The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Guide

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) feels just as sprawling as the expansive metropolis of Los Angeles itself. As one of the busiest airports in the U.S., LAX has lots of everything: shopping options, restaurants, lounges and long lines.

Its horseshoe-shaped layout houses nine terminals. Some, like the Tom Bradley International Terminal, feature high-end boutiques and global cuisine. Others are more outdated, in dire need of some comfier seating and more natural light.

LAX is currently in the middle of a major $30 billion overhaul. For now, though, there are plenty of long walks through the terminals, a slow shuttle to the rideshare pick-up area and still no direct metro access between downtown Los Angeles and the airport. But all of that is supposed to improve, as much of the construction is happening in preparation for the 2028 Summer Olympics and other big events planned for the city, including NBA All-Star 2026 and the FIFA World Cup 26.

Already, LAX has made some high-end updates, including custom art installations, an outdoor Sky Deck at the Delta Sky Club and gourmet dining options like Petrossian Caviar.

LAX serves as a hub for major airlines such as American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. With nine terminals, LAX caters to more than 75 million passengers annually. Here’s what you need to know:

• Location: 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

• Website: www.flylax.com.

• Airlines: Serves domestic carriers including American, Delta, Southwest and United, as well as international airlines including Air France, Emirates and Lufthansa.

• Terminals: LAX features nine terminals arranged in a U-shape, including the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT).

Here’s a map of LAX:

As part of a construction project that concluded in 2023, all nine LAX terminals are connected post-security. That means you can enter security through one terminal and walk through them all, which is helpful for people with connecting flights to other airlines or who want to access shops, restaurants or lounges in other terminals.

The walk can be long though. Terminal B to Terminal 1, for example, is half a mile. And if you're going to a terminal on the other side of the horseshoe, it might actually be faster to exit the terminal, cut across the parking lots in the middle and go through security again, rather than going the long way post-security.

There are also courtesy shuttles that connect the terminals, which may be more ideal than dragging a suitcase on a long walk. But these shuttles are located outside of security, so budget time to clear security again if you go that route.

LAX is huge, spanning nine terminals. Here are the airlines that use each one.

LAX Terminal 1

Airlines that check in at Terminal 1 include:

• Allegiant Air.

• Breeze Airways.

• Cayman Airways.

• Frontier.

• Southwest (Domestic Flights).

• Southwest (Int'l Check-in).

• Sun Country.

• Viva Aerobus.

LAX Terminal 2

Airlines that check in at Terminal 2 include:

• Condor.

• Norse.

• Virgin Atlantic (Check-in at Terminal 2 - Arrivals at Terminal B).

• West Jet.

LAX Terminal 3

Airlines that check in at Terminal 3 include:

• Aeromexico.

• Delta.

Almost entirely dedicated to Delta, Terminal 3 is one of the more recently renovated LAX terminals. The terminal has a giant LAX Delta Sky Club, one of the largest in Delta’s portfolio at 30,000 square feet. The beautiful (but loud) outdoor space is dubbed the Sky Deck.

There's also a second Delta lounge called the Delta One Lounge at LAX. It's designed exclusively for people flying in Delta One, the airline’s premier first class cabin available on only a few long-haul international and domestic routes.

LAX Terminal 4

The only airline that checks in at Terminal 4 is American Airlines.

LAX Terminal 5

Airlines that check in at Terminal 5 include:

• American Airlines.

• JetBlue.

• Spirit.

LAX Terminal 6

Airlines that check in at Terminal 6 include:

• Advanced Air.

• Air Canada.

• Alaska Airlines (International passengers arrive at Terminal B).

• Horizon.

• Porter.

• Southern Air (Mokulele).

LAX Terminal 7 & 8

Terminals 7 and 8 in many ways feel like one, and both exclusively serve United Airlines and United Express, a regional branch of United Airlines.

The terminals have a new feel since a $546 million renovation project wrapped up in 2019 and brought about an expanded ticketing lobby, improved security screening checkpoints and new seating with more charging stations. The United Club is also in Terminal 7.

Tom Bradley International Terminal

Airlines that check in at Tom Bradley International Terminal include:

• Aer Lingus.

• Air China.

• Air France.

• Air New Zealand.

• Air Premia.

• Air Tahiti Nui.

• All Nippon Airways.

• Asiana Airlines.

• Austrian Airlines.

• Avianca.

• British Airways.

• Cathay Pacific Airways.

• China Airlines.

• China Eastern.

• China Southern.

• Copa.

• El Al Israel Airlines.

This is the terminal for international flights — and it’s a premier terminal at that. The center of the terminal is called the “Great Hall,” which houses restaurants such as California Pizza Kitchen and Chicken Guy. It also has many duty-free shops and stores from high-end, designer retailers.

It also has several lounges, including the LAX Air France lounge and LAX Centurion Lounge.

Perhaps one of the most irritating things about LAX: the public transportation connecting the airport to major tourist areas is limited. Many people end up getting around by car. Here’s what you need to know about getting to and from LAX.

Getting to and from LAX by car

Los Angeles is known for its traffic, so don’t forget it when you budget drive time to the airport

You can park at the terminals, but that kind of prime real estate commands a high fee. Expect to pay about $60 per 24-hour period to park here.

For cheaper parking, head to LAX Economy Parking ($35 per 24-hour period) or LAX Budget Parking ($20 per 24-hour period). The tradeoff? You'll have to take a shuttle to the terminals and the shuttles only leave every 20-25 minutes.

Other than that, numerous private parking lots near LAX often offer lower rates than on-site options, with shuttles to the terminals. Many provide extras like valet service, covered parking or car washes.

Some nearby hotels offer "park and fly" packages, which include parking for the duration of your trip and shuttle service to the airport.

If someone else is driving you, curbside drop-off is allowed at all terminals. But drivers can’t linger long. Instead, wait in the cell phone waiting lot, located at 96th Street and Vicksburg Avenue. Once your passenger calls, you can drive to the terminal curb. You can also park at the parking lots across from the terminals. The first 10 minutes are free, and the first hour is $9.

Getting to and from LAX by rideshare or taxi

Avoid the hefty parking fees by taking a taxi or rideshare service like Lyft or Uber. LAX uses a designated area for rideshare pickups called LAX-it. Though you can walk to LAX-it, it can be a hike for people coming from Terminals 4-8 or with large bags.

The LAX-it shuttle runs every 7-10 minutes. Board and ride it to the pickup area. Once there, open your rideshare app and request your ride from the LAX-it location. You won't be able to request it before you're physically in the pick-up area. LAX-it is organized into zones for Uber and Lyft with signage to help you locate your driver.

Getting to and from LAX by public transportation

Getting to and from LAX via public transit is affordable and eco-friendly, but it’s not easy (at least for now).

FlyAway Bus

If you’re heading to Van Nuys or Union Station (which connects you to other public transit like Amtrak, and is close to downtown), take the FlyAway Bus, which is a charter bus that runs non-stop service between those places and LAX. Prices are about $10 per person depending on the route and can be purchased online or on the bus.

Exact schedules vary, but they typically run every 30 minutes during busy times. Sometimes, it’s only once every couple hours during off times.

Metro

Metro fares are just $1.75 per ride, but riding it before or after a flight is not exactly efficient.

A couple train lines are near LAX, but not on LAX property. Catch the Metro C Line (Green Line) at Aviation/LAX Station, or the Metro K Line (Crenshaw Line) at Aviation/Century Station. But neither of these two are directly connected to LAX. Instead, you’ll have to take a free shuttle from the terminals to these stations.

That’ll change soon, though. The LAX/Metro Transit Center Station is set to open in early 2025, which will be part of the K line and will directly connect LAX to the Metro’s transit network — no shuttle needed.

There’s a lot to see and do at LAX. The massive airport has more than 100 restaurants, which range from national chains to local Los Angeles fare. There are also nearly 100 other retail outlets, including duty-free stores.

ATMs: There are about two dozen Bank of America ATMs located throughout the terminals.

Lost and found: LAX has a Lost and Found service, managed by the Airport Police. Contact LAX Lost and Found here.

Luggage carts: You can rent luggage carts, which are located at all terminals on upper and lower levels, for $8.

Pets: While rules for flying with pets vary by airline, pets are allowed inside LAX, with pet relief areas located inside and outside of terminals.

Showers: As far as showers, the only ones available in the airport are accessible via lounges (more on those later).

Wi-Fi: There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.

Los Angeles International Airport is home to many airport lounges, catering to both premium travelers and those willing to pay for access. There are not a lot of options on Priority Pass, though. We’ve broken out some of the best LAX lounges separately, but here’s a rundown of some of the major LAX airport lounges.

Airline lounges at LAX

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge

Location: Terminal 6

How to access the Maple Leaf Lounge at LAX: Ways to access Air Canada lounges include flying business class with Air Canada or Star Alliance partners, holding the United Club℠ Infinite Card or holding certain levels of elite status with Aeroplan or Star Alliance. You can also purchase a day pass. Prices vary depending on your ticket type, but run about $50 to $80.

Air France Lounge

Location: Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT)

How to access the Air France Lounge at LAX: Access is granted to travelers in the La Premiere cabin, or those in business class with certain fare types. You can also get in if you’re flying with Blue Elite Plus status in the Gold or Platinum tiers and are departing on an international flight operated by Air France, KLM or one of its SkyTeam partner airlines.

Alaska Lounge

Location: Terminal 6 on the mezzanine level, near Gate 64

How to access the Alaska Lounge at LAX: Ways to access this Alaska Airlines lounge include holding an Alaska lounge membership or flying on an Alaska Airlines first class ticket on a flight that’s at least 2,000 miles. They also sell day passes to travelers on an Alaska or Oneworld member airline flight.

American Airlines Admirals Club (multiple locations)

Location: Terminal 4 (across from gate 40), Terminal 5 (near Duty Free) and American Eagle Regional Terminal (across from gates 52)

How to access Admirals Club locations at LAX: There are multiple ways to access Admirals Clubs, including purchasing a day pass (about $80 per person), going all-in with an annual membership, flying on an American Airlines first or business class ticket or holding Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, which includes Admirals Club membership as a cardholder benefit.

American Airlines Flagship Lounge

Location: Terminal 4 (across from gate 40)

How to access Admirals Club locations at LAX: These lounges are even fancier than your standard Admirals Club. Again, day passes are available, but they’re even more expensive (about $150). Otherwise, access Flagship Lounges by flying in business or first class on qualifying American Airlines or Oneworld airlines, or by holding certain levels of elite status with American AAdvantage or Alaska Mileage Plan.

Delta Sky Club

Location: Terminal 3 Sky Way

Standout features: At roughly 30,000 square feet including an outdoor space dubbed the Sky Deck, this is one of the best lounges in the world. In addition to showers and phone booths, there are multiple buffet areas with salads, sandwiches and hot entrees like chicken and pasta. Don’t miss the taco bar.

How to access Delta Sky Club at LAX: You must have a Delta Sky Club membership, a Delta One ticket or a premium cabin ticket on a partner airline, elite status or a certain credit card to be able to enter the Delta Sky Club. You can’t just purchase a day pass. Cards that get access include The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.

Read our full Delta Sky Club LAX review.

Delta One Lounge

Location: Terminal 3

Standout features: If you thought the Delta Sky Club was fancy, the Delta One Lounge is even fancier. Like the Sky Club, it has a private Sky Deck. But this one turns up the offerings with a sushi bar, zero-gravity chairs and massage chairs.

How to access Delta Sky Club at LAX: This lounge is even more exclusive than the Delta Sky Club. No credit cards will get you in, but rather it’s only open for passengers flying Delta One or a premier cabin on one of Delta’s partners.

Read our full Delta One Lounge LAX review.

Emirates Lounge

Location: Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT)

How to access the Emirates Lounge at LAX: Among the ways to access this lounge are through holding Emirates Skywards Gold or Platinum elite status, flying in Emirates business or first class, holding the Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard® or purchasing a day pass, which costs about $155.

Star Alliance Lounge

Location: Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), 6th floor (accessible via elevator at the clock tower in the main atrium)

How to access the Star Alliance Lounge at LAX: Passengers traveling in premium cabins, as well as Star Alliance Gold members traveling on a Star Alliance flight in any cabin, can access the Star Alliance Lounge. Otherwise, day passes are available for $75.

United Club

Location: Terminal 7, next to Gate 71A

How to access the United Club at LAX: You can access the United Club by flying United Polaris or business class on international flights, United business class on transcontinental flights, or business class on a Star Alliance airline. You’re also in if you hold United Premier Gold elite status (or higher) and are flying internationally on United or a Star Alliance airline. You can purchase a United Club day pass or an annual United Club membership, which costs $650. Or, consider applying for the United Club℠ Infinite Card, which comes with United Club membership as a benefit for holding the card.

United Polaris Lounge

Location: Terminal 7, between Gates 73 and 75A

How to access the United Polaris Lounge at LAX: The only way to get into the United Polaris lounge is by flying as a business class customer on specific long-haul international flights.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse (opening 2025)

Location: Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT)

Standout features: Virgin Atlantic will open a version of its iconic Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Los Angeles International Airport sometime in the first quarter of 2025. It’s set to feature a bar, table service dining options, showers and a VIP Booth dubbed ‘The Royal Box.’

How to access the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at LAX: When it opens, it’ll be accessible to customers flying in Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold Card members, Delta One customers on a Delta Air Lines international flight , SkyTeam Elite Plus members traveling on Virgin Atlantic or Delta and — in some situations — their guests.

Credit card-affiliated lounges at LAX

Centurion Lounge

Location: Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT)

Standout features: The buffet is pretty good, but that’s about it. While NerdWallet generally recommends Centurion Lounges, this one is just not up to par. The layout of the Centurion Lounge at LAX entails a complicated maze, and there seems to be insufficient staff relative to the crowds, often leading to dirty tables.

How to access the Centurion Lounge at LAX: To get into an AmEx Centurion Lounge, you must hold an eligible American Express card, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Read our full LAX Centurion Lounge review.

Priority Pass lounges at LAX

Priority Pass, which is a membership-based network of more than 1,700 airport lounges and experiences, does not have any actual lounges in its network at LAX. But for Priority Pass members — many of whom gain membership for free by holding certain travel credit cards — there are two types of experiences (both of which have multiple locations) where you can flex your membership. One is a spa, and the other is a video game experience.

Learn more in our guide to LAX Priority Pass lounges.

Be Relax Spa (multiple locations)

Location: Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) and Terminal 1

Standout features: With Priority Pass, members can select from one of a few spa treatments, such as 30 minutes in a massage chair or a nail polish change plus hand massage.

How to access the Be Relax Spa at LAX: Though anyone can pay for spa services, flash your Priority Pass card at check-in.

Gameway (multiple locations)

Location: Terminal 3 and Terminal 6

Standout features: Priority Pass members can access one hour of gameplay at one of the lounge’s game consoles, which are pre-loaded with games and also entail a leather chair, 43" 4K television, noise cancelling headphones, charging ports and space to store luggage. You also get to select one free snack (which is mostly candy bars or bags of chips) and one drink (typically a bottled soda or water).

How to access Gameway at LAX: Though anyone can pay to play, flash your Priority Pass card at check-in. Just note that if you hold Priority Pass through a credit card, confirm the availability of access with your bank (card issuer) before visiting. Access by some American Express and Capital One cards may not be available at this Gameway location.

LAX isn’t the only airport serving the Los Angeles area. If you can be flexible, consider other airports in or nearby.

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR): This small airport is close to many of LA’s film studios, Griffith Park and many downtown attractions. Parking is steps from the terminal, and the airport has its own train station with Amtrak and Metrolink services.

John Wayne Airport (SNA): SNA is perfect for travelers who are visiting Orange County, which is famous for attractions including Disneyland, Huntington Beach and Newport Beach. Smaller crowds and a streamlined layout make for a calmer travel experience relative to LAX.

Long Beach Airport (LGB): LGB’s open-air concourse and retro-modern design provide a relaxed, boutique airport experience. If you're headed to Long Beach, Orange County, or even southern cities in Los Angeles, LGB is an excellent choice.

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA): With a relaxed vibe, Spanish-style architecture and coastline views SBA offers one of the most picturesque airport experiences not just in the region, but in the entire country. Consider this tiny airport if your trip involves exploring Santa Barbara or the wine country region just north of Los Angeles.