Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Overview

One of the busiest airports in the US and the world, Los Angeles International Airport (locally referred to by its call letters, LAX) is a mammoth facility that processes 60 million passengers each year on 600,000 flights.

Located 16 miles (26km) southwest of downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles International Airport has nine terminal buildings. The sheer size and capacity of the facility makes it a bit confusing, and long queues are a common occurrence in peak times. Passengers should allow plenty of time when making connections or clearing customs, and extra time can easily be whiled away with a meal at California Pizza Kitchen, or browsing the dozens of shops selling Hollywood souvenirs and other products.

Flights to Los Angeles International Airport come from all over the world, including major destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.

Location

The airport is situated 15 miles (24km) southwest of Los Angeles.

Getting to the city

A free shuttle bus service runs to the Metro Rail Green Line Aviation Station from the lower level of each terminal. Another shuttle connects to the Bus Center, from where city buses serve the Los Angeles area. Prime Time Shuttle and Super Shuttle are both shared-ride van services; reservations are recommended. Some hotels also offer transport. There are taxis available outside the lower level of the airport and it costs about US$30 to the city centre, about 15miles (24km) away. Car rental is available and there is a free shuttle pick-up to reach the rental car sites.

Time

GMT -6 (GMT -5 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts

Tel: +1 310 646 5252.

Car rental

Car rental companies include Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty. Vehicle rental sites are located off the airport property, therefore many of these rental car companies provide phone links inside or near the baggage claim areas on the Lower/Arrival Level of the terminals; travellers can request a free shuttle pick-up to reach the rental car sites.

Airport Taxis

There are taxis available outside the lower level of the airport. Passengers receive a ticket stating the typical fare to major destinations, it costs about US$30 to the city centre which is about 15miles (24km) away. Airport authorized taxis display an official seal and passengers who use an unauthorized taxi service do so at their own risk.

Transfer between terminals

A free shuttle bus takes passengers between the International and seven other terminals.

Facilities

Passenger services at the airport include ATMs and currency exchange, a business centre, baggage storage, shops, restaurants and bars. Internet kiosks are located throughout the airport as well as wireless Internet and the Travel Right Cafe in Terminal 4 has laptop connections. Cell phones can be rented in Arrivals. Facilities for the disabled are excellent.

Parking

There are eight central car parks offering long and short-term parking that are connected to the terminals by the LAX shuttle bus. There is also a Cell Phone Waiting Lot. Parking is charged at $3 for the first hour and $2 per half hour thereafter up to $30 per day. The Economy Lot is $4 for the first hour and $4 per half hour after that up to $12 per day.

Departure Tax

There is a passenger facility charge of $4.50.

Website

www.lawa.org

Airlines

Flights to Los Angeles International Airport are available via Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air Berlin, Air Canada, Air France, Air New Zealand, Alaska Airways, AirTran, Alitalia, All Nippon, American Airlines, American Eagle, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, China Easter, Delta, Copa, El Al, Emirates, Frontier, Iberia, Japan Airlines, KLM, Korean Air, LAN, Lufthansa, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country, Swiss International, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, United, Virgin America, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia and WetJet.

Internet

Wifi is available through T-Mobile, and is charged at $6 for the first hour and $0.10 per minute thereafter. Daily access can be purchased for $9.99.

Business Lounges

Airport lounges in each terminal provide basic conference and business facilities.

Los Angeles International Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.