About Los Angeles Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles Airport, LAX, frequently sees over 75 million passengers pass through its gates every year, making it one of the world’s busiest airports. Los Angeles Airport is located around 30 kilometres to the southwest of Downtown LA and is the only US airport to serve as a home hub for all three US legacy airlines – American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. Check out our brief guide to the terminals at LAX, below.
LAX is currently undergoing major upgrades, so it’s important to double check before you travel in case of temporary closures, gate changes, alterations to pick-up and drop-off zones or construction updates.
Terminal 1: A USD$477.5 million upgrade is currently in progress at Terminal 1, set to wow passengers with a new bus port, facilities, ticket counters and baggage carousels. Updates have already been made to the security screening processes, as well as the Lower Arrivals/Baggage claim area. While these upgrades are in process it's important to double check your departure gates, drop-off and pick-up zones and sidewalk access outside the terminal as frequent changes may be made during construction. Airlines that call Terminal 1 home include Southwest, Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines.
Terminal 2: A recently completed USD$300 million renovation in Terminal 2 sees upgrades to ticket lobbies, baggage screening and baggage claims areas. This LAX terminal has been designed around the concept of L.A. in Motion, showcasing the energy of the city's famously on-the-go culture. Airlines served by Terminal 2 include Virgin Atlantic and WestJet.
Terminal 3: The home of Delta, Terminal 3 has also seen major upgrades recently. Travellers can now enjoy a brand-new concourse area including 11 gates and updated retail options.
Terminal 4: Thanks to a recent USD$1.6 billion investment dedicated to modernising Terminals 4 and 5, you'll find an updated Departures Hall, bus gate and concourse. Need to transfer to another terminal? No problem! Terminal 4 has tunnels connected to the terminals on the southside of the airport to make transferring a breeze. American Airlines arrives and departs from Terminal 4.
Terminal 5: Home to some American Airlines flights, Jetblue and Spirit Airlines, as well as the American Eagle terminal bus, Terminal 5 has also been recently upgraded. Travellers can expect modernised processes, new nursing rooms, extra security screening checkpoints and updated dining options for a more efficient and enjoyable airport experience.
Terminal 6: Thanks to renovated check-in, baggage claim and concourse areas, Terminal 6 offers travellers plenty of comforts while they get ready for their flight. Airlines based at Terminal 6 include Air Canada, Alaska Airlines and Porter Airlines.
Terminals 7 & 8: Both terminals have been updated with enhanced security screening processes, more seating options and charging stations. Terminal 7 is also where you'll find the luxurious new United Club Lounge to relax before your flight. United Airlines and United Express are based in Terminals 7 and 8.
TBIT: The Tom Brady International Terminal (Terminal B), named after the city's first African American mayor, is where you'll arrive if you're flying into L.A. from outside of the United States. Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Hawaiian Airlines, QANTAS and many more airlines can be found in the Tom Brady International Terminal.
What facilities are at Los Angeles Airport?
With nine terminals, LAX has a vast number of services and facilities for travellers.
Check-in
Your check-in location will depend on your airline, and while the majority of Australian travellers will be arriving at and departing from the Tom Brady International Terminal, some airlines require passengers to check in at a different terminal. For example, check-in for Virgin Australia is located at Terminal 2. From here, passengers proceed to the international terminal via the connected walkway or inter-terminal shuttle bus.
If you haven’t already checked in online for your flight, you’ll need to visit the relevant airline counter at LAX at least 3 hours prior to your flight’s departure time for international flights, and 90 minutes before a domestic flight. If you’re flying during peak travel times throughout the day, it’s a good idea to allow extra time in case of delays at bag drop or when going through security.
Baggage
Baggage storage is available at LAX should you need to drop your bags for a few hours or days. Although there are no longer any storage lockers at the airport, LAX Luggage Storage provides off-site storage starting at USD$12 per day for small, carry-on items. The company can arrange a kerbside pick-up, and deliver items back to your terminal for a small fee. Keep in mind that a USD$25 minimum spend amount applies.
Is there a currency exchange?
Yes, there are a number of ICE Currency Exchange desks conveniently located throughout LAX. Prefer to get your foreign currency sorted out in advance? Travel Money Oz can help you get organised before you head to the airport so you're ready to go as soon as you land!
Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUP)
One of the most likeable facilities at LAX is the PUP program. Because travelling can be stressful for many people, the PUP program aims to provide comfort and stress relief by giving passengers the opportunity to interact with pets. The volunteers bring along their own dogs, are registered with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and invite you to pat, hug, kiss and take pictures with the PUPs when travelling through LAX.
What are the other services and facilities?
- ATMs
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Concierge Services
- Currency Exchange
- Nursing Room
- Luggage Carts
- Interactive Visitors Centres
- Airport Police
- Lost and Found
- Medical and First Aid
Transport and terminal transfers
What’s the best way to get to and from LAX?
Travel to and from Los Angeles International Airport is not known as the easiest trip in the world, and it is really worthwhile to plan this part of your journey in advance. Major renovations and construction work is currently ongoing at LAX, so it's important to confirm your plans before you travel just in case temporary changes have been made to pick-up and drop-off areas, parking access and other transport methods.
You’ll find that LAX is located around 30 kilometres to the southwest of Downtown LA. There are several options for getting to and from the airport, suiting all budgets and all kinds of travel requirements.
The Fastest: The FlyAway bus service offers a quick and convenient service to and from each of the terminals at LAX, operating seven days a week. Currently two routes are on offer, LAX to Van Nuys (in the San Fernando Valley) and LAX to Union Station (in Downtown LA). Travellers catching the bus from LAX should head to the Lower/Arrivals Level in front of their terminal and look for the blue FLyAway signs. A one-way ticket currently costs USD$12.75 and can be purchased in advance online or using a contactless payment method on board.
The Cheapest: A regular Metro ticket is just USD$1.75 for travel in one direction and includes free transfers for two hours, making it the most affordable transport option. The C (Green) Line connects to LAX via Aviation/LAX Station and a complimentary Metro Connector shuttle bus is available to transport travellers from there to the terminals. If you're planning on catching the Metro or heading to the LAX City Bus Center for other public transport connections, make your way to the Lower/Arrivals Level in front of each terminal and wait by the pink LAX Shuttle signs.
Buses, taxis and car hire: In a city famous for its extensive freeway network, car hire is a popular option for travelling to and from LAX. Rental car offices are located away from the airline terminals and several rental car companies are authorised to pick up and drop off their customers at the airline terminals using courtesy shuttles. These companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty, and will meet you under the purple "Rental Car Shuttles" sign on the Lower/Arrivals Level islands outside baggage claim. Shuttle buses are frequent and free, making this an easy option if you’re keen to set out from LA by car. Talk to your Travel Expert about organising car hire for your trip or book it yourself online before you leave.
Local bus is another option. To get to the LAX City Bus Center, travellers should wait at the pink LAX Shuttle sign on the Lower/Arrivals Level in front of their arrival terminal and take the Lot South / LAX City Bus Center shuttle. Buses from here serve the Los Angeles area, but keep in mind they don't run between 2:00am and 4:00am. There are also plenty of independent bus companies that run between particular areas or attractions like Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Anaheim (for Disneyland) and Universal Studios.
If you want to get to your hotel as simply and directly as possible, taxis are available. There are currently three different taxi pick-up zones at LAX. The first is next to Terminal 1 at the LAX-it area, which is accessible from all terminals by a free shuttle service. Another at the Inside Parking Structure 3, servicing travellers arriving at the Tom Brady International Terminal or Terminal 3, and finally a third pick-up zone outside baggage claim at Terminal 7. Authorised taxi companies serving LAX include Bell Cab Company, Beverly Hills Cab Company, Independent Taxi and Yellow Cab. As rough guide, a trip to Downtown LA might cost you upwards of USD$65 while a taxi ride out to Anaheim for Disneyland will likely set you back over USD$100.
Uber and rideshare: From LAX, Uber and other rideshare services such as Lyft and Opoli are authorised to provide pick-up services at LAX. If you’re using one of these services, make your way to the LAX-it pick-up area near Terminal 1 either by walking from your terminal or on board the free LAX-it shuttle buses.
Chauffeur/Door-to-door transfers: Door-to-door shuttle companies also operate out of LAX, taking travellers from the airport to hotels around the Los Angeles and Southern California area. Ask your Travel Expert to help organise your airport transfers before you leave to enjoy a stress-free arrival into LAX!
Picking up passengers: Travellers can be picked up on the Arrivals Level, outside baggage claim on the outer curb. To reduce congestion in the Central Terminal Area, LAX offers the 24-hour LAX Cell Phone Waiting Lot, where motorists can wait for free for up to two hours, but vehicles must be attended at all times. You'll find the Cell Phone Waiting Lot on 96th St, east of Sepulveda Blvd.
LAX parking: There are a number of parking options for travellers planning on driving to LAX. Below is a guide to the most popular and practical options. It’s also worth mentioning that travellers can access significantly cheaper parking rates by booking in advance online.
Terminal – Located just a three to five-minute walk from the terminal, this parking option promises a combination of convenience and value. Terminal parking costs USD$9 for the first hour and is capped daily at USD$60.
Economy – Approximately 1.6km from the terminal but accessible via free shuttle bus, Economy parking is perfect for travellers needing a more long-term solution. Expect to pay USD$8 for the first hour and a maximum daily rate of USD$35.
Budget – A little further away (about 4km from the terminal) you’ll find LAX’s Budget parking option, with a free shuttle bus available. The airport’s most affordable parking costs just USD$5 an hour or a day rate of USD$20.
Premium – Just a two to three-minute walk from the terminal, Premium parking options are available for USD$11 an hour or USD$70 a day.
Valet – Looking for ultra-convenience? Leave the parking to someone else with LAX’s Valet parking option just one to two minutes from the terminal. Travellers can expect to pay a daily rate of USD$75 to use this service.
EV – Electric car charging stations are available within a number of LAX’s car parks and comes with a service fee of USD$2.
How do I transfer between terminals at LAX?
A frequent, free shuttle service is provided between the terminals at LAX and operates 24 hours a day. Shuttles are also available to and from Aviation/LAX Station for public transport connections.
Travellers are now also able to walk between terminals along an approximately 3.2km walkway from Terminal 1 to Terminal 8. Planning on stretching your legs? Double-check your boarding pass to make sure you have enough time up your sleeve!
