Los Angeles International Airport [LAX] – Everything Travelers Need To Know

BY 

Erin Miller

- UPDATED: January 24, 2020

1. Travel Guides & Resources  / 
2. Airport Guides

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Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the fourth busiest airport in the world, and the second busiest in the United States (after Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport).

LAX is in the middle of a huge $15 billion modernization project that started in 2009, with an estimated completion of 2023.

These major developments will include an automated people mover to transport passengers in between terminals and to Metro Rail links, a new car rental center, and road improvements to ease congestion.

Although the airport has quite a clear layout, not all of the terminals are linked to each other. This can make flight connections long-winded, sometimes having to clear security again for onward travel.

Quick Information

Airport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Terminals: 9 total, including: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and B (Tom Bradley International Terminal)

Airport Address: 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Distance from Los Angeles: 15 miles (24 km)

Website: flylax.com

Phone Number: 855-463-5252

Destinations Served: 111 domestic, 89 international

Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed here.

Airlines Operating from LAX

Terminal 1

• Southwest Airlines

Terminal 2

Terminal 3

Terminal 4

Terminal 5

Terminal 6

Terminal 7 and 8

Tom Bradley International Terminal

Hot Tip: LAX is one of only 4 airports in the U.S. that offers direct routes on China Airlines. 

LAX Airport Terminals

LAX and its terminals have a U-shaped layout, with a double level road and airport parking located inside of the U and all of the terminals on the outside. Flight departures are on the upper level and arrivals on the lower level.

There are 9 terminals in total, numbered 1-8 and Terminal B (Tom Bradley International Terminal).

How you travel between terminals at LAX depends on where you’re going and whether you want to (and have the option) to stay airside to avoid clearing security again.

Connecting From Terminal 1

Terminal 1 isn’t joined to any of the other terminals directly, so if you’re connecting to another flight, then you’d need to exit the terminal and allow time to pass through security at the next terminal. You can utilize the airport shuttle service to get there or walk.

Connecting From Terminals 2 to 3

Terminals 2 and 3 aren’t connected to each other via an airside walkway but are connected landside, meaning you’d need clear security again when re-entering. These 2 terminals are also not connected to any other terminals so you’d need to exit these terminals to gain access to any of the others.

Connecting From Terminals 4 Through 8

You can travel between terminals 4 through 8 without passing through security again via a number of airside walkways.

There’s also a remote Regional Terminal that American Eagle operates out of. This is only accessible by shuttle bus from Terminal 5.

Connecting to Terminal B (International Terminal)

From terminal 4, you can reach terminal B without having to pass through security again. This is via a connection bridge located near security in terminal 4. If you’re coming from terminal B and connecting to terminal 4 through 8, then you will need to pass through security.

Hot Tip: See our in-depth guide on how to get between terminals at LAX airport for more information. 

Inter-Terminal Transport

Some of the connection tunnels have moving walkways, but many don’t. With that in mind, you might choose to use the free landside shuttle bus, which runs every few minutes on a counter-clockwise loop, stopping at all terminals.

Sidewalks on the double level road are also available to walk from one terminal to another, or if you’re heading from terminals 1-3 (north) to 4-8 (south), then you can also cut through the centrally situated car parks to reach the other side.

Security and Customs at LAX

LAX has security checkpoints at every terminal apart from terminal 8 which shares a checkpoint with terminal 7.

As part of the airport’s 15-year expansion and renovation plan, terminal 1 received an upgrade to its security checkpoint, as did terminals 4, 7, and B with 14 automated screening lanes introduced in terminal B.

Passengers can check estimated security wait times on the airport website.

All international flights have to clear customs on arrival, and there are separate customs checkpoints at each terminal that receives international flights.

TSA PreCheck

LAX has a dedicated TSA PreCheck lane at each terminal for expedited screening. If you’re eligible, having applied online, paid the $85 fee, and attended an appointment at an enrollment center, then you may use this lane for quicker processing.

The airport also has a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center located in terminal 1 in the baggage claim area on level 1. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number, and you can use TSA PreCheck lanes at any U.S. airport.

Global Entry

LAX also has Global Entry kiosks for expedited international clearance of passengers who have enrolled in the program. An application can be submitted online, and an interview will need to be scheduled at an enrollment center or arranged at participating airports for Enrollment on Arrival.

LAX doesn’t have a Global Entry Enrollment Center inside the airport; however, there is one located close by at 11099 S. La Cienega Blvd. The airport does allow Enrollment on Arrival for conditionally approved applicants.

Mobile Passport

LAX supports Mobile Passport Control and has a dedicated Wi-Fi connection specifically for this.

Just submit your details on arrival at LAX and present your instant receipt and passport to a CBP agent.

Clear

LAX has Clear lanes in terminals 1-7 for expedited security clearance. This program requires enrollment and an interview for eye and fingertip scanning. Delta Sky Club has a CLEAR Enrollment Center in terminal 2 for Sky Club Members.

LAX Airport Lounges

LAX has 19 lounges. Some lounges are exclusively for passengers flying in premium cabins or for elite tier frequent flyer members. Etihad Airways and Virgin Atlantic allow passengers in all cabins to purchase a day pass (subject to capacity allowance).

If you aren’t eligible for lounge access with your airline, or your airline doesn’t have a lounge at LAX, then you can purchase a day pass at certain lounges.

*Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
**Day Pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as n/a only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip: Check out our article on The Best Personal and Business Credit Cards for Complimentary Lounge Access to avoid lounge entry fees.

Priority Pass Access

The following lounges accept Priority Pass entry, but are also subject to capacity allowance:

• Alaska Airlines Lounge
• Korean Air/Sky Team Lounge
• Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

Priority Pass holders can also use their membership to receive a discount at:

• P.F Chang’s
• Rock & Brews

Hot Tip: If you’re interested in becoming a Priority Pass member, check out our dedicated Priority Pass article as well as the best credit cards for complimentary Priority Pass access.

Airport Dining and Drinks at LAX

There are over 100 restaurants, bars, and cafes at LAX. The majority of restaurants are past security, making it easy to find somewhere to grab a bite to eat before your flight or after landing at LAX.

With the ongoing expansion project, the airport is experiencing some disruption to normal services with some eateries being closed. You can check what restaurants are available on the airport website.

LAX Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

LAX provides passengers with free Wi-Fi within all public areas of each terminal. Access is granted in 45-minute sessions by selecting the network “_LAX Free WIFI,” launching your browser, and watching a short 15-30 second advertisement.

There’s an optional upgrade for high-speed W-Fi for $7.95 (24-hours access) or $9.95 per month for unlimited access.

Charging Stations: There are charging stations located throughout each terminal.

LAX Airport Lost and Found

LAX advises passengers to contact their airline first if they have lost a piece of luggage or property. Depending on where the item was lost, LAX also requests that passengers attempt to contact the location or service where they may have left the property, such as shops, restaurants, and public transport.

If an item was left on the economy parking lot shuttle bus then contact 310-893-4676 or for the terminal shuttle bus 424-273-7266. If the property has not been located via these methods, then you can submit a claim or wait 96 hours to see if your item has been posted to the lost and found gallery.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services: LAX has over 175 customer service representatives that speak over 25 languages collectively. They’re situated on the arrivals level of each terminal and terminal B information desks, operating from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily.

Travelers Aid: There is no travelers aid center at LAX. The nearest center is located at Ontario International Airport.

Children’s Play Areas: LAX has a children’s play area on level 4 of the international terminal, suitable for 2- to 11-year-olds.

Baby Facilities: LAX has 11 nursing rooms throughout the airport, located near gates 10, 21B, 37A, 45, 52H, 55A, 64B, 71A, 81, and 150.

Pet Relief Areas: There’s a pet relief area in each terminal, except terminal 3. These are located at:

• terminal 1, curbside
• terminal 2, gate 21A
• terminal 4, connection bridge to the international terminal
• terminal 5, curbside and gate 50B
• terminal 6, gate 62
• terminal 7, curbside and gate 71A
• international terminal in the great hall

Duty Free: Duty-free shopping is available at the terminals that operate the majority of international flights: terminals B, 2, 3, and 6.

Smoking Areas: Designated smoking areas can be found at terminals 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, and B curbsides.

Interesting Features: LAX operates a Pets Unstressing Passengers program (PUP) where dogs and their handlers roam the airport gates to calm any nervous flyers before their flight. LAX also displays regular art exhibitions in its public areas.

Prayer: There are no chapel services or places of prayer at LAX.

Money: ATMs are located in all terminals. Some of the most common places these can be found are at gate areas, baggage claims, or in the center points of the terminal. There are also currency exchange services in all terminals except 1 and 3.

Luggage: There are no luggage storage lockers inside the airport. The closest is “LAX Luggage Storage” located a little way outside of the airport at 8622 Bellanca Ave.

Important LAX Phone Numbers

General Inquiries: 855-463-5252

Parking: 310-646-2911

Construction Inquiries: 310-649-5292

LAX Police Lost and Found: 424-646-5678

Travel To and From LAX

Transport Options

Ground transportation is clearly identified outside each terminal on the arrivals level by color-coded signs that hang above the applicable waiting area. Those are as follows:

• Airport shuttle: blue
• Buses: green
• Taxis: yellow
• Shared vans and shuttles: orange
• Hotel and parking shuttles: red
• Ride-share services: brown and black

The color-coded signs make finding the transportation you need simple. Getting from one destination to another is also simple with the many transportation options provided.

• Train:
  – Metro Rail: Pick up the free airport shuttle “G” from outside the terminal waiting area signposted “LAX Shuttle Airline Connection & Metro Green Line Station.” This runs to and from the Aviation/LAX Metro station. To get to Downtown Los Angeles, you’d need to take the green line and change to the blue line at Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station.
  – Amtrak Train: Union Station is the nearest Amtrak service. You can take the Flyaway Bus, which goes directly to Union Station.
• Bus:
  – Metrobus: Pick-up the free airport shuttle “C” from outside the terminal waiting area which runs to and from the Metro Bus Station to connect with services all over Los Angeles and beyond.
  – Flyaway Bus: Locate the pick-up area “Flyaway, Buses & Long Distance Vans.” From here you can ride direct to Union Station, Long Beach, Hollywood, Woodley Orange Line Station, Westwood, and Van Nuys.
  – Other public and private buses: Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, Culver City Bus Lines, Torrance Transit, and Metropolitan Express are just a few of the local operators.
• Shuttle: Shared ride and private ride shuttles are available to book. Be sure to check if your hotel offers a free shuttle pick-up and drop-off at the airport.
• Taxi: You can pick-up a metered taxi from the transportation area outside each terminal. A flat fee from the airport to Downtown Los Angeles is $50.50 which includes a $4 airport surcharge.
• Ride Services: Approved ride service companies such as Uber or Lyft can pick-up and drop-off on the upper departures level only.

Directions By Car to LAX

Arriving from I-405 Northbound

Take exit 45A onto I-105 W towards El Segundo and then exit 1C onto Sepulveda Boulevard. Use the right 2 lanes to take the Century Boulevard exit onto World Way, where you can access airport parking or curbside drop-off.

Arriving from I-405 Southbound

Exit via the Howard Hughes Parkway and take a left onto Sepulveda Boulevard, continuing south through downtown Westchester. Take a right onto Vicksburg Avenue and then right again onto World Way, where you can access airport parking or curbside drop-off.

LAX Airport Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

There are around 10,000 parking spaces at LAX available for passengers. You can choose from short-term parking lots located along World Way or Economy Lot E, which is more affordable for long-term parking.

Short-Term Parking

The short-term parking lots are numbered P1, P2A, P2B, P3, P4, P5, P6, and P7, and contain almost 8,000 spaces. The first 15 minutes are free, it’s $5 for the first hour, $4 for every 30 minutes after the first hour, and $40 for each 24-hour period.

These parking lots are located in the center of World Way and are accessible by exiting the terminal and crossing over the 2 roads that circle the parking lots.

Covered parking means that there are height restrictions for parking. Lots 1, 2A, 6, and 7 have a maximum vehicle height restriction of 8 feet, 2 inches, lots 2B and 5 have a maximum vehicle height restriction of 7 feet, and lots 3 and 4 have a maximum vehicle height restriction of 7 feet, 6 inches.

Long-Term Parking

The uncovered economy parking lot E is located a little further out from the airport at 5455 W 111th Street and can be accessed by riding the free shuttle bus from outside each terminal.

These shuttles depart every 15 minutes, and the ride to the terminal takes approx 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and where you got on the shuttle. Parking in this lot is $12 per day.

At the time of writing, economy parking lot C had recently closed (April 1, 2019), with no information as to whether this would be reopening again.

Pick-Up or Drop-Off Parking

The cell phone waiting lot gives those that are picking up or dropping off passengers, somewhere to wait for up to 2 hours until the passenger is available to be picked up from the terminal curbside on the lower level arrivals area.

The cell phone waiting lot is located at the northwest corner of 96th Street and Vicksburg Avenue. Drivers aren’t allowed to leave their cars unattended in this lot.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

If you’re looking for the cheapest parking available, then off-site lots and hotels will offer you the best rates. Most of the off-site lots are located 1-3 miles away from the airport and operate free airport shuttle buses to and from the terminals.

Daily parking starts at $8.95. There are many third party websites you can use to compare prices and book, but airportparkingreservations.com has a clear layout, is easy to use, and has excellent customer reviews on Trustpilot.

Parking for Passengers with Disabilities

Parking for disabled passengers is available in all official airport parking lots, and all shuttle buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts.

Parking Contact Numbers

General parking inquiries: 424-646-7275

Request a parking extension over 30 days: 310-646-2911

Car Rental at LAX Airport

Car rental companies aren’t located on airport property. You’ll find them near where economy parking lot C was located. You can pick up a free shuttle bus provided by your car rental company from outside the terminal. The following rental car companies operate at LAX:

Advantage: 800-777-5500
Alamo: 888-826-6893
Avis: 310-342-9200
Budget: 310-642-4500
Dollar: 866-434-2226
Enterprise: 310-649-5400
Fox: 323-673-9084
Hertz: 310-568-5100
National Car Rental: 888-826-6890
Payless: 310-645-2100
Sixt: 855-471-2760
Thrifty: 877-283-0898

LAX Airport Hotels

LAX airport accommodation caters to all budgets with a range of hotels from 2 to 4 stars. Most hotels are within 0 to 2 miles and include a free shuttle service to and from the airport.

You can check below to find out which hotels are closest to the airport. We’ve also included contact information for easy direct booking.

LAX Airport Hotels

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

It’s no secret that hotels in Los Angeles can quickly push your budget to its limit. Luckily, this is where using points can really come in handy! Here are some of the best award booking options near the Los Angeles International Airport.

At the Holiday Inn Express Los Angeles LAX Airport guests have access to great amenities like free breakfast, free airport shuttle service, and even a pool. For 35,000 IHG points per night, this can be a fantastic option for those needing to stay near the airport. This hotel is also eligible for an IHG Anniversary night certificate.

Perfectly situated less than a mile from the airport, the Residence Inn Los Angeles LAX/ Century Boulevard combines both convenience and comfort. This all-suite hotel offers the largest guest suites near LAX with a full kitchen, free breakfast, shuttle service, and an outdoor heated pool too. An excellent value at 35,000 Marriott points per night or a free night certificate.

For just 12,000 Hyatt points per night, the Hyatt Place Los Angeles/LAX/El Segundo offers a comfortable stay with free breakfast for World of Hyatt members, an on-site restaurant and bar, free shuttle to and from LAX, and pet-friendly rooms. Guests will also find the hotel is very close to great local food and shopping.

Final Thoughts

LAX recognizes the challenges passengers are currently facing when visiting the airport, such as congestion around the terminal loop causing travel times of up to 45 minutes, lack of direct connectivity with the Metro Rail, and dispersed locations of some airport services.

The modernization project is set to give LAX a much-needed facelift to help improve the passenger experience.

Many of the domestic terminals have already received remodeling, with improvements made to connection walkways, security checkpoints, and baggage handling systems, so not all of the improvements are visible but will aid with terminal efficiencies. Roll on 2023!

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock.com