Opened in 1930 as Mines Field, Became Los Angeles Airport in 1941. It has grown to become one of the largest airports in the world.
Despite its size and patchwork quilt of Terminals, it functions surprisingly well, making it a relatively good Hub / Transfer Airport. Weather seldom causes delays, and the 4 working runways, allows LAX few aircraft traffic back ups. It does lack in a coherent passenger transfer between terminals, and international arrivals at Tom Bradley – Terminal B are burdened with an archaic US customs clearance and ReCheck-In process.
Terminals are all relatively close, so walking is not out of the question (for the young), a Bus Shuttle service between terminals is available, but nothing modern or efficient. There is an antiquated “Bridge & Tunnel” option for Airside Transfers between Tom Bradley, T4, T5, T6, T7, but it is not suitable for those with mobility issues. Transfers are very messy at LAX.
Soon with the new bridgeway between Terminal 3 and Tom Bradley, all Terminals will be connected Airside. This should be completed August 2023.
One Huge problem with LAX, getting there
The legendary LA traffic does make getting to LAX a pain (but JFK is worse from Manhattan), so allow extra time. And once at the Airport, the traffic can be agonizingly slow just to get to your Terminal, be brave…
the “Automated People Mover” project should be ready for the Olympics before 2028. Reports state ready 2023 / 2024.
Low-Cost Carrier check-in:
Southwest, Volaris, Allegiant, Sun Country, Linx Air, VivaAerobus and others
In 2020, quite a good update and modernization was done.
Lounges
• none
Delta Airlines, WestJet
This terminal is not large by any means, but had a fairly good update several years back, so these facilities are quite new and up to date. Only one lounge, the new Delta taking over the Air Canada/Air New Zealand Lounge and even expanding the space. Shopping and space on the Departure Level is well managed with a good variety of shops despite it’s small size. It connects well to Terminals 1 and 3.
Lounges
• Delta Sky Club
• Virgin Club House – now housing Delta staff
Delta Airlines, AeroMexico
The much needed update is near complete with Terminal 3. August 2023, the bridgeway between Tom Bradley Terminal will be complete and Airside connection is made. Delta has done an excellent job modernizing Terminal 3.
Delta One Private Check-In
Entrance is on the lower Arrivals Level. Trans-Continental Delta One, International Delta One, Delta VIP passengers only.
Lounges
• Delta Sky Club
• Delta One & VIP Sky Club (opening 2024)
Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, Singapore, EVA Air, Qantas, British Airways, and many many other of the International carriers.
TBIT deserves a page all it’s own, and it does, click here. LAX did a great job in the rebuilding of this terminal. And with the expansion with the new West Gate (Midfield Satellite) Terminal. If only it had a more passenger friendly transfer to other terminals and airlines, it’s the cause for much confusion for new foreign arrivals.
Lounges
• Star Alliance, One World Business, Qantas First Class, Korean Air (Priority Pass), Emirates
Lounges
• Air France to open 2024/2025
all American Airlines check-in here
Not a bad Terminal, and it’s location next to TBIT with a passageway connecting the two, makes it an occasionally preferred way to get through TSA Screening.
Lounges
• American Airlines Admirals Club
• American Airlines Flagship Lounge
JetBlue, Hawaiian Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and others
Recent Terminal Swap, had many of these airlines in Terminal 3.
Delta did a very good (and expensive) update a few years back, so this is good news for the airlines now operating out of T5. Unfortunately it appears there will be no lounge access for anyone except the American Airlines passengers.
Lounges
• American Airlines Admirals Club (the older Delta Sky Club space)
Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, and others
Alaska Airlines managed a fairly good update a few years back.
Lounges
• Alaska Airlines Board Room
• Air Canada Maple Leaf Room
United Airlines
United First & Business Class should check-in at Terminal 6.
Lounges
• United Club, one of the better United Clubs.
• United Polaris lounge
Ride Share Drop-Off
Lyft, Opoli, and Uber are the authorized providers for ride app services at LAX. If taking a ride app to LAX you can be dropped off directly at your terminal on the upper/departures level.
Ride Share Pick-Up
When leaving LAX, ride apps and taxis can be picked-up at the LAX-it lot next to Terminal 1. Guests can walk or take the free LAX-it shuttles to get to LAX-it.
Private Parking Shuttles Pick Up & Drop Off
is on the Upper Departures level.
Clear Biometrics
is now at all Terminals.
WIKIPEDIA: LAX Los Angeles International Page
A great resource for all the basic information you need for LAX Los Angeles International.
More Information:
Official LAX Los Angeles International Page
Please purchase your parking prior to arrival to ensure space when parking in the short-term structures.
LAX Live Parking Map: Current availability of spaces
Purchase your parking prior to arrival to ensure space when parking in the short-term structures.
International Flights:
Los Angeles LAX Nonstop or Direct International Flight List
Other LAX Terminals: LAX: The Private Suite
Listen to the official song: “L.A. International Airport” by Susan Raye
If so, leave your comments below.
page updated: May 2023
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