Los Angeles International Airport, universally known by its IATA code LAX, stands as a key international gateway to the United States, particularly to Southern California. Located in Westchester, approximately 18 kilometers southwest of downtown Los Angeles, LAX is known not only for its role in global aviation but also for its distinctive Theme Building, which embodies a futuristic 1960’s design.
Terminal layout and specifics
The layout of Los Angeles International Airports consists of nine passenger terminals arranged in a horseshoe configuration.
Terminals 1, 2, and 3
These terminals handle a mix of domestic and international flights, with Terminal 1 dedicated to Southwest, Terminal 2 serving Delta among others and Terminal 3 also used by Delta for additional capacity.
Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT)
TBIT serves as the main terminal for international flights, hosting a wide array of airlines and offering extensive dining and shopping options.
Terminals 4 through 8
Each terminal is designated for specific airlines and their partners, with Terminal 4 for American Airlines, Terminal 7 and 8 for United Airlines, and others accommodating various domestic and international carriers.
Baggage handling when changing flights
Being one of the largest hubs in the world, LAX is also a common stop on the way when you are traveling with connecting flights. But how does it work with the luggage situation? The answer is that this depends on what type of ticket you have.
Single ticket connections
Automatically transfers baggage for passengers on a single itinerary. This means you don’t have to retrieve your luggage while waiting for your next flight.
Multiple tickets or airlines
This option requires passengers to manually reclaim and recheck their baggage when switching between unlinked bookings or different airlines. Make sure you have a little extra time on hand if this is your situation.
How is the security routine when arriving at LAX?
When arriving at Los Angeles Airport, all passengers go through a standard security screening process. This includes metal detectors, X-ray machines for baggage and random checks by TSA officers. International arrivals will also need to clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which involves passport control and, for non-U.S. citizens, fingerprinting and a photograph. Once cleared, passengers can collect their baggage and exit into the arrivals area. If you are connecting to another flight, you may need to go through security screening again, depending on your itinerary.
Dining options at the airport
LAX offers a variety of dining and shopping experiences tailored to suit all tastes and preferences. Listed below are some popular options, divided into the airport’s terminals.
Terminal 1: Features quick eats like Chick-fil-A and high-quality beverages from The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.
Terminal 2: Hosts several dining options, including the popular BUILT Custom Burgers and Barney's Beanery for a relaxed meal.
TBIT: Boasts a range of dining like 800 Degrees Pizza, KFC and Starbucks.
Airport lounges
At the airport you find a large number of lounges that offer relaxation and exclusive services. For example American Airlines Admirals Club in Terminal 4 provides a peaceful retreat with snacks, drinks and business facilities. Another option is United Club in Terminal 7, which offers a sophisticated environment with ample seating and premium amenities.
Accommodation in the area – find a hotel
The airport in Los Angeles is surrounded by various hotels that cater to transit passengers and visitors – several of them with a free shuttle service.
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport: Located immediately outside the airport, offering deluxe accommodations and amenities. Standard rates start around $180 per night.
Los Angeles Airport Marriott: Features comfortable lodging and a convenient shuttle service to LAX, with prices typically beginning at $150 per night.
Renaissance Los Angeles Airport Hotel: Provides stylish accommodations close to the airport, with nightly rates from $140.
To find all hotels in the nearby area and see which of them offer free shuttle serivce, follow the link below to see our full compilation.
Transportation and accessibility
LAX is accessible via a variety of transportation methods, facilitating easy travel to and from the airport.
Metro: The Metro Green Line connects to LAX through shuttle buses from the Aviation/LAX station, with fares around $1.75 each way.
Bus: LAX City Bus Center accommodates several bus routes, including the FlyAway bus service directly to Union Station for approximately $9.75 per person.
Taxis and ride-sharing: Taxis have a minimum fare of about $46.50 from LAX to downtown. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer competitive rates typically ranging from $30 to $50 to downtown, depending on traffic conditions.
If you prefer to rent a car to get around on your own, the majority of the major car rental companies are represented at the airport. Follow the link to see all available options and prices.
Los Angeles, CA, USA
