Los Angeles Airport (LAX)

There are a number of parking options available for travellers planning on navigating the famous LA traffic and driving to LAX. Some of the most popular options include Terminal (a combination of convenience and value), Economy (a little further away from the terminals but accessible by free shuttle bus) and Budget (the most affordable options – also accessible by free shuttle bus). It’s worth mentioning that travellers can generally access significantly cheaper parking rates by booking online in advance. Electric vehicle charging stations are also available within a number of Los Angeles Airport car parks and can be used for a small service fee.  

The FlyAway® bus service offers a quick and convenient service between each of the terminals at LAX and LA Union Station (as well as locations around the Van Nuys neighbourhood, operating seven days a week. Visit the LAX website for up-to-date information on bus timetables and fares.  

The LA Metro network is one of the most affordable transport options between Los Angeles Airport and Downtown LA. Visit the LA Metro website for up-to-date information on timetables and fares.  

Los Angeles Airport has a staggering nine passenger terminals, so it’s important to double-check your check-in and departure terminal before making your way to the airport. A free shuttle service provides regular transfers 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. Prefer to stretch your legs? It’s possible to walk between the terminals along an approximately 3.2km walkway but make sure you have enough time up your sleeve! 

Planning on embarking on the great American road trip once you touch down in California? Major car rental companies, including AVIS, Alamo, Thrifty and Hertz, can be found at Los Angeles Airport. Talk to your Travel Expert about organising car hire for your trip or book it yourself online before you leave. 

Travellers can be picked up on the outer curb outside of baggage claim on the Arrivals level of their terminal and dropped off on the upper-level Departures area. To reduce congestion, the airport offers the 24-hour LAX Cell Phone Waiting Lot, where drivers can wait for up to two hours for free. You'll find the Cell Phone Waiting Lot on 96th St, east of Sepulveda Blvd and vehicles must be attended at all times. 

If you want to get to your hotel as quickly and directly as possible, taxis are a great option. There are currently three different taxi pick-up zones at LAX. The first is next to Terminal 1 in 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 Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) and Terminal 3, and finally a third pick-up zone outside baggage claim at Terminal 7. Uber and other rideshare services like Lyft and Opoli are also authorised to provide pick-up services at Los Angeles Airport. 

As one of the world’s busiest airports, a large number of airlines fly into and out of Los Angeles. Major airlines servicing LAX include Air New Zealand, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, Qantas, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and more. 

As a general rule, you should aim to arrive at Los Angeles Airport two hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and at least three hours before international flights. This should give you plenty of time to complete check-in, drop your bags and pass through any necessary security screenings before your boarding time. Keep in mind that you may experience longer lines and delays during busy travel periods, so check with the airport, airline or your Travel Expert directly for more information on recommended arrival times. 

There are plenty of transport options available from Los Angeles Airport to Downtown LA, including the FlyAway® bus service, car rental, taxis and public transport options. 

Yes, there are a number of airport lounges at Los Angeles Airport, including the American Airlines Admirals Club Lounge, Delta One® Lounge and Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Lounge. Access to airport lounges may be possible depending on your ticket class, frequent flyer membership, credit card benefits or by purchasing a day pass. Check with the airline directly or talk to your Travel Expert for more information on how to access the airport lounges at Los Angeles Airport. 

If you’re looking for a quiet space to relax while you wait for your flight, check the opening times, facilities and whether you’re able to access any of the airline lounges at Los Angeles Airport. 

You may be able to earn loyalty points or rewards on eligible flights to or from Los Angeles booked with us. When booking online, you’ll see a place to add your loyalty program or frequent flyer membership details if this is available, or you can ask your Travel Expert for help when booking in-store. If the booking meets your program’s requirements, you’ll earn points! For more information, check with your specific loyalty program and see our Booking Terms and Conditions. 

Keen for even more travel perks? Subscribe to our email list for birthday surprises, competition entries, exclusive deals and VIP pre-sale access to the hottest holiday savings around. 

Check-in times and baggage rules for flights departing from Los Angeles Airport will vary depending on your ticket, so make sure you confirm with your airline in advance. Remember, it’s often possible to check in online or via your airline’s app, which can help save time at the airport. For more information or help finding your check-in times and baggage limits, talk to your Travel Expert.  

With nine terminals operational at Los Angeles Airport, it’s important to double-check your check-in and departure terminal before making your way to the airport. Need to transfer between them? A free shuttle service runs regularly between the terminals and operates 24 hours a day. Shuttles are also available to and from Aviation/LAX Station for public transport connections. Prefer to stretch your legs? It’s possible to walk between the terminals along an approximately 3.2km walkway but make sure you have enough time up your sleeve! 

Yes, some of the most popular parking options at LAX include Terminal (a combination of convenience and value), Economy (a little further away from the terminals but accessible by free shuttle bus) and Budget (the most affordable options – also accessible by free shuttle bus). Check with the airport directly for more information on booking airport parking and the current rates. 

Travelling with the little ones? You’ll find family bathrooms and baby changing facilities throughout the terminals at Los Angeles Airport, as well as a kids play area in the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT/Terminal B).  

Keen to do a little retail therapy at Los Angeles Airport? You’re in luck! There are plenty of stores available for you to browse before your flight, including well-known brands like MAC Cosmetics, the LEGO® store and Rip Curl, as well as duty-free shops and dining options. Check Los Angeles Airport’s terminal map or website for an up-to-date list of stores and their opening information. 

While last-minute sale fares to and from Los Angeles may become available, you’ll generally find it pays to plan ahead, especially if you're booking international flights. As a rough guide, we recommend booking domestic flights three to six months in advance and international flights six to nine months before you plan to fly. When it comes to balancing flexible travel dates with the biggest savings, this should give you the best of both worlds!