LAX Airport: an Outline of One of the World’s Busiest Airports
Los Angeles Airport -officially named Los Angeles International Airport and most commonly known as LAX Airport or simply LAX after its IATA Code (please note that each letter of LAX is pronounced separately- is the main airport in Los Angeles and one of the most important aviation hubs globally. LAX is operated by LAWA (Los Angeles World Airport). It is located 18 miles/30km southwest of Los Angeles, near the Westchester and Playa del Rey communities. The airport is also close to the cities of Inglewood and El Segundo, while it lies within a close distance from the Pacific Ocean.
Los Angeles International Airport has 9 terminals and 4 runways. It is a highly modernized and passenger-friendly airfield that isn’t just listed among the 5 United States’ busiest aviation hubs but is also considered one of the 5 most occupied airports in the world. It serves more than 185 destinations, and although it is a transit airport as well, it is mainly described as a departure or destination airport (it potentially holds the first place in the world as an origin and destination airport). The busy LAX International Airport welcomed more than 66 million passengers in 2022. As a matter of fact, its passenger flow was 37% increased in comparison to the previous year. However, the airport hasn’t yet recovered to its pre-pandemic traffic levels.
Los Angeles Airport first opened its doors in 1928. Its first building is actually still in use. Nevertheless, its wide commercial use didn’t begin before 1946. For the time being, the airport is under a massive renovation related to the upcoming Olympic Games of 2028. Within this context, an automated people mover is expected to connect the terminals, a new car rental center will be added to the LAX facilities, and the Metro Rail will offer more connections from LAX to various parts of Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.
Interesting Facts:
- Apart from its passenger traffic, it ranks as one of the 5 busiest cargo airfields too.
- Los Angeles is open 24/7. Still, its checkpoints and security desks don’t operate around the clock.
- LAX is outfitted with TSA PreCheck lanes (and a TSA PreCheck enrollment center), Global Entry kiosks (but no enrollment center), and clear lanes. Moreover, Mobile Passport Control is also supported by Los Angeles Airport.
- Los Angeles is also served by other airports (Hollywood Burbank Airport, John Wayne Airport-Orange County, Long Beach Airport, Ontario International Airport, Palm Springs International Airport, and San Diego International Airport). Nevertheless, LAX Airport is the main airport in Los Angeles.
- Initially, Los Angeles Airport’s IATA Code consisted of two letters (LA). Later, the letter “X” was added -LAX-, yet it doesn’t stand for anything particular.
Airport Name: Los Angeles International Airport
IATA Code: LAX
ICAO: KLAX
Location: Westchester, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-8)
Airport Map: LAX Airport at Google Maps
Airlines Operating at LAX Airport
LAX Airport is perhaps the only airport in North America that can serve almost all aircraft types (even A380, Boeing 747, etc.). Expectedly, it hosts a wide variety of airlines, from domestic air carriers to international providers. As a matter of fact, it is one of the world’s major airline hub airports. Thus, it is a key airport for Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines, while Los Angeles is a focus city for JetBlue.
Los Angeles Airport’s Layout
LAX International Airport is a vast aviation hub consisting of 9 terminal buildings. LAX terminals form a ‘U’ shape. Hence, Los Angeles Airport resembles a giant horseshoe. The newest terminal -Tom Bradley International Terminal- is also known as Terminal B, while the other terminals are numbered from 1 to 8. Moreover, Los Angeles Airport has cargo terminals as well.
Parking Facilities
LAX Airport has all the necessary parking premises to meet its passengers’ needs. Verily, the airport offers more than 11000 parking spaces. Thus, eight parking lots form the Central Terminal Area Parking, ideal for short stays, whereas there is a long-term parking facility with an up-to-4000-spot capacity. Furthermore, premium and valet services are also available. Last but not least, Los Angeles Airport has designated parking areas for motorcycles as well as waiting zones (Cell-phone Waiting Lots).
Services and Amenities
Los Angeles International Airport is one of the busiest airfields in the world. As expected, its services and amenities are modern and efficient. In detail, you can check out the vast majority of the services that are provided by the passenger-friendly LAX Airport:
- Numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars
- Various retail stores, and Duty-free areas
- Baggage carts / Luggage wrapping
- Meet & Greet services
- First aid station
- ATMs / Currency exchange areas
- Children’s playgrounds / Nursery rooms
- Lost & Found offices
- Pet relief zones
- PUP (Pets Unstressing Program)
- Smoking areas
- Lounges / Spa facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Charging stations
- Information kiosks
- Art exhibitions and cultural events
- Special services and amenities for passengers with disabilities
Transit Options
LAX Airport isn’t as well connected to Los Angeles as someone would expect. Apart from the convenient taxis, the luxurious private airport transfers, and the handy car rentals, most of the public transit options aren’t direct. In any case, passengers can travel from LAX Airport to downtown via:
Contact Info
- Official Name: Los Angeles International Airport
- Address: 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045
- Phone Number: (855) 463-5252
The Glamorous LA
LA is undoubtedly the gem of the West Coast of the United States. The “city of opportunity” -as it is often called- is the heart of the country’s entertainment industry, constantly producing stars and being home to a vast majority of celebrities. From the glamor of Hollywood to the tempting beachfront neighborhoods, LA easily attracts art lovers as well, offering a wide variety of museums and art galleries, while its culinary scene is a reason itself for visiting the vibrant and multicultural city. All in all, Los Angeles is a must-visit destination all year long. The weather here is always good after all, no matter the time of the year!
FAQs
How many airports are in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is mainly served by five aviation hubs. Still, LAX Airport is the main and biggest airport in the area. Apart from LAX, Long Beach Airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport, John Wayne Airport, and Ontario International Airport also handle flights from and to Los Angeles.
Why is LA airport called LAX?
In the early start, Los Angeles Airport was named “LA” after the city’s initial letters. However, as the number of airports worldwide had been abruptly rising, a third letter (“X”) was added to its official name. Nevertheless, this letter doesn’t stand for anything.
Is LAX the biggest airport?
LAX is the biggest airport in the West Coast of the United States. However, it is the second largest airport in the country (following Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport) while it is listed among the 5 busiest aviation hubs in the world.
What area is LAX in?
LAX lies 18 miles/30km from downtown Los Angeles on its southwest side. It is actually located in the district of Westchester. From its south side, it is close to the city of El Segundo, while in the eastern part, it borders Inglewood. What’s more, Los Angeles is in close proximity to the Pacific Ocean.
Who owns Lax Airport?
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is the owner of Los Angeles International Airport and is responsible for its operation. LAWA is part of the city government and also operates Van Nuys Airport (VNY). LAX Airport houses its headquarters.
Which airline has a base at LAX?
Los Angeles International Airport is a base aviation hub for many airlines. Thus, it is a key hub for Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Polar Air Cargo, and United Airlines. Moreover, Los Angeles is a focus city for JetBlue, Air New Zealand, and Qantas.
How early to get to LAX for international flight?
Los Angeles International Airport is one of the biggest airports in the world. Thus, you should arrive at the airport on time to unhurriedly complete the check-in and security procedures. That being said, you should be at LAX Airport two hours before the scheduled departure time in case of a domestic flight and three hours before the time of departure if your flight is international.
How do I get from LAX Airport to the city?
LAX Airport is connected to downtown Los Angeles via various transit ways. To begin with, airport taxis and private airport transfers are the most convenient options to travel from LAX to Los Angeles, whereas airport car rentals guarantee utterly autonomous rides. On the other hand, the public transit modes from Los Angeles Airport aren’t usually direct. Still, passengers can get from Los Angeles Airport to the city center via subway, bus, or shuttle.