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Los Angeles International Airport

Find out about the airport's location, transportation options, terminals, airlines and more.

LAX sign outside Los Angeles International Airport

About Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles International Airport is the main international airport in Los Angeles, California and areas surrounding L.A. The airport is the largest and busiest airport in West Coast USA and one of the largest and busiest airports in the whole of the US. In addition to passenger traffic, the airport handles a lot of cargo traffic.

The airport is the hub for Alaska AirlinesAmerican AirlinesDelta Air Lines and United, which is the biggest number of US legacy carriers based at one airport in the whole of the US. The airport opened in 1930 under the name 'Mines Field' and was renamed Los Angeles Airport in 1941 and, later, Los Angeles International Airport in 1949, which is what it's known as today.

Los Angeles International has had many major expansions over the years. In the early 1960s, four new terminals were built, numbered 2–5. In preparation for the 1984 Summer Olympics, the airport undertook a major renovation and expansion, with two new terminals built and terminal 2 completely rebuilt. The airport had another multi-billion renovation in the mid-2010s. Los Angeles International Airport is expected to undergo another expansion in the coming years as the city will host the Summer Olympics once again in 2028. In total, the airport has nine different terminals.

A shuttle bus waiting outside an airport

Transportation

After you arrive in Los Angeles International Airport, you'll want to pick the best transportation option to get you from the airport to your accommodation.

Public Transportation
Shuttle buses, such as the LAX FlyAway Buses, are available to get you from A to B. The LA Metro buses connect LAX to various parts of Los Angeles and surrounding areas. There are also other local buses like the Culver City Bus Lines, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus and more, that serve LAX and offer connections to specific areas of the city.

Rental Cars
There are several major rental car companies with counters inside the LAX terminals. You can also hire a rental car via off-site rental car companies who often have lower rates than on-site companies.

Hotel Shuttles
Many hotels offer complimentary shuttles to and from LAX - check with your hotel for more details and schedules.

Private Car Services
If you'd prefer to travel in luxury and privacy, it's best to pre-arrange a private car service that can offer a more personalised experience. This is the most expensive option but is very convenient as it is a direct door-to-door service.

Luggage on a baggage claim conveyer belt

Security and Baggage Claim

Security Procedures

Los Angeles International Airport follows TSA guidelines for its security procedures. It includes X-ray screening, luggage checks and potential pat-downs. The wait times can vary depending on the day and time, with peak hours (mornings and evenings) being typically busier. To have a smooth experience, we recommend packing efficiently, removing prohibited items and wearing easily removable shoes and clothing.

If you'd like tips on how to get through airport security smoothly, check out our blog - Guide to Airport Security.

Baggage Claim

The efficiency of baggage claim varies among terminals, however, most of them at LAX have modern systems with clear signage. Check your boarding pass for your specific carousel number and location within the terminal. Wait times will depend on your flight's arrival order and the number of passengers disembarking.

Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8 - baggage claim is located on Level 1
Terminal 2 - claim your bags on Level 1, across from International Arrivals
Terminal 3 - claim your bags on Level 1 for domestic flights and Level 2 for international flights
Tom Bradley International Terminal (B) - claim your bags on Level 1

Terminals and Amenities

Los Angeles International Airport has 9 terminals that serve domestic and international flights.

Tom Bradley International Terminal (B)

This terminal is dedicated to international arrivals and departures. It recently had renovations offering modern shops, restaurants and lounges including The Centurion Lounge and the Private Suite.

Terminal 1

This terminal serves mostly domestic airlines. It features a variety of shops and restaurants, including The District with grab-and-go options and chef-driven eateries. It also has a yoga studio, spa services and a children's play area.

Terminal 2

This is primarily used by WestJet, but passengers board from gates in Terminal 3.

Terminal 3

This terminal serves some domestic and international airlines. It has a good mix of shops, restaurants and amenities, including a food court, duty-free shops and a Minute Suites hotel for short layovers.

Terminal 4

American Airlines and its partners mainly use Terminal 4. It features a wide range of restaurants, including sit-down options and fast-food chains. It also has shops, a spa and a children's play area.

Terminal 5

This is primarily used by Delta Air Lines and its partners. It recently underwent a major renovation, working on a more modern design, open spaces and a better variety of shops and restaurants. It also has a children's play area and a spa.

Terminal 6

This is primarily for domestic airlines. It has a smaller selection of shops and restaurants compared to other terminals but has a food court and a children's play area.

Terminal 7

This terminal serves United Airlines and its partners. There are a wide range of shops and restaurants, including a food court, sit-down options and cafes. It also has the United Club lounge and a Polaris lounge.

Terminal 8

This terminal is mainly for international airlines. It has a duty-free shopping complex, a variety of restaurants and several airline lounges.

Lounges

American Admirals Club

This lounge is in multiple locations across Terminals 4 and 5, as well as the American Eagle Regional Terminal. It offers complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi and comfortable seating for eligible American Airlines passengers, and those with select credit cards.

United Club

This lounge is located in Terminals 7 and 8. It has similar amenities to the Admirals Club, but is only available to eligible United Airlines passengers and select credit card holders.

Delta Sky Club

Situated in Terminal 3, this lounge features a buffet, grab-and-go options, showers and dedicated workspaces for eligible Delta passengers and select credit card members.

The Centurion Lounge

This lounge is located in Terminal 4. It is accessible to select American Express Platinum Card members and their guests. Inside the lounge, there is premium food, beverages, spa treatments and private workspaces.

Priority Pass Lounges

Several lounges across different terminals are available to Priority Pass members and those with select credit cards. Amenities typically include comfortable seating, food and beverage options, and Wi-Fi.

The Private Suite

This lounge is in Terminal 7. It has private day rooms, meeting rooms and spa treatments available for purchase, regardless of airline or travel status.


Did you know? You can add access to airport lounges when booking flights through Alternative Airlines! Take a look at our handy guide on how to add lounges to your booking right here.

An airplane flying over Los Angeles

Airlines that fly to Los Angeles International Airport

Hub airport for:
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines

Major US airlines:
American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

International airlines:
Aer Lingus, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air China, Air France, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Asiana Airlines, Avianca, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Iberia, Korean Air, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia and WestJet.

Regional airlines:
Breeze Airways, Cape Air, Cayman Airways, Condor, Contour Airlines, JSX, Mokulele Airlines, Norse Atlantic Airways, Sun Country Airlines and VivaAerobus.

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Los Angeles International Airport FAQs

Where is Los Angeles International Airport located?

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is situated in the Westchester neighbourhood of the city of Los Angeles in California, USA. It is 18 miles (29 km) southwest of Downtown Los Angeles.

The official address os the airport is Los Angeles International Airport, 523-431 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA.

Does LAX have Wi-Fi?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals.

How far is Anaheim from Los Angeles International Airport?

If you're travelling to Anaheim from LAX by car, the shortest driving distance is around 32 miles (51 km) via the I-105 E and CA091 E. It will take you around 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The other alternative route by car is via the I-405 S and CA-22 E, taking around 40-50 minutes.

If you're going to Anaheim by public transportation from the airport, the travel time can range from 1.5 - 2.5 hours, depending on the route, waiting times for transfers and traffic conditions.

Who owns Los Angeles International Airport?

Los Angeles International Airport isn't owned by a private organisation or individual. It is owned by the City of Los Angeles and managed by the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), which is a department within the city government. This department also owns and operates Ontario International Airport (ONT) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY).

What airlines fly out of Los Angeles International Airport?

Many major airlines fly out of Los Angeles International Airport on a daily basis, making it one of the world's busiest passenger airports.

Domestic airlines:
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Hawaiian Airlines and Frontier Airlines.

International airlines:
All Nippon Airways (ANA), Korean Air, Japan Airlines (JAL), Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, KLM and Qantas.