Los Angeles Airport (LAX) Flights & Information

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest in the country with flights headed around the globe. It seems to be forever in transition, and its latest upgrades (totaling more than $18 billion) are going to be the most transformative in its history. With nine terminals congested together into a small space and four runways, travelers need to pack some patience and some extra know-how to navigate their touchdown to take-off experience. Let’s explore how you can beat the crowds and make the most when traveling through LAX.

Figuring out ground transportation

A long-time criticism of LAX has been the duplex roadway that wraps around the horseshoe shape of its terminals. One level is for arriving passengers and another is for departures. Traffic congestion is notorious given the number of taxis, private cars and hotel or rental car shuttles that ply these roads.

Add construction to the mix, and things can get crazy. That’s why the airport built LAX-it (pronounced as “LA exit”), an offsite hub for rideshare services and taxis. But, signage is not clear for arriving passengers, especially if dazed after a long flight. Look for green signs that point you to the free shuttle buses that will take you from the terminal to the LAX-it station.

It is incredibly inconvenient for people with luggage that have to juggle heavy bags (and sometimes kids) aboard the LAX-it bus. You’ll have to leave your carts behind, too.

I know to never order an Uber or Lyft until the LAX-it bus is almost at the pickup area. This is because the shuttle (arriving every seven minutes) stops multiple times at various terminals. You just never know how long it will take to get there.

If a private car is picking you up at the terminal, be sure you are ready to hop in or prepare for a loud whistle warning from traffic guards. Cars cannot wait at the curb for anyone, but they can wait in the cell phone parking lot if you are not yet ready.

The situation will improve when the elevated people mover system is complete by 2026. This train will stop at all terminals as well as parking lots, the regional public transportation center and a rental car facility.

Security and check-in

Be sure to know which terminal your flight is departing from before arriving at the airport. This will make it easier to reach your gate. For example, American, Delta and United use a pair of adjacent terminals for their flights. Delta uses Terminals 2 and 3, for example; American uses 4 and 5.

Headsup: if you already have your boarding pass, you can access your gate through any terminal. This can prove helpful if lines are long in one terminal, you can scan your boarding pass at another to enter because all terminals are connected airside.

You would just have to make the walk back to your gate, which could take as many as 15-20 minutes if you walk swiftly. Both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR operate at most terminals, but lines can still be lengthy.

If you find lines to be incredibly long, head for the Tom Bradley International Terminal, also known as TBIT, in the center of the airport’s “U” shape. Now that it has TSA PreCheck, it often has shorter lines in the morning and midday hours. This can be a huge timesaver.

My main reason for using another terminal than the one from which I am departing is because I may want to visit a favorite restaurant or use a particular airline or credit card lounge that is not available near my own departure gate.

When flying American from Terminal 4 on a long-haul flight, I usually go through security at TBIT so that I can visit the Qantas First Class Lounge (due to my Oneworld elite status) and then walk over to the adjacent terminal for my American departure. This is common practice for in-the-know LAX flyers.

Lounges, dining and shopping galore

LAX serves a global audience that is interested in everything from high-end luxury shops to local food options. And every frequent flier breathes a sigh of relief when they find a comfortable lounge to escape the crowds. Some of my favorites in the country are at LAX.

Lounges

Depending on your airline, elite status or ticket class, there are numerous lounges that offer potential access. I enjoy the American Flagship Lounge in Terminal 4 and the pair of Qantas lounges at TBIT. Another winner is the Star Alliance Lounge at TBIT for its outdoor terrace with firepit and airplane views.

The new Delta SkyClub in Terminal 3 is a stunner with its huge outdoor patio with bar, hanging lounge chairs and sofas facing the runways. It entertains all ages for plane spotting, and I always try to arrive a few hours before my flight to enjoy it. The United Club in Terminal 7 also has an outdoor terrace with airport views.

Shopping and dining

Retail therapy is best handled at TBIT where glamorous retail outlets like Burberry, Gucci and Hermes are located. Shopping in other terminals is typically reduced to newsstands and souvenir shops.

My favorite dining options include Hokkaido Ramen Santouka in TBIT and Native by Nyesha in Terminal 3 for its California fare. Other flavors around the airport include a pizzeria, Mexican, an Irish pub and Italian.

Hotels by the airport

LAX has a vast range of hotels around the airport at every price point. Most offer free shuttles that can take you from the terminals to the hotel, but I dislike how several share the same bus with another hotel or parking lot. This means they can easily fill up, and you have to wait for the next one.

I usually just have carry-on luggage, and my go-to choice is the Hyatt Regency LAX because it is possible to walk there if you don’t mind crossing a busy street. It is the closest hotel to the airport entrance.

Plane spotting at LAX

This airport is a favorite for plane spotters because there are so many places from which to snap photos or watch the global lineup of aircraft take off and land.

The Hyatt Regency gym on the top floor as well as high-floor, runway facing rooms at the Marriott and Hilton are my recommendations.

When I am feeling social and want to meet other aviation geeks, I go to the In-N-Out Burger situated on the corner of S. Sepulveda Blvd and W. 92nd Street. You can dine on their famous burgers and fries while watching Airbus A380s and Boeing 747s land from around the world just above your tray.

On the other side of the airport is The Proud Bird, a family-friendly event venue with a playground, restaurant and bar. Planes land just overhead. Since planes almost always take off and land to the west at LAX, the beach at the end of the runway is another great vantage point for plane spotting.

The Flight Path Museum at LAX is on the same side of the runways, and it features historic aviation and airline exhibits in view of the cargo apron and runways.

LAX insider tips

American operates from Terminals 4 and 5, but it also has several regional jet aircraft that depart from a remote concourse that requires taking a free shuttle bus. It is known as the “Eagle’s Nest,” and you will want to allow time to get there. If you have Admirals Club access, there is a small lounge there.

If you have a long layover and want to visit LA or the beach, keep in mind there is no secure luggage storage at the terminal. It is best to check in whatever you can with your airline rather than take it with you. An alternative is to visit a nearby hotel for a bite to eat (or day room) and leave bags with the bell staff.

LAX can be hectic. The Private Suite (also known as PS) can help you avoid the traffic and crowds if you’re willing to pay for the privilege. This independent service offers check-in at a private terminal complete with restaurant menu and open bar await in a residential setting.

Private security lanes at the PS terminal eliminate any wait, and when it’s time to board, passengers are driven via private car directly to the aircraft without ever stepping foot in the airport.

Using public transportation to LAX can be complex, especially with bags since you need to go to a regional transportation center. The LAX FlyAway bus can take you into town or neighboring cities. The LAX City Bus is another affordable option to go downtown.

Consider alternate airports when flying to or from Los Angeles. LAX is not the only option, and other airports can have more competitive airfare.

Orange County (SNA), Long Beach (LGB), Burbank/Glendale/Hollywood (BUR) and Ontario (ONT) are all in the Los Angeles area. Many of these may even be closer to your destination, and all are sure to have less traffic and crowds.