checkpoints.
Here are some general guidelines to follow before going through security:
1. Do not bring any weapons or anything that could be construed as a weapon through security. This includes pocket knives, pepper spray, and even some types of scissors.
2. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a single, clear, quart-sized bag. These items must be placed in the baggie before you go through security.
3. You will need to take your shoes off and put them through the X-ray machine.
4. Be prepared to have your carry-on bag searched.
5. Remember that you cannot bring any food or drinks through security, so make sure to finish anything you're carrying before you reach the checkpoint
Where to Eat and Drink at LAX
There are many options at LAX, so how do you make the right selection when choosing where to eat from the myriad of restaurants? First, decide what you're in the mood for and what you're willing to spend. You can find everything from quick snacks to multi-course meals at varying prices. If you want to save money, there are plenty of places that offer fast food options like burgers and pizza. For something a bit more upscale, there are also restaurants that serve sit-down meals like steak and seafood. And if you're just looking for a place to grab a drink, there are plenty of bars located throughout the airport. No matter what you're looking for, you're sure to find it at LAX. Whether you need a quick snack or want to enjoy a sit-down meal, there are plenty of options available at Los Angeles International Airport!
The Habit:
This is a Southern California restaurant that makes delicious char-grilled burgers with the freshest ingredients!
(Image by LAX Airport via https://www.laxshopdine.com/directory/the-habit-burger-grill-terminal-6-t6/)
Barney's Beanery:
This is a great place to stop if you want a delicious quick appetizer like mozzarella sticks or nachos they also serve burgers, their famous chili, salads, and sandwiches!
(Image by LAX Airport via https://www.laxshopdine.com/directory/barneys-beanery-terminal-2-t2/)
Slapfish:
This “modern seafood shack” is a LA favorite that serves fish and chips, clam chowder, lobster rolls, and other delicious bites.
(Image by LAX Airport via https://www.laxshopdine.com/directory/slapfish-modern-seafood-shack-terminal-2-t2/)
These are just a few highlights of the variety of restaurants available at the airport. Here is a list of some more of the top spots to grub based on their location.
Public Transportation to Los Angeles International Airport
There are many options for public transportation to LAX. Below is a breakdown of some of the public transport options provided:
- FlyAway: fly away picks up at Union Station and Van Nuys
- Metro C Line (green): the green line takes you to LAX and drops passengers off at Aviation/LAX station.
- Metro K Line: this line picks up at K-Line Westchester/Veterans Station and drops passengers off at the Aviation/LAX Station.
The Aviation/LAX Stations are serviced by many bus lines including Culver CityBus, Beach Cities Transit, and Big Blue Bus. Once you arrive at the Aviation/LAX Station you will take the Lot G shuttle bus which will take you to the main terminals. You can also look into rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft for transportation to the airport, or browse on-site and off-site LAX airport parking options which we will go into below.
All About Pets at the Los Angeles Airport
Pets Unstressing Passengers
The Los Angeles Airport is a very pet-friendly airport and even offers pet services! The airport provides a stress relief pet program known as Pets Unstressing Passengers. This program has volunteer dogs who donate their time to LAX and are registered with Therapy Dogs Inc. If you are feeling stressed while traveling, you can get some love from a therapy dog.
Animal Relief Stations
There are a few relief stations located throughout the airport for your pet to stretch its legs and use the restroom. Here is a map provided by the LAX airport website that labels the animal relief areas.
(Image by LAX Airport via https://www.flylax.com/lax-guides-tips-and-amenities)
Traveling with Pets
All airlines have different rules regarding traveling with animals. To learn more about flying with your pets, the best practice is to check the rules specific to your airline by visiting their website.
Amenities Offered at LAX
It is important to know what amenities are available at the airport before you head out so you can know what to expect while you wait for your flight.LAX offers a wide variety of amenities for travelers, including restaurants, shops, lounges, and more. If you are looking for a place to eat, you will find plenty of options at LAX, including fast food, sit-down restaurants, and even a food court. If you need to do some last-minute shopping, you will find plenty of shops, including duty-free stores. If you want to relax before your flight, you can visit one of the many lounges at LAX. Most lounges offer comfortable seating, TV screens, and complimentary snacks and drinks.
Wifi Access at LAX
The Los Angeles Airport offers free unlimited wi-fi to all passengers in the airport. The free sessions are broken up into 45 minutes then passengers will be given a short video or ad to watch to continue using the wi-fi. To get connected to the wi-fi you will select the _LAX Free WiFi option and then launch a new browser which will direct you to a browser where you will watch a short ad and then be granted access to the wi-fi.
Charging Stations at LAX
There are charging stations at LAX for both charging your cellphone and vehicle. There are USB charging outlets as well as wall outlets located all throughout the airport in each terminal for cell phones or other electronics charging. For vehicles, there are EV charging stations located throughout the airport parking garages. The Los Angeles International Airport is working on adding 500 EV charging stations at various locations around the airport. The rate for using these stations is $2 per session plus 0.45 per kWh. Below is a list of locations with EV charging stations:
- P1 — 100 L2, 2 DCFC
- P2A — 51 L2, 1 DCFC
- P2B — 39 L2
- P3 — 98 L2, 1 DCFC
- P4 — 89 L2, 1 DCFC
- P5 — 60 L2
- P6 — 114 L2, 1 DCFC
- P7 — 186 L2, 2 DCFC (Coming Soon!)
Lounges at LAX Airport
The Los Angeles International airport does not offer any sleeping pods for those waiting for their flights or connections, but there are lounges available for passengers to relax in throughout the airport.
Below is a list of the lounges and where they are located throughout the airport:
Terminal B (International Terminal)
The lounges in Terminal B are:
- Centurion Lounge
- Emirates Lounge
- Etihad Airways Lounge
- LA International Lounge
- Oneworld International Business Lounge
- Qantas First Class Lounge
- Sky Team/Korean Air Lounge
- Star Alliance Lounge
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 does not have any lounges, but it does have a spa. The Be Relax Spa is located in terminal 1.
Terminal 2
The lounges in Terminal 2 are:
- Delta Sky Club
- Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse
Terminal 3
The lounges in Terminal 3 are:
- Delta Sky Club North
- Delta Sky Club South
Terminal 4
The lounges in Terminal 4 are:
- American Airlines Admirals Club
- American Airlines Flagship lounge
Terminal 5:
The lounges in Terminal 5 are:
- American Airlines Admirals Club
Terminal 6:
The lounges in Terminal 6 are:
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge
- Alaska Airlines Lounge
Terminal 7:
The lounges in terminal 7 are:
- United Airlines United Club
- United Polaris Lounge
Regional Terminal:
The lounges in the regional terminal are:
- American Airlines Admirals Club
There is also the USO lounge which is not located in a terminal that passengers may use. This article goes into great depth about what each lounge offers, their hour of operation, etc. Here is a map of where each terminal is located in the airport.
(Image by LAX Airport via https://www.flylax.com/lax-new-terminal-maps)
Hotel Options Near Los Angeles International Airport
If you're looking for a place to stay near Los Angeles International Airport, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're looking for a luxury hotel or a more budget-friendly option, you're sure to find something to suit your needs. Some of the luxury hotels near LAX include the Ritz-Carlton, the Hilton Los Angeles Airport, and the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City. If you're looking for a more affordable option, there are also many hotels in the area that offer great rates. No matter what your budget is, you're sure to find a hotel near LAX that will meet your needs. With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect place to stay during your next trip to Los Angeles. There are no hotels connected to the airport, but there are many options near the airport that offer free shuttle services to and from the hotel. Below are a few options available near the airport:
LAX Airport Parking Options
Some short-term parking options at LAX include:
Hourly and Daily Parking at LAX
Daily and hourly parking options are available at the Los Angeles International Airport.
For on-site airport parking, you can get a quote here. After choosing a check-in, check-out, and parking lot you will be given a quote as to what to expect to pay. These options are convenient if you are picking up or dropping off passengers and plan to be at the airport for a few hours, but do add up if you are staying for multiple days. All parking do abide by the following rates:
- 15 minutes of free parking
- $5 first hour or a fraction thereof
- $4 every 30 minutes after the first hour
- $40 maximum for each 24-hour period
The Parking Spot
The Parking Spot is another lot near LAX that also offers daily and long-term airport parking.
- Airport shuttles are available 24/7 to provide transportation to and from the airport.
- Daily rates are $18.50 a day for covered parking and $20.50 a day for uncovered parking.
All short-term parking reservations can be made on their website, and long-term parking can be made through STOW IT.
Long-Term Parking Options at LAX
STOW IT IT’s partnership with The Parking Spot allows customers to access long-term airport parking, storage, and shuttle services to-and-from the airport. For just a little over $330 a month for uncovered parking and $360 for covered parking, this parking alternative will save you a ton of money. The covered parking options are great for protection from the outdoor elements, but it does come at a little higher price. This is a great option for long-term travelers who need monthly or yearly parking. Other options like LAX’s parking garages charge high rates that are simply unaffordable for long-term parking.
STOW IT’s long term airport parking option allows you to conveniently drive yourself to the airport and leaves your car safe and secure while you are away. The cost of parking and convenience makes this a no-brainer!
If you want to book long-term LAX parking before your arrive, you can see the options here:
STOW IT's Long Term Parking Options at LAX
Ultimately, there are many ways to make your stop at Los Angeles International Airport as easy as possible. Whether it comes to knowing the best spot to eat at or reserving a long-term parking spot through STOW IT these tips will help save time and money on your next trip to LAX.