When planning your trip to Los Angeles, choosing the right airport can make all the difference in your travel experience. Here’s everything you need to know:
Best Airport to Fly Into:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary airport serving the Los Angeles area and is often the best choice for travelers visiting the city. With its extensive network of domestic and international flights, LAX offers convenient access to downtown LA and surrounding areas.
Most Popular Airlines:
For international travel, airlines like Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and international carriers such as British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, and Air Canada are among the most popular choices flying into LAX. For domestic flights, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and JetBlue Airways are popular options.
The best time to fly into LAX is typically during off-peak hours, which are early mornings or late evenings. These times often have fewer crowds and less traffic both at the airport and on the roads, making for a smoother and more efficient travel experience.
Conversely, the worst time to fly into LAX is during peak hours, which are usually during weekday mornings and evenings, as well as on weekends. These times tend to be the busiest, with long lines at security checkpoints, crowded terminals, and heavy traffic on the roads leading to and from the airport.
Overall, aiming for flights during off-peak hours can help mitigate some of the challenges associated with flying into LAX, while maximizing convenience and minimizing stress.
Airport Size and Terminals:
LAX is one of the busiest airports in the world and consists of nine terminals (Terminals 1 to 8 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal). The Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) handles the majority of international flights, while domestic flights are spread across the other terminals.
Transport Links to Downtown LA:
Several transportation options are available from LAX to downtown LA, including:
– Shuttle vans and buses: These shared-ride services provide affordable transportation to various locations in downtown LA, with approximate travel times ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
– Taxi and rideshare services: Taxis and companies like Uber and Lyft offer convenient door-to-door service, with travel times averaging around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
– Rental cars: Car rental companies are available at LAX, allowing travelers to explore the city at their own pace.
Other Nearby Airports:
In addition to LAX, travelers may also consider flying into other nearby airports, such as:
– Bob Hope Airport (Burbank): Located approximately 20 miles north of downtown LA, Bob Hope Airport primarily serves domestic flights and is a convenient option for travelers visiting the northern and central parts of the city.
– Long Beach Airport: Situated about 25 miles south of downtown LA, Long Beach Airport offers domestic flights and is a popular choice for travelers heading to the southern part of the city or nearby coastal communities.
Transport Links from Nearby Airports:
Transportation options from Bob Hope Airport and Long Beach Airport to downtown LA include shuttle vans, taxis, rideshare services, and rental cars. Travel times vary depending on traffic conditions but typically range from 30 to 60 minutes.
Cost Considerations:
Transportation costs from LAX to downtown LA vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. Shuttle vans and buses generally offer the most economical option, while taxi and rideshare services may be more expensive but provide added convenience and flexibility. Rental car costs vary depending on factors such as vehicle type and rental duration. It’s advisable to research and compare transportation options to find the best balance of cost, convenience, and travel time for your trip to LA.
| Airline | Flight Code | Terminal | Local Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aeroflot | SU | TBIT | (888) 340-6400 |
| Air Berlin | AB | TBIT | (866) 266-5588 |
| Air Pacific | FJ | TBIT | (800) 227-4446 |
| Air Tahiti Nui | TN | TBIT | (877) 824-4846 |
| Alaska Airlines | AS | TBIT | (800) 426-0333 |
| All Nippon Airways (ANA) | NH | TBIT | (800) 235-9262 |
| Asiana Airlines | OZ | TBIT | (800) 227-4262 |
| British Airways | BA | TBIT | (800) 247-9297 |
| Cathay Pacific Airways | CX | TBIT | (800) 233-2742 |
| China Airlines | CI | TBIT | (800) 227-5118 |
| China Eastern | MU | TBIT | (626) 583-1500 |
| China Southern | CZ | TBIT | (888) 338-8988 |
| Copa Airlines (Panama) | CM | TBIT | (800) 359-2672 |
| El Al Israel Airlines | LY | TBIT | (800) 223-6700 |
| Emirates | EK | TBIT | (800) 777-3999 |
| EVA Air | BR | TBIT | (800) 695-1188 |
| Iberia Airlines | IB | TBIT | (800) 772-4642 |
| Japan Airlines | JL | TBIT | (800) 525-3663 |
| Korean Airlines | KE | TBIT | (800) 438-5000 |
| LAN (Chile) | LA | TBIT | (866) 435-9526 |
| LAN (Peru) | LP | TBIT | (866) 435-9526 |
| Lufthansa | LH | TBIT | (800) 645-3880 |
| Malaysia Airline | MH | TBIT | (800) 552-9264 |
| Mexicana Airlines | MX | TBIT | (888) 882-9994 |
| Philippine Airlines | PR | TBIT | (800) 435-9725 |
| Qantas-Flights 93,94,107,108 | QF | TBIT | (800) 227-4500 |
| Singapore Airlines | SQ | TBIT | (800) 742-3333 |
| Swiss International Air Lines Ltd. | LX | TBIT | (877) 359-7947 |
| Thai Airways | TG | TBIT | (800) 426-5204 |
| Turkish Airlines | TK | TBIT | (800) 874-8875 |
| AirTran Airways | FL | Terminal 1 | (800) 247-8726 |
| Southwest Airlines | WN | Terminal 1 | (800) 435-9792 |
| US Airways | US | Terminal 1 | (800) 428-4322 |
| Aeromexico | AM | Terminal 2 | (800) 237-6639 |
| Air Canada | AC | Terminal 2 | (888) 247-2262 |
| Air China | CA | Terminal 2 | (800) 882-8122 |
| Air France | AF | Terminal 2 | (800) 237-2747 |
| Air New Zealand | NZ | Terminal 2 | (800) 262-1234 |
| Alitalia | AZ | Terminal 2 | (800) 223-5730 |
| Avianca Airlines | AV | Terminal 2 | (800) 284-2622 |
| Hawaiian Airlines | HA | Terminal 2 | (800) 367-5320 |
| KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | KL | Terminal 2 | (800) 225-2525 |
| LACSA Airlines | LR | Terminal 2 | (800) 400-8222 |
| Sun Country | SY | Terminal 2 | (800) 359-6786 |
| TACA International Airlines | TA | Terminal 2 | (800) 400-8222 |
| Virgin Atlantic | VS | Terminal 2 | (800) 862-8621 |
| Volaris | Y4 | Terminal 2 | (866) 988-3527 |
| West Jet | WS | Terminal 2 | (888) 937-8538 |
| Jet Blue | B6 | Terminal 3 | (800) 538-2583 |
| Spirit Airlines | NK | Terminal 3 | (800) 772-7117 |
| Virgin America | VX | Terminal 3 | (877) 359-8474 |
| Virgin Australia | VA | Terminal 3 | (800) 444-0260 |
| American Airlines | AA | Terminal 4 | (800) 433-7300 |
| American Eagle | AA | Terminal 4 | (800) 433-7300 |
| Qantas-Flights 15,16,25,26,175,176 | QF | Terminal 4 | (800) 227-4500 |
| Aerolitoral | AM | Terminal 5 | (800) 237-6639 |
| Delta Air Lines | DL | Terminal 5 | (800) 221-1212 |
| Northwest Airlines | NW | Terminal 5 | (800) 225-2525 |
| Alaska Airlines | AS | Terminal 6 | (800) 426-0333 |
| Allegiant Air | G4 | Terminal 6 | (702) 505-8888 |
| Continental Airlines | CO | Terminal 6 | (800) 525-0280 |
| Copa Airlines (Panama) | CM | Terminal 6 | (800) 359-2672 |
| Frontier Airlines | F9 | Terminal 6 | (800) 432-1359 |
| Horizon Air | QX | Terminal 6 | (800) 547-9308 |
| United Airlines (Premier, First Class, Business Class Only) | UA | Terminal 6 | (800) 241-6522 |
| United Airlines (E-Ticket Passengers) | UA | Terminal 7 | (800) 241-6522 |
| United Express (E-Ticket Passengers) | UA | Terminal 7 | (800) 241-6522 |
| Great Lakes Airlines | ZK | Terminal 7/8 | (800) 554-5111 |
| United Airlines (Paper Tickets and Non Ticketed) | UA | Terminal 8 | (800)241-6522 |
| United Express Airlines (Paper Tickets and Non Ticketed) | UA | Terminal 8 | (800) 241-6522 |
