
LAX: What To Expect
LAX: What To Expect
Navigating LAX: The Survival Guide for First-Timers
LAX: What to expect. Los Angeles International Airport—also known as LAX—is one of the busiest, most iconic airports in the world! Millions of travelers land at LAX every year!
📍 Preparation
Traffic:
LAX is very unpredictable. If you’re driving, allow at least 2-3 hours of buffer time at anytime of the day, night or early morning.
Alternative to Driving:
- 🚕 Private Town Car And Sedan Service: Get dropped off and picked up directly in front of the Terminal.
- Baggage Claim: If you’re in Terminals 4–8, baggage claim is on the lower level. In the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), expect a longer walk.
- Customs (International Flights): Head to TBIT. Customs can take from 20 minutes to over an hour, depending on flight volume. Global Entry can speed things up.
🛄 Departing The Airport
Check Your Terminal
There’s 8 terminals at Los Angeles International Airport. Always check your boarding pass or airline’s website. Here’s a few of the airlines and terminal cheat sheet:
Terminal | Airlines |
---|---|
Terminal 1 | Southwest |
Terminal 2 | WestJet, Virgin Atlantic |
Terminal 3 | Delta, Aeromexico |
Terminal 4 | American Airlines |
Terminal 5 | JetBlue, Spirit, American |
Terminal 6 | Alaska, Air Canada, Hawaiian |
Terminal 7 | United Airlines |
Tom Bradley (TBIT) | International airlines (Singapore, Lufthansa, Emirates, etc.) |
✈️ Inside the Terminals:
- Security Waits: LAX suggest arriving 2-hours early for domestic departures, and 3-hours for international departures.
- Dining & Shops: There’s plenty of restaurants, sports bars and upscale stores. Other terminals have Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee, and grab-and-go spots.
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport (look for “_LAX Free WiFi”).
🚶♀️ The Journey Around LAX
From terminal 1 through terminal 7 are a great distance, so be sure where you need to be dropped off!
A Few Quick Tips
🧳 Suggestions from Locals & Frequent Flyers
✅ Download the LAX Official App – Real-time flight info, parking availability, and terminal maps.
✅ Book Parking in Advance – Use LAX Economy Parking or off-site garages with shuttle service.
✅ Bring a Reusable Water Bottle – LAX has hydration stations in every terminal.
✅ Use the Restrooms Outside Security – If the line’s long inside, you might find quicker options landside.
🚧 Construction Updates:
LAX is undergoing a $15 billion modernization project leading up to the 2028 Olympics. Big changes include:
- Automated People Mover (Opening soon) – An electric train connecting terminals, parking, Metro, and rental cars.
- New Terminal 9 & TBIT East – More gates and smoother international travel.
- Consolidated Rental Car Center (CONRAC) – No more scattered rental locations with endless shuttles.
👋 Now You Are Ready
With planning ahead and some local know-how, you can navigate it with confidence.
Pro Tip:
LAX: What To Expect
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