Los Angeles International Airport
Los Angeles, United States · Since 1930
Last updated:
About LAX
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary airport serving the Greater Los Angeles area and is one of the busiest airports in the world. Located in the Westchester neighborhood, it features nine passenger terminals arranged in a U-shape around the central Theme Building, an iconic mid-century modern structure. LAX serves as a hub for Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. The Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) is the gateway for international flights and features impressive architecture and dining options.
Why "LAX"?
LAX is the IATA code for Los Angeles International Airport. The L comes from Los Angeles, and the X was added because the original two-letter code LA was expanded to three letters when IATA standardized airport codes. The X has no specific meaning. The airport opened in 1930 as Mines Field.
Airlines Operating
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Allegiant Air, Air New Zealand, Qantas, Virgin Australia, Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Swiss, Iberia, Norwegian, Virgin Atlantic, Aer Lingus, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, ANA, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, China Airlines, EVA Air, Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Philippine Airlines, Aeromexico, LATAM
Terminals
Terminal 1
Home to Southwest Airlines, the largest domestic carrier at LAX. Recently renovated with improved dining and shopping options.
Terminal 2
Serves a mix of domestic and international carriers. Connected to TBIT via a post-security connector.
Terminal 3
Primarily serves Delta Air Lines domestic flights. Connected to T2 and TBIT via walkways.
Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT)
The premier international terminal, opened 2013 expansion. Award-winning architecture with a dramatic Great Hall. Serves most international flights. Post-security connectors to Terminals 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
Terminal 4
American Airlines primary domestic terminal. Connected to TBIT via post-security walkway.
Terminal 5
American Airlines secondary terminal with some other carriers. Connected to T4 and T6.
Terminal 6
Serves Alaska Airlines and a mix of carriers.
Terminal 7
United Airlines terminal. Connected to T8 via post-security connector.
Terminal 8
United Airlines international and select domestic flights. Connected to T7.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at LAX
Alaska Airlines
Terminal 6
American Airlines
Terminal 4
Delta Air Lines
Terminal 3
Southwest Airlines
Terminal 1
United Airlines
Terminal 7
Aer Lingus
Aeromexico
Air Canada
Showing 8 of 70 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
LAX FlyAway bus to Union Station ($9.75, 30-50 min). Metro C Line (Green) connects to the transit system via a shuttle. The Automated People Mover (train) now connects terminals to a Metro station, rental car center, and parking. Taxis, Uber, and Lyft pick up from the LAX-it lot or designated areas. Various hotel and off-airport parking shuttles.
Taxi
$50-60 metered to Downtown LA, $45-100 to Hollywood/Santa Monica
30-60 minutes (highly traffic-dependent) to city center
Public Transport
$1.75 (Metro C/K line + bus) to Downtown
45-70 minutes to Downtown LA to city center
Popular Destinations
45-55 minutes
Downtown Los Angeles
25-45 minutes
Santa Monica
30-60 minutes
Hollywood
45-75 minutes
Anaheim (Disneyland)
Parking at LAX
Central Terminal Area from $5/first hour, Economy Lot from $12/day. LAX-it lot for rideshare pickup....
Central Terminal Area (CTA) Parking
Economy Lot C
Economy Lot E
LAX Cell Phone Waiting Lot
Airport Lounges
Qantas First Lounge
Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT)
Neil Perry-designed lounge with a la carte dining, premium cocktails, and spa. Consistently rated among the best airline lounges. Open limited hours around Qantas departures.
United Polaris Lounge
Terminal 7
Premium lounge with a la carte dining, cocktail bar, daybeds, shower suites, and relaxation areas. One of the best domestic US airline lounges.
American Airlines Flagship Lounge
Terminal 4
Premium American Airlines lounge in T4 with Flagship First Dining, chef-prepared meals, premium wines and spirits, and shower suites.
Emirates Lounge
Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT)
Dedicated Emirates lounge in TBIT open around flight departure times. Premium buffet, full bar, shower suites, and Monet & Chandon champagne service.
Star Alliance Lounge
Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT)
Spacious shared lounge in TBIT with excellent food and beverage service, shower suites, and views of the iconic Theme Building and runway. One of the best Star Alliance lounges in the US.
oneworld Lounge
Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT)
Shared oneworld alliance lounge in TBIT with good food options, bar, and shower facilities. Used by American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and other oneworld carriers.
Delta Sky Club
Terminal 3
Recently expanded lounge in T3 with seasonal menus, premium bar, shower suites, and comfortable seating. Sky Deck with outdoor views.
Korean Air Prestige Class Lounge
Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT)
Korean Air branded lounge in TBIT with Korean and international cuisine, bibimbap, and premium beverages. Open around Korean Air flight times.
Where to Stay
Connected Hotels
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
6225 W Century Blvd, directly across from TBIT via pedestrian bridge
The closest hotel to LAX with a pedestrian bridge to TBIT. Modern rooms, rooftop bar with runway views, pool, and on-site dining. Ideal for early international departures.
Nearby Hotels
Holiday Inn LAX - Gateway
9901 S La Cienega Blvd, free shuttle
Budget-friendly IHG property with clean rooms, outdoor pool, and free airport shuttle. Convenient for overnight layovers without high costs.
Four Points by Sheraton LAX
9750 Airport Blvd, free shuttle
Affordable Marriott brand with comfortable rooms, outdoor pool, restaurant, and complimentary airport shuttle. Good value near the airport.
H Hotel Los Angeles
6151 W Century Blvd, free shuttle to all terminals
Curio Collection by Hilton with modern design, rooftop pool, and trendy restaurant. Free 24-hour airport shuttle. Walking distance to the LAX/Metro station.
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
6101 W Century Blvd, complimentary shuttle
Full-service Marriott property with 802 rooms, swimming pool, fitness center, and multiple dining options. Reliable choice with free airport shuttle.
Food & Dining
The Habit Burger Grill
American Burgers
Terminal 1 (Airside)
California charburger chain known for flame-grilled burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, and hand-mixed shakes. A Southwest terminal favorite.
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Starbucks
Cafe
Terminal 2 (Landside)
The ubiquitous coffee chain with full espresso menu and food items. Multiple LAX locations for reliable caffeine.
4:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Shake Shack
American Burgers
Terminal 3 (Airside)
The popular NYC-born chain serving ShackBurgers, chicken sandwiches, crinkle-cut fries, and frozen custard. Consistently busy.
5:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Umami Burger
American Gourmet Burgers
Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) (Airside)
LA-born gourmet burger brand with signature umami-rich patties, truffle fries, and craft beer. A quintessential Los Angeles dining experience.
6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Point the Way Cafe
California Craft
Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) (Airside)
Named after Golden Road Brewing craft beer, serving California-inspired dishes, local craft beers, and creative cocktails in a bright space.
6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Border Grill
Modern Mexican
Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) (Airside)
Celebrity chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger serve elevated Mexican cuisine. Known for green corn tamales, ceviche, and margaritas.
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Car Rental
Hertz
LAX Rental Car Center, 9217 Airport Blvd (free shuttle from terminals)
Avis
LAX Rental Car Center, 9217 Airport Blvd (free shuttle from terminals)
Enterprise
LAX Rental Car Center, 9217 Airport Blvd (free shuttle from terminals)
Budget
LAX Rental Car Center, 9217 Airport Blvd (free shuttle from terminals)
National
LAX Rental Car Center, 9217 Airport Blvd (free shuttle from terminals)
Sixt
LAX Rental Car Center, 9217 Airport Blvd (free shuttle from terminals)
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
TBIT Art & Architecture Tour
The Tom Bradley International Terminal features impressive contemporary art installations and award-winning architecture. The Great Hall is one of the most beautiful airport spaces in the world.
LAX Observation Deck (Theme Building)
The iconic 1961 Theme Building (the UFO-shaped structure) is a mid-century modern landmark. While the restaurant is closed, the building remains an architectural highlight visible from TBIT.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Dine at In-N-Out Burger
The closest In-N-Out to LAX is at 9149 S Sepulveda Blvd, right by the runway. Famous for its plane-spotting views while eating the legendary Double-Double. A must for first-time LA visitors.
El Segundo Brewing Company
Award-winning craft brewery in nearby El Segundo, a short rideshare from LAX. Sample local IPAs and ales in the taproom. A perfect way to experience LA craft beer culture.
Manhattan Beach Walk
Just south of LAX, Manhattan Beach offers a beautiful pier, excellent restaurants, and a relaxed beach town atmosphere. Take a rideshare for 15 minutes and enjoy the surf and sand.
Visit Venice Beach & Boardwalk
Take a rideshare to Venice Beach (20 min). Walk the famous boardwalk, see Muscle Beach, street performers, murals, and the Venice canals. Grab tacos and enjoy the California sun.
Santa Monica Pier
The iconic Santa Monica Pier with its Ferris wheel, arcade, and oceanfront dining is just 25 minutes from LAX. Walk the Third Street Promenade for shopping and people-watching.
Getty Center Museum
Free admission to this world-class art museum designed by Richard Meier. Take a rideshare to the Getty Center (30 min). Stunning architecture, gardens, and views of LA from the hilltop campus.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●○○
- Power Outlets: Type A, Type B (US standard). USB charging stations at most gates.
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: From $10/day at LAX Luggage Storage in TBIT and Terminal 1
- Showers: Free in select airline lounges. No public shower facilities.
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
- Pet Relief Areas
Money & Currency
- Currency: USD (US Dollar)
- Exchange: Travelex and ICE in Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) and select terminals. ATMs throughout.
- Hours: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM (varies by location)
- Tipping: Tipping is customary in the US. Tip 15-20% at sit-down restaurants, $1-2 per bag for porters, $2-5 for shuttle drivers, and 15-20% for taxis/rideshares.
Airport exchange rates are poor. Use ATMs with a no-foreign-fee card instead. Almost all businesses accept credit cards and mobile payment.
Smoking Areas
LAX is smoke-free indoors. No designated smoking areas airside. Smoking only permitted outside terminal buildings in designated areas before security.
Lost & Found
- Phone: +1 424-646-5678
Lost items can be reported through the LAX Lost and Found website. Each airline also maintains its own lost and found.
Entry Requirements
Visa Information
US requires ESTA for Visa Waiver Program countries or valid visa. No visa on arrival. Apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before travel. ESTA costs $21.
Valid passport and ESTA or visa. ESTA must be applied for online at least 72 hours before travel. Customs and Border Protection processing at TBIT.
When to Fly
Best time: March-May and September-November for good weather and fewer crowds.
Peak seasons: June-August (summer vacation), December holidays, Spring break
Insider Tips
Traffic around LAX is notoriously bad — allow at least 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 for international. The new Automated People Mover makes terminal connections much easier. Rideshare pickup has moved to the LAX-it lot — take the shuttle from your terminal. TBIT has the best food options. Arriving early? The new West Gates at TBIT are beautiful and less crowded.
Facilities & Contact
Airport Facilities
Free unlimited Wi-Fi. Pet relief areas in multiple locations. USO lounge for military. Nursing rooms in all terminals. Art exhibitions throughout terminals. Yoga room in T2. Medical clinic in TBIT. Extensive dining and shopping in all terminals, with TBIT having the best selection.
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