Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) — America’s West Coast Gateway
Los Angeles International Airport, universally known as LAX, is the primary airport serving Los Angeles and Southern California — one of the world’s top 10 busiest airports and the second busiest in the United States. Located in the Westchester neighborhood, just 18 miles southwest of Downtown LA at 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045, LAX handles over 88 million passengers annually connecting to 180+ destinations across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Latin America, and Oceania.
LAX operates through a U-shaped “horseshoe” layout of nine passenger terminals: Terminals 1 through 8 plus the iconic Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT / Terminal B). The airport is a major hub for United and Delta Air Lines, a focus city for American and Alaska Airlines, and hosts 70+ domestic and international carriers including Emirates, Qantas, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Korea Air. Its strategic West Coast location makes it the primary US Pacific gateway and one of the world’s most important long-haul aviation nodes.
LAX Airport Terminals — All 9 Terminals Guide
LAX’s nine terminals form a U-shaped horseshoe. Most terminals are connected by airside walkways inside security — particularly T4↔TBIT↔T5↔T6↔T7/8 and T2↔T3. Terminal 1 (Southwest) has no airside connection and requires the free A Shuttle. Always check your terminal from your boarding pass before arriving.
| Terminal | Primary Airlines | Type | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Southwest Airlines | Domestic | Newly renovated · Fast security · No airside connection to others · Closest to LAX-it zone |
| Terminal 2 | Aer Lingus, Virgin Atlantic, WestJet, Delta (select) | Both | International & domestic mix · Connected to T3 via Sky Way walkway |
| Terminal 3 | Delta Air Lines (primary) | Both | Recently renovated · Two-story Delta Sky Club · Outdoor Sky Deck · Connected to T2 + TBIT |
| Terminal B (TBIT) | 50+ international carriers (Emirates, Qantas, BA, Lufthansa, Singapore, JAL, ANA, Qatar) | International | Tom Bradley International Terminal · Best lounges, dining & shopping at LAX · Connected to T3 + T4 |
| Terminal 4 | American Airlines | Both | AA’s main LAX hub · Flagship Lounge + Admirals Club · Direct airside walkway to TBIT |
| Terminal 5 | JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, Hawaiian Airlines | Domestic | Budget & mid-range carriers · Connected to T4 and T6 |
| Terminal 6 | Alaska Airlines, Delta (some), Air Canada | Both | Alaska Lounge · Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge · Connected to T5 and T7/8 |
| Terminal 7 | United Airlines | Both | Main United hub · United Club + Polaris Lounge · Connected to T6 and T8 |
| Terminal 8 | United Airlines (short-haul) | Domestic | Extension of United’s T7 operations · Short-haul domestic flights |
🏛 Terminal B (TBIT) — International Centerpiece
The crown jewel of LAX — world-class architecture, spacious boarding gates, luxury shopping (Gucci, Hermès, Burberry), and the best dining at LAX. Houses the Star Alliance Lounge (rooftop terrace + fire pits), Oneworld lounge, SkyTeam lounge, Emirates lounge, Qantas First lounge, and Amex Centurion Lounge. All international arrivals clear CBP here.
🚉 Airside Connections (Inside Security)
🚌 LAX Shuttle Services (Free, 24/7)
Los Angeles Airport Arrivals & Departures — Complete Guide
⬆ LAX Departures
Upper Level at all terminals. Check-in, bag drop, then TSA security screening. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR available in all terminals.
⬇ LAX International Arrivals
All international flights arrive at Terminal B (TBIT) or select terminals (T2, T4, T6, T7). Must clear US CBP (Customs & Border Protection) before exiting.
📅 Domestic Arrivals
Lower Level of each terminal. Direct to baggage claim. No customs process. Ground transportation (LAX-it rideshare, hotel shuttles, rental cars, Metro G Shuttle) immediately accessible at Lower Level curbside.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| International Arrivals Terminal | Terminal B (TBIT) + select T2, T4, T6, T7 |
| Domestic Arrivals | Terminals 1–8 (lower/arrivals level) |
| Baggage Claim | Lower/Arrivals Level of each terminal |
| US Customs & Immigration (CBP) | Terminal B (TBIT) · Also T2, T4, T6, T7 for some airlines |
| Flight Status | flylax.com ↗ · Digital boards in all terminals · Airline apps |
| Arrival Time (Domestic) | 2 hours before departure |
| Arrival Time (International) | 3–4 hours before departure |
| Connecting Flights (Intl → Domestic) | Collect bags → Clear customs → Recheck → New security → Allow 2–3 hours |
What Airlines Fly Into LAX? — All 70+ Carriers by Terminal
LAX serves 70+ airlines across all three global alliances. US carriers operate from Terminals 1–8; all major international airlines use Terminal B (TBIT). LAX is a hub for United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, and a major focus city for American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Southwest.
🇺🇸 US Airlines at LAX
🌎 International Airlines (TBIT)
📈 Top Long-Haul Routes from LAX
| Alliance | Airlines at LAX | Primary Terminals |
|---|---|---|
| Star Alliance | United, Lufthansa, ANA, Air Canada, EVA Air, Singapore Airlines, Asiana, Copa | T7–8, T6, TBIT |
| SkyTeam | Delta, Air France, KLM, Korean Air, Aeroméxico, Saudia | T2–3, TBIT |
| Oneworld | American, British Airways, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Iberia, Finnair, Japan Airlines | T4–5, TBIT |
| Unaffiliated | Emirates, Etihad, Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit, Virgin Atlantic, Hawaiian | T1, T5, T2, TBIT |
Getting To & From Los Angeles Airport — Transport Guide 2026
LAX offers 24/7 transport options ranging from $1.75 Metro to $220 San Diego buses. All rideshare/taxi pickups are at LAX-it (near T1, free shuttle from all terminals). FlyAway Bus is the fastest non-stop option to Downtown LA. Metro is cheapest. Avoid driving during peak traffic hours (3–7 PM on weekdays).
🚉 Uber / Lyft / Taxi — LAX-it Zone
All Uber, Lyft, Opoli, and taxi pickups at LAX-it Zone near Terminal 1. Free green LAX-it shuttle from every terminal (every 4 min). Taxis start at $4.50 + $2.70/mile.
🚌 FlyAway Bus — Non-Stop Downtown
Non-stop dedicated airport bus. Fastest reliable option to Downtown LA without surge pricing. Routes: Union Station (Downtown), Van Nuys, Westwood/UCLA, Hollywood. Free Wi-Fi onboard. Board at Lower Level, green curb.
🚇 Metro Rail — Cheapest Option
Take free G Shuttle from any terminal to Aviation/LAX Metro Station. Board Metro C Line (Green) or K Line. To Downtown: C Line + transfer to A or E Line. Fare: $1.75 with TAP card. Best for budget travelers and event days (SoFi Stadium = K Line direct).
🏠 Hotel Shuttles — Free
Most airport hotels offer free 24/7 shuttles. Pick up from Lower/Arrivals Level — follow blue “Hotel Shuttles” signage. Hyatt Regency, Sheraton Gateway, Embassy Suites, Crowne Plaza, Hampton Inn all have free shuttles every 10–15 min.
🚈 Car Rental — ConRAC Facility
All rental companies at the Consolidated Rent-A-Car Facility (ConRAC) — free shuttle from Arrivals Level. Companies: Sixt, Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Fox, National, Thrifty. Book online in advance for best rates.
🚘 Long-Distance Buses
San Diego: Greyhound/FlixBus/Groome — $20–$45, 2.5–3.5h. Santa Barbara shuttle: $45–$70, ~2h. Las Vegas shuttle: $30–$70, 4–5.5h. Bus depot near Economy Lot C.
| Mode | Cost | Time | Pickup | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uber / Lyft | $20–$85 | 20–60 min | LAX-it Zone | Solo travelers, late-night arrivals |
| Taxi | $35–$75 | 20–60 min | LAX-it Zone | Heavy luggage, seniors, business |
| FlyAway Bus | $9.75–$10 | 30–60 min | Lower Level, Green Curb | Budget · Non-stop Downtown |
| Metro Rail | $1.75 | 45–90 min | G Shuttle → Aviation Station | Budget travelers, event days |
| Hotel Shuttles | Free | 5–10 min | Lower Level, Blue Signs | Hotel guests |
| Rental Cars | $25–$200/day | 10–15 min to ConRAC | ConRAC Shuttle from Arrivals | Tourists, families, road trips |
| Private Transfer | $60–$150 | 20–60 min | Pre-book + arrivals pickup | VIP, groups, business |
| Long-Distance Bus | $20–$70 | 2–5 hours | Economy Lot C bus depot | San Diego, Las Vegas, Santa Barbara |
Private Transfer from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles Airport Parking Guide — Fees, Lots & Tips 2026
LAX has on-site parking garages (P1–P7, across from each terminal), Economy Parking (best for multi-day trips), Valet, and multiple off-site lots. Book online to save 15–20% and guarantee your spot. For international flights, park at P3 or P4 (1–2 min walk to TBIT).
| Parking Option | Hourly | Daily Max | Weekly | Shuttle | Best Terminal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal Parking P1–P7 | $9/hr | $60/day | $420 | None needed | Each directly across from terminal |
| Economy Parking | $9/hr | $30/day | $210 | C Shuttle · Free | All terminals via shuttle |
| Valet | N/A | $75/day | $525 | None needed | Select terminals |
| WallyPark | $6–$10 | $20–$28 | $120–$160 | Yes | Budget · Sepulveda Blvd |
| The Parking Spot | N/A | $22–$35 | $140–$220 | Yes | Budget · Century & Sepulveda |
| Airport Center Parking | N/A | $18–$25 | $110–$150 | Yes | Affordable · Hollywood Park area |
| 405 Airport Parking | N/A | $16–$25 | $100–$140 | Yes | Cheapest uncovered option |
Hotels Near Los Angeles International Airport — Best Options 2026
All major hotels near LAX are on or near Century Boulevard, 0.2–2 miles from the terminals, with free 24/7 airport shuttles every 10–15 minutes. Prices peak during award season (spring), summer, and holidays. For international flights, Hyatt Regency or Sheraton Gateway (closest to TBIT) are the most convenient choices.
Los Angeles Airport Restaurants — Terminal-by-Terminal Food Guide
LAX offers one of the most diverse airport dining experiences in the US — from iconic LA taco spots to Wolfgang Puck cuisine and Petrossian caviar. Terminal B (TBIT) has the best overall dining. T4 features Wolfgang Puck’s flagship. Prices are above average — budget accordingly.
| Terminal | Standout Restaurants & Cafés | Cuisine Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| T1 (Southwest) | Urth Caffé · Trejo’s Tacos · Chick-fil-A · Pei Wei · California Pizza Kitchen | Mexican, Coffee, Asian, Fast Food | Quick meals before SW flights |
| T2 (International/Delta) | Shake Shack · Slapfish · SeaLegs Wine Bar · Cantina Laredo · Jersey Mike’s | Burgers, Seafood, Wine Bar, Mexican | Higher-quality casual dining |
| T3 (Delta) | La Familia · Lemonade · Santa Monica Brew Works | Healthy bowls, Mexican, Craft Beer | Fresh California-inspired plates |
| T4 (American) | The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck · Samson + Lion · Cantina L.A. · Peet’s Coffee | Premium American, Tex-Mex, Coffee | Best T4 sit-down dining |
| T5 (JetBlue/Spirit) | Loteria Grill · Farmer’s Market Café · L.A. Châtaigne Bakery · LAX Steakhouse Express | Mexican, Comfort, Artisan Pastries | Comfort food and fresh LA Mexican |
| T6 (Alaska/Air Canada) | The Habit Burger Grill · Earthbar · Peet’s Coffee · Market 8600 | Burgers, Healthy, Coffee | California-style healthy options |
| T7–8 (United) | B Grill by BOA Steakhouse · Wolfgang Puck Express · Starbucks · Carl’s Jr. | Steakhouse, Fast Food, Coffee | Premium burgers, quick bites |
| Terminal B (TBIT) | Petrossian Caviar & Champagne Bar · Umami Burger · ink.sack · Border Grill · Luckyfish Sushi · Vega Coffee | Luxury, Burgers, Sushi, Mexican, Coffee | Best overall LAX dining experience |
LAX Shopping & Duty-Free — All Terminals
Terminal B (TBIT) is the shopping highlight at LAX — Gucci, Hermès, Burberry, Coach, Michael Kors, Bvlgari, RIMOWA, Tumi, and the largest DFS duty-free zone. Other terminals offer essentials (Hudson, See’s Candies, MAC) and quick LA souvenirs.
👔 TBIT Luxury Shopping
Gucci · Hermès · Burberry · Coach · Michael Kors · Bvlgari · Salvatore Ferragamo · Pandora · Hugo Boss · DFS Duty-Free (largest zone) · Victoria’s Secret · MAC Cosmetics · RIMOWA · Tumi · Kate Spade · See’s Candies · I Love LA souvenirs.
🏭 Duty-Free (International Travelers)
DFS Group operates all duty-free at LAX. Largest zone at TBIT, limited at T2 and T3. Available only to international departures and some arrivals. Best buys: La Mer/Dior/Estée Lauder skincare, Chanel/Armani fragrances, single-malt whiskies, Godiva chocolates. Bundle discounts available on request.
📱 Other Terminal Shopping
LAX Airport Lounges — Complete Guide 2026
LAX has 20+ lounges across all terminals. Terminal B (TBIT) has the best lounge collection including the Star Alliance Lounge (outdoor rooftop terrace with fire pits and LA views), Qantas First Lounge (premier first class experience), and the Amex Centurion Lounge.
| Terminal | Lounge Name | Access | Signature Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| T2 | Delta Sky Club | Delta / SkyTeam members | Premium bar, Wi-Fi, business spaces |
| T3 | Delta Sky Club (New — 2-Story) | Delta / SkyTeam | Outdoor Sky Deck · Mixology bar · Showers · Best domestic lounge |
| T4 | Admirals Club | American Airlines / day pass ~$59 | Snacks, full bar, business center, showers |
| T4 | American Flagship Lounge | AA Business/First + long-haul | Expanded buffet · Champagne · Quiet rooms · Showers |
| T6 | Alaska Airlines Lounge | Alaska airlines / MVP members | Barista coffee · Local beer & wine · Cozy atmosphere |
| T6 | Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge | Air Canada Business / Star Alliance | Light meals, drinks, business seating |
| T7 | United Club | United / Star Alliance | Hot food, full bar, workstations |
| T7 | United Polaris Lounge | United Intl Business Class | A la carte dining · Showers · Quiet suites · Premium |
| TBIT | Star Alliance Lounge | Star Alliance / Priority Pass | ⭐ Outdoor terrace + fire pits + LA views · Best at LAX |
| TBIT | Oneworld Business Lounge | Qantas/BA/Cathay + Oneworld | Hot buffet, bar, showers, quiet rooms |
| TBIT | SkyTeam Lounge | SkyTeam members | Int’l buffet, wine bar, noodle bar, showers |
| TBIT | Emirates Lounge | Emirates Business/First | A la carte dining, champagne, private showers |
| TBIT | Qantas First Class Lounge | Qantas First Class | A la carte restaurant · Spa-like showers · Best first class |
| TBIT Connector | Amex Centurion Lounge | Amex Platinum / Centurion Card | Signature cocktails · Hot buffet · Spa services · Quiet areas |
LAX Airport Security, TSA PreCheck, CLEAR & International Customs
✅ TSA PreCheck at LAX
Available in all 9 terminals. Dedicated lane — keep shoes, belt, laptop, and light jacket on. Reduces wait to 5–15 min even during peak hours. Enrollment valid 5 years.
🔍 CLEAR Biometric Lanes
Available at Terminals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and Terminal B. Biometric (eyes/fingerprint) — skips ID check entirely. Best combined with TSA PreCheck for the fastest possible security experience.
🌎 Global Entry — International Arrivals
Best program for international arrivals. Skip immigration lines — automated kiosks at TBIT. Saves 20–60 minutes. Includes TSA PreCheck automatically. Enroll at cbp.gov ↗
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Domestic Security Wait (standard) | 15–45 minutes (varies by time and terminal) |
| International Terminal B Security | 40–75 minutes (longest at LAX) · Arrive 3–4 hrs early |
| TSA PreCheck | All 9 terminals · Typical wait 5–15 min |
| CLEAR | T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, Terminal B |
| Global Entry | Terminal B (TBIT) · Automated immigration kiosks |
| Customs (US CBP) | TBIT + T2, T4, T6, T7 depending on airline |
| Liquids Rule | Max 3.4 oz (100 ml) per container · 1 quart-sized bag |
| Electronics | Remove from bag (unless TSA PreCheck) |
| Currency Declaration | Declare cash >$10,000 · Food, alcohol, gifts as applicable |
Getting Around LAX — Inter-Terminal Connections & Transfer Times
Most terminals are connected by airside walkways inside security — no need to exit and re-clear TSA if your airline is within the connected corridor. The free A Shuttle handles landside connections. Minimum connection time at LAX: 2–3 hours for international connections; 1.5–2h with Global Entry.
| From | To | Best Method | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| T1 (Southwest) | Any other terminal | Free A Shuttle (landside) | 8–15 min |
| T2 | T3 | Airside walkway (Sky Way) | 4–7 min |
| T2 | TBIT | Walk T2→T3→TBIT (airside) | 12–18 min |
| T3 | TBIT | Airside connector bridge | 7–10 min |
| T4 | TBIT | Airside walkway (most important) | 5–8 min |
| T4 | T5 | Airside walkway | 3–5 min |
| T5 | T6 | Airside walkway | 5–7 min |
| T6 | T7/8 | Airside walkway | 5–8 min |
| T7/8 | TBIT | Free A Shuttle (landside) | 7–10 min |
| Any terminal | Any terminal | Free A Shuttle (landside) | 8–15 min total loop |
Expert Travel Tips for Los Angeles International Airport 2026
Arrive Early — Especially for International Flights
Domestic flights at LAX: arrive 2 hours before departure. International flights: 3–4 hours before departure. Security at Terminal B (TBIT) can take 40–75 minutes during morning and evening peak hours. Add 30–45 extra minutes on Fridays, summer weekends, and major LA events. Early mornings (5–8 AM) and evenings (6–10 PM) are the busiest security periods.
All Rideshares at LAX-it — Not at the Terminal
Uber, Lyft, Opoli, and taxis do NOT pick up at the terminals. All rideshare and taxi pickups are at the LAX-it Zone near Terminal 1. Take the free LAX-it Shuttle (green buses, every 4 minutes) from any terminal to LAX-it. Plan for 10–15 minutes total from baggage claim to your Lyft. LAX-it gets crowded 6–11 PM — consider FlyAway Bus or Metro during peak periods.
Use TBIT for the Best Airport Experience
If you have time before your international flight, Terminal B (TBIT) offers the best dining, shopping, and lounges at LAX. Petrossian caviar bar, Umami Burger, Luckyfish Sushi, the Star Alliance Lounge rooftop, and stores like Gucci, Hermès, and RIMOWA. T4 connects directly to TBIT via airside walkway in 5–8 minutes — AA passengers should explore TBIT before long-haul departures.
Best Transport by Destination
Downtown LA: FlyAway Bus ($9.75, non-stop, Union Station) or Metro G Shuttle → C/K Line ($1.75). Hollywood/Beverly Hills: Uber ($25–$45) or Metro with transfer. Santa Monica: Uber ($20–$35). Anaheim/Disneyland: Uber ($55–$85) or rental car. San Diego: Greyhound/FlixBus ($20–$45). Families of 4+: rental car is often cheaper than Uber for day trips.
Airside Connections Save Time
If connecting between flights, stay inside security using airside walkways: T4 ↔ TBIT (5–8 min), T3 ↔ TBIT (7–10 min), T2 ↔ T3 (4–7 min), T5 ↔ T6 (5–7 min), T6 ↔ T7 (5–8 min). Exiting security at LAX can add 30–60 minutes of re-screening. Terminal 1 (Southwest) is the only terminal with no airside connection — always use A Shuttle for any T1 connection.
Park Smart: P3/P4 for TBIT, Book Online
For international flights, park at P3 or P4 (1–2 min walk to Tom Bradley International Terminal). Book online at flylax.com to save 15–20% vs drive-up rates. For budget long-term stays (5+ days), Economy Parking ($30/day) with free C Shuttle is the best value. Off-site options like WallyPark ($20–$28/day) or Airport Center ($18–$25/day) with free shuttles are the cheapest overall.