Los Angeles Airport (LAX) Flights & Flight Status

Although some airlines will have you check in at one terminal, you may need to travel to another for your flight; I've personally experienced this on Delta, when I've checked in at Terminal 3 but flew out of Terminal B. Give yourself plenty of time between check-in and getting to your gate.

Transportation

Los Angeles is a driving city, so many people either drive their own cars to LAX or rent cars upon arrival. But there are public transportation and taxi options, too.

Public transportation

Taxis and ridesharing

Rental cars

LAX FlyAway bus

One popular transportation option at LAX is the LAX FlyAway bus. This bus connects the airport with two stops: Van Nuys in the San Fernando Valley and Union Station in Downtown L.A. Many people use these stops as a sort of "park and ride," as parking is cheaper at the LAX FlyAway stops than it is at LAX itself.

Parking

Getting between terminals

Dining, shopping and lounges

LAX is a major international airport, which means there are plenty of dining and shopping options throughout its terminals. That said, in my opinion, it's not nearly as impressive as international airports in Asia and the Middle East.

Dining highlights include Native by Nyesha in Terminal 3 by L.A. Nyesha Arrington and Beecher’s Handmade Cheese in Terminal B (you won't regret a grilled cheese here).

The best shopping, including designer boutiques like Hermès and Gucci, can be found at Terminal B, where most of the international flights depart and arrive.

What to do on a layover

Nearby attractions

Nearby hotels

Alternative Airports

Ask any local and they'll almost always recommend flying out of an alternative airport instead of LAX, as it is extremely crowded. Fortunately, L.A. has numerous options, including John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County (south of LA), Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) in Burbank (north of central LA), Ontario International Airport (ONT) in San Bernardino County (east of LA), Long Beach Airport (LGB) in Long Beach (south of LA centre) and San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) in San Bernardino (further to the east, beyond ONT). Though these alternative airports might not have as much airlift as LAX (that is, they have far fewer flights), they provide a much more relaxed airport experience. I would frequently choose to fly out of Burbank with an extra layover rather than take a nonstop from LAX.